Maker’s Mark, a brand known for its rich history and dedication to craftsmanship, has announced the release of its highly anticipated Cellar Aged 2024 bourbon. This marks the second annual release in the Cellar Aged series, following the success of the inaugural 2023 edition. With the 2024 release, Maker’s Mark continues to push the boundaries of its traditional whiskey-making process by presenting its oldest bourbon blend to date.
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A New Era for Maker’s Mark
For decades, Maker’s Mark was renowned for its smooth, wheated bourbon, typically aged between four and eight years. The distillery had long held the belief that extended aging was not ideal for its whiskey, as longer aging often introduced unwanted bitterness and harsh tannic flavors. However, in 2023, the company took a bold step in releasing its first Cellar Aged bourbon, blending 11- and 12-year-old bourbons. This initial release quickly sold out and garnered praise from whiskey connoisseurs worldwide.
Now, in 2024, Maker’s Mark is taking that concept further by introducing an even older bourbon blend. The Cellar Aged 2024 features a blend of 12- and 13-year-old bourbons, making it the oldest release in the distillery’s history. The blend is composed of 15% 12-year-old bourbon and 85% 13-year-old bourbon, resulting in a bold and mature expression that is bottled at an impressive 119.3 proof (59.7% ABV).
The Role of the Limestone Cellar
One of the key elements that sets the Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged series apart is the use of a limestone cellar for the final stages of aging. Typically, Maker’s Mark bourbons age in traditional Kentucky rickhouses, where the extreme temperature fluctuations cause the barrels to expand and contract, facilitating the interaction between the whiskey and the wood. While this process imparts rich flavors to the bourbon, extended aging in such an environment can also introduce overpowering woody and bitter notes.
To counter this, Maker’s Mark utilizes its limestone cellar, located on the grounds of Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky, for the aging process. The cellar offers a more stable temperature, which helps to mellow the whiskey while allowing it to continue developing complexity without the risk of becoming overly tannic. This method creates a unique flavor profile that is deeper and richer than what is typically found in older bourbons.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
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Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 is described as a bourbon with a captivating aroma and an intricate palate. On the nose, drinkers will experience notes of caramelized sugar, toasted almond, and a hint of citrus zest. The palate unfolds with buttery shortbread, rich coconut, and bright spices, creating a balanced and flavorful experience. The finish is long and lingering, featuring dried dark fruits and subtle oak undertones.
This careful blending and aging process has resulted in a bourbon that is both mature and nuanced, offering a depth of flavor that sets it apart from the brand’s other releases.
A Sustainable Approach
While the focus of the Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged series is undoubtedly on flavor, the distillery is also deeply committed to sustainability. Maker’s Mark is the world’s largest bourbon distillery to achieve B Corp certification, reflecting its dedication to responsible business practices. Additionally, the brand has earned Regenified certification, highlighting its commitment to regenerative agriculture. This sustainable approach is key to enhancing the flavor of Maker’s Mark bourbon, as the distillery actively protects and enriches the 76-acre watershed on its property, which provides the limestone-filtered water used in its production.
Availability and Pricing
The Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 release is set to hit shelves on September 16, 2024, with a suggested retail price of $174.99. It will be available in select retailers across the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, and select global travel retail locations in the coming weeks. For bourbon enthusiasts in Korea, Japan, and Singapore, the 2024 release will become available in early 2025.
In addition to retail availability, bourbon fans can purchase the limited-edition bottle directly from the Maker’s Mark Distillery by booking a Cellar Aged Experience. This exclusive tour and tasting option allows visitors to explore the distillery, learn about the production process, and taste this rare release firsthand.
A Highlight of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival
The Cellar Aged 2024 release will also play a prominent role at this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival, held in Bardstown from September 13 to 15. During the event, a limited number of bottles will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Maker’s Mark booth. Festival attendees will have the chance to snag one of these coveted bottles, with a limit of one bottle per person throughout the weekend.
For those unable to attend the festival, the Maker’s Mark Distillery will also offer a limited number of bottles for sale directly to visitors during the same period. However, supplies are expected to sell out quickly, given the high demand for last year’s release.
A Legacy of Innovation
The release of the Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 bourbon represents a significant milestone for the distillery, which has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making. According to Rob Samuels, the 8th generation whiskey maker and Managing Director of Maker’s Mark, the decision to age bourbon for more than a decade is a bold step forward for the brand. “For more than 65 years, aging our whisky for a decade-plus wasn’t something we did,” Samuels said. “Staying true to our founders’ flavor vision and our relentless pursuit of excellence, we’re thrilled to introduce our most mature bourbon yet.”
The Cellar Aged series is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, flavor, and sustainability. By embracing longer aging times and employing unique aging techniques, Maker’s Mark has created a bourbon that not only honors its heritage but also offers something truly special to whiskey enthusiasts around the world.
Conclusion
The Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 release is sure to be a hit among bourbon lovers, offering a rich and complex flavor profile that showcases the distillery’s expertise in crafting high-quality whiskey. With only 33,000 bottles available worldwide, this limited-edition release is likely to become a sought-after collector’s item. Whether enjoyed at home or as part of a distillery tour experience, the Cellar Aged 2024 bourbon is a testament to Maker’s Mark’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the world of bourbon.
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About Maker’s Mark
Maker's Mark is a distinguished American bourbon whiskey brand that has etched its name in the annals of whiskey history through its commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and a uniquely handcrafted approach. Founded in the heart of Loretto, Kentucky, in 1953 by Bill Samuels Sr., Maker's Mark has become a cherished favorite among whiskey aficionados worldwide, celebrated for its distinct characteristics and unparalleled quality.
Central to the brand's identity is its innovative approach to bourbon production. Maker's Mark utilizes a distinctive mashbill recipe that sets it apart from conventional bourbons. Instead of incorporating rye, Maker's Mark employs red winter wheat in its grain mixture, contributing to a remarkably balanced and smooth flavor profile that resonates with a broad spectrum of palates.
The artisanal ethos of Maker's Mark is embedded in its every facet. Bill Samuels Sr.'s vision extended to crafting a bourbon that was not only exceptional in taste but also a masterpiece of presentation. The brand's iconic bottle design, distinguished by its hand-dipped red wax seal, serves as a testament to its dedication to meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
A cornerstone of Maker's Mark's production process lies in its aging and maturation methods. The brand carefully ages its bourbon in charred American white oak barrels, allowing time to infuse complexity and character into the spirit. The utilization of a "rotating barrel" technique ensures consistency in flavor and quality across each batch.
At the core of Maker's Mark's identity is its signature bottling strength. The bourbon is famously bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof), a choice that deviates from the higher proofs often associated with bourbons. This deliberate decision contributes to the brand's hallmark approachability and smoothness.
With every sip of Maker's Mark, enthusiasts are treated to a flavor journey that is harmonious and memorable. The bourbon's flavor profile boasts notes of rich caramel, velvety vanilla, delicate baking spices, and subtle hints of oak, culminating in a well-rounded and flavorful experience.
While the classic Maker's Mark remains a cherished favorite, the brand has ventured into diverse expressions and limited editions, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into unique aging techniques and novel flavor dimensions.
Maker's Mark transcends its role as a beverage, embodying a cultural symbol that reflects convivial gatherings, Southern hospitality, and a deep-rooted sense of tradition. The Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto invites visitors to delve into its rich heritage and gain insights into the intricate art of whiskey-making, showcasing its dedication to education and immersion.
Beyond its commitment to crafting exceptional bourbon, Maker's Mark also embraces sustainability efforts, underscoring its dedication to environmental conservation and responsible ingredient sourcing.
In essence, Maker's Mark stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of American bourbon. Its fusion of time-honored tradition, innovative craftsmanship, and a dedication to quality encapsulates the spirit of this beloved brand, inviting enthusiasts to savor the essence of Maker's Mark in each finely crafted bottle.
