In the rolling hills of Loretto, Kentucky, Maker’s Mark has built a reputation for crafting bourbon that’s as approachable as it is flavorful. For decades, the distillery has stayed true to its roots, producing a whiskey known for its smooth, sweet profile, thanks to a mash bill heavy on soft red winter wheat. But in recent years, Maker’s Mark has been shaking things up, and their latest release, the Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025, is proof they’re not afraid to push boundaries while staying true to their heritage.
This third annual release in the Cellar Aged series is the distillery’s most mature whiskey blend to date, combining bourbons aged 11, 13, and 14 years. It’s a whiskey that delivers depth and complexity without losing the signature Maker’s Mark character that fans have come to love. For those who appreciate a well-crafted bourbon with a story to tell, this limited-edition release is one to seek out.
A New Chapter in Bourbon Aging
Maker’s Mark has always done things differently. While many distilleries focus on aging their whiskey for a set number of years, Maker’s Mark has a philosophy of aging to taste, not time. This approach ensures that every bottle meets the distillery’s high standards for flavor, regardless of how long it’s been in the barrel. The Cellar Aged 2025 is the perfect example of this mindset, blending older bourbons to create something that’s both bold and balanced.
The journey to this release began three years ago when Maker’s Mark introduced its first Cellar Aged expression in 2023. Fans had been asking for a higher age statement bourbon for years, and the distillery delivered in a big way. The response was overwhelming, with whiskey enthusiasts praising the rich, nuanced flavors that came from aging in a unique environment. The success of that first release turned Cellar Aged into an annual tradition, and the 2025 edition raises the bar even higher.
Rob Samuels, the eighth-generation whiskey maker and managing director at Maker’s Mark, sums it up best: “From the beginning, Maker’s Mark has gone to extraordinary lengths to craft an uncompromisingly delicious bourbon, and Cellar Aged 2025 is a continuation of that pursuit.” This release isn’t just about older whiskey—it’s about taking the distillery’s classic profile and elevating it to new heights.
The Magic of the Limestone Cellar
What sets the Cellar Aged series apart is where and how the whiskey matures. Unlike traditional bourbon aging, which happens in rickhouses exposed to Kentucky’s fluctuating seasons, Maker’s Mark finishes its Cellar Aged bourbons in a LEED-certified limestone cellar built into the natural shelf at their Star Hill Farm distillery. This cellar, opened in 2016, is a game-changer for bourbon aging.
The cellar’s consistently cool temperature—around 50 degrees Fahrenheit—creates a unique environment for maturation. In traditional rickhouses, the heat and humidity of Kentucky summers can accelerate the extraction of tannins from the oak barrels, sometimes leading to a bitter, overly woody flavor in older bourbons. But in the limestone cellar, the cooler conditions slow this process, allowing the whiskey to age longer without picking up those harsh, tannic notes.
Dr. Blake Layfield, Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark, explains the impact: “Aging at consistently cool temperatures slows the extraction of wood tannins, allowing oxidation to do its work and developing a bourbon that’s more complex, yet remarkably approachable.” The result is a whiskey that challenges preconceived notions about aged bourbon, delivering depth and richness without the bite.
The Cellar Aged 2025 blend starts its life in traditional rickhouses, where barrels spend six to eight years soaking up the influence of Kentucky’s climate. Then, they’re moved to the limestone cellar for the remainder of their maturation, where the cool, stable environment works its magic. This combination of traditional and cellar aging is what gives the whiskey its distinctive character.
The Blend: A Symphony of Flavors
The Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025 is a carefully crafted blend of 74% 11-year-old bourbon, 10% 13-year-old bourbon, and 16% 14-year-old bourbon. Bottled at a robust 112.9 proof (56.45% ABV), this whiskey packs a punch but drinks surprisingly smooth, making it approachable even for those who typically shy away from higher-proof spirits.
On the nose, the whiskey greets you with inviting aromas of dark brown sugar, caramelized oak, and baked apple. These rich, warm notes set the stage for a palate that’s equally complex. Sip it, and you’ll taste creamy fudge, toasted almond, and ripe dark cherry, with subtle hints of butterscotch, orange zest, and soft baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long and smooth, with pleasant leather and oak notes that linger without overpowering.
What makes this bourbon stand out is its balance. Despite its higher proof and older age, it avoids the drying, tannic qualities that can sometimes dominate long-aged whiskeys. Instead, it offers a vibrant, full-bodied experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Tasters have noted flavors like dark chocolate, cherry syrup, baked pecan, maple, and honey, with a touch of dark stone fruit adding depth. It’s a whiskey that invites you to savor it slowly, whether neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like a Manhattan or Bourbon Sour.
Availability and How to Get It
The Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025 is a limited release, which means it won’t be easy to find. It hits shelves in the United States, Germany, and select global travel retail accounts starting in mid-September 2025, with availability expanding to the United Kingdom, Australia, Korea, Japan, and Singapore later in the year and into early 2026. The suggested retail price is $175, though prices on the secondary market can vary widely, sometimes reaching triple that amount due to high demand.
For those eager to get their hands on a bottle, the best place to start is the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Beginning September 5, 2025, the distillery will offer the Cellar Aged 2025 for purchase as part of its exclusive Cellar Aged Experience. This immersive tour includes a guided tasting and a chance to explore the distillery’s grounds, making it a must-do for bourbon fans. Booking is available at the distillery’s website, and it’s a great way to kick off Bourbon Heritage Month.
The release will also be available at select retailers nationwide and at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, set for September 5-7, 2025. Given the limited nature of the release, bourbon enthusiasts will want to act fast to secure a bottle.
A Tradition of Innovation
The Cellar Aged series is just one example of how Maker’s Mark continues to innovate while honoring its heritage. Founded in 1953 by Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr., the distillery has always been about doing things the right way, even if it means breaking from tradition. From hand-dipping every bottle in red wax to rotating barrels by hand, Maker’s Mark is committed to quality at every step.
The distillery’s limestone cellar is a testament to this philosophy. By creating a controlled environment for aging, Maker’s Mark has unlocked new possibilities for bourbon, proving that older doesn’t always mean oakier. The Cellar Aged 2025 builds on the success of the 2023 and 2024 releases, each of which brought its own unique flavor profile. While the 2024 expression was noted for hints of coconut, the 2025 release leans into darker, fruitier notes, showcasing the versatility of the cellar aging process.
Beyond the whiskey itself, Maker’s Mark is also making waves with its commitment to sustainability. The distillery’s Star Hill Farm is home to regenerative agriculture initiatives, from beehives to Wagyu cattle, all aimed at creating a more environmentally responsible operation. The limestone cellar itself is LEED-certified, a nod to the distillery’s dedication to preserving the land that shapes its whiskey.
Why It Matters
For bourbon lovers, the Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025 is more than just a new release—it’s a chance to experience a whiskey that pushes the boundaries of what bourbon can be. It’s a testament to the distillery’s willingness to experiment while staying true to the vision of its founders. Whether you’re a longtime Maker’s Mark fan or a collector looking for something special, this whiskey delivers a bold, complex experience that’s worth seeking out.
As the bourbon world continues to evolve, Maker’s Mark remains a leader, blending tradition with innovation to create something truly unique. The Cellar Aged 2025 is a celebration of that legacy, offering a taste of Kentucky craftsmanship at its finest. So, grab a glass, pour a dram, and toast to a whiskey that’s as timeless as it is forward-thinking.
