Maker’s Mark®, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the 2026 release of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged in the UK. Now in its fourth year, the annual release showcases one of the distillery’s most mature blends to date, combining 11-, 12- and 14-year-old Maker’s Mark bourbons. Aged to taste, not time, this year’s release builds on the hallmark character of Cellar Aged, revealing new layers of depth, complexity and flavour through extended maturation.
“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,” said Rob Samuels, Maker’s Mark managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker.
“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. This year’s Cellar Aged release is a testament to how our environment continues to shape the whisky’s final profile.”
Meticulously blended and bottled at cask strength (112.1 proof / 56.05% ABV), Cellar Aged
2026 brings together 49% 11-year-old, 33% 12-year-old and 18% 14-year-old bourbons to
deliver a bourbon with remarkable richness.
“Cellar Aged represents our pursuit of flavour through patience, precision and a deep
understanding of how bourbon evolves over time,” said Dr Blake Layfield, master distiller for Maker’s Mark. “After ageing 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.”
The whisky is unmistakably Maker’s Mark, rich and layered, opening with aromas of dark
cherry, clove, vanilla bean and soft orchard fruit. On the palate, notes of honey, brown sugar
and ripe plum give way to a warming, silky finish accented by almond, nutmeg and crisp green apple.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 will be available from 1st October 2026 in the UK through select luxury retailers and fine whisky specialists, including: Selfridges,
