Maker's Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon 2024 Release Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Maker's Mark Distillery
• MASH BILL: 70% Corn | 16% Wheat | 14% Malted Barley
• AGE: 12 years (15% 12 year old, 85% 13-year-old)
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 119.3
• MSRP: $179.99
• BUY ONLINE: See purchase options in Brand Notes.

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Maker's fans who like higher proof and aged iterations, plus any bourbon fan.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes. It's the best Maker's I've ever had.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle, but don't pass it up at a bar if the price is right.

OVERALL: This is the second release of Cellar Aged, Maker's Mark's ongoing experiment to go boldly into those deep, dark flavors created only through long and careful aging. After six years, each barrel set aside for this release goes into Maker's limestone aging cave to reduce the effects of evaporation and control negative effects of over-extraction.

At 12-years-old, this is Maker's oldest-ever release and its highest proof offering at 119.3. According to innovation manager, Beth Buckner, barrels still aging flavorfully for future Cellar Age releases signal no end to this push-the-boundaries program.

On to the bourbon: The nose delivers surprises such as macadamia nut and pastry cream before moving predictably to campfire, citrus and cocoa nibs. During a press conference, Buckner pointed to a pronounced coconut aroma that I didn't pick up, but others in the group did. Add that to the surprise list if you get it!

On the palate it's all the chocolate and booze-soaked cherry goodness of Black Forest cake. It's also weighty, mouth-coating and old oak forward. Imagine Mexican hot chocolate stirred with a cinnamon stick, then chilled, and you're on the right track. The finish begins deep, dark and bourbon-medicinal, ending with dark toffee and espresso. It simmers with a little heat, but not its stated 119.3 hot; just a distant, warm hum. This bourbon just never runs out of gas. Every sip is a revelation, a new view into a complex whiskey providing countless vistas.

BRAND NOTES

Meticulously crafted, Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2024 blends 15% Maker's Mark 12-year-old and 85% Maker's Mark 13-year-old, at 59.7% ABV or 119.3 proof. The aroma is captivating, with notes of caramelized sugar, zesty citrus and toasted almond. The palate unveils a delicate interplay of buttery shortbread, rich coconut and bright spices. A lingering, mouth-coating finish showcases dried dark fruit and subtle oak undertones.

Purchasing instructions: This year's release will be available for sale at the upcoming Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept. 13-15). A limited number will be available each day of the festival, sold on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one per person, and a ticket is required to access the Maker’s Mark booth. 

Also during the Bourbon Festival, a limited number of Cellar Aged 2024 will be made available for purchase at the Maker’s Mark Distillery. Distillery gates will open promptly at 5 a.m. each morning of the release event. Guests 21 or older may show an ID to receive a ticket that will hold their place in line. At 9 a.m., ticketed guests will then proceed to the Visitor Center to begin the purchase process. Limit one ticket/bottle per person for the duration of the release event.

Please note that overnight parking, camping or loitering outside the distillery entrance prior to gates opening is not permitted, nor is the public consumption of alcohol. Distillery facilities, including restrooms, will not be available until 9 a.m.

On Sept. 16, Cellar Aged will be released nationwide in the U.S. On that same day, Cellar Aged 2024 will be available at the Maker’s Mark by booking the Cellar Aged Experience at https://www.makersmark.com//distillery/visit-us as available.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.