Maker’s Mark has launched the 2026 edition of its Cellar Aged bourbon in the UK, marking the fourth year of the annual release. The cask-strength whisky blends 11, 12 and 14-year-old bourbons and goes on sale through select luxury retailers from October 1, 2026.
The recipe brings together 49% 11-year-old, 33% 12-year-old, and 18% 14-year-old bourbons. The distillery bottled the whisky at 112.1 proof (56.05% ABV).
Rob Samuels, Maker’s Mark managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker, said: “The limestone shelf that surrounds Star Hill Farm has shaped our bourbon from the very beginning, thanks to the innovative spirit of my grandparents, Margie and Bill Samuels Sr., who chose this land in 1953 for its exceptional water source and natural watershed.”
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READ THE STORY“Decades later, we made what some considered an unreasonable decision to build a LEED-certified cellar into that same limestone shelf, allowing us to extend maturation while preserving the balance that defines Maker’s Mark,” he added. “This year’s Cellar Aged release is a testament to how our environment continues to shape the whisky’s final profile.”
The whisky ages for about seven years in traditional warehouses and then spends a further four to six years in the limestone cellar.
Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller for Maker’s Mark, said: “Cellar Aged represents our pursuit of flavor through patience, precision and a deep understanding of how bourbon evolves over time. After aging in our traditional warehouses, the bourbon spends additional time in our limestone cellar, where cooler maturation allows the fruit to shine while keeping the oak in balance.”
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The official notes from the brand describe aromas of dark cherry, clove, vanilla bean and soft orchard fruit. On the palate, honey, brown sugar and ripe plum lead into a finish with almond, nutmeg and crisp green apple.
Maker’s Mark launched Cellar Aged in 2023. The first release blended 12-year-old and 11-year-old whisky (87% and 13%, respectively) at cask strength (115.7 proof).
In the US, the 2026 edition went on sale on September 1 at select retailers for a suggested retail price of $175.
