There are bourbon releases—and then there are moments that remind you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 is firmly the latter. In celebration of its debut, I joined a small group of whisky and spirits reviewers for an immersive day at Maker’s Mark headquarters in Loretto, Kentucky. Tours, lunch, conversation—and most importantly, a private tasting—set the stage for understanding why this release is already resonating with collectors from Los Angeles to London.
For an audience that values depth, restraint, and flavor-forward luxury, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 delivers something rare: maturity without compromise.
Our Cellar Aged 2024 tasting was led by Innovation Manager Beth Buckner and Senior Director & Head of Innovation Blake Layfield.
A Tasting Deep Inside the Limestone
The experience begins beneath Star Hill Farm, the homeplace of Maker’s Mark, inside a natural limestone cellar carved directly into the shelf that surrounds the property. At a steady 50 degrees, the cellar feels reverent—cool, quiet, and deliberate.
Our tasting was led by Blake Layfield, Senior Director & Head of Innovation, alongside Beth Buckner, Senior Manager of Innovation and Blending. Dozens of barrels lined the cave floor—part of the brand’s Private Selections Program, quietly reminding us that at Maker’s Mark, innovation is always grounded in control.
This wasn’t a flashy reveal. It was thoughtful, intimate, and deeply on-brand. Relatable? Surprisingly so—even for a $175 bottle.
What’s Inside Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024
This second release builds on the promise of the inaugural 2023 edition—but takes a noticeably different path.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 is a blend of:
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15% Maker’s Mark 12-year-old bourbon
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85% Maker’s Mark 13-year-old bourbon
Bottled at 59.7% ABV (119.3 proof), this is the most mature expression Maker’s Mark has ever released.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: caramelized sugar, toasted almond
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Palate: buttery shortbread, subtle coconut, warming spice
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Finish: lingering dried dark fruit with oak undertones
The profile is rich yet composed—layered, but never loud. It’s indulgent without excess, polished without losing soul. Flavor-forward and unmistakably grown-up.
2023 vs. 2024: A Study in Maturity
Tasted side by side, the evolution is clear.
The 2023 Cellar Aged release blended 87% 12-year-old and 13% 11-year-old barrels at 115.7 proof, offering a brighter, more welcoming introduction: caramel syrup, cinnamon sugar, subtle red fruit, cornbread, apricot, and brown sugar.
By contrast, 2024 leans deeper and darker. The aromas are more restrained. The palate is more deliberate. The finish lingers longer. If 2023 felt like an invitation, 2024 feels like a conversation that doesn’t rush to end.
For collectors in Beverly Hills or whisky lovers hosting serious tastings in West Hollywood, this distinction matters—and it’s fun-loving in the most refined way.
Why the Limestone Matters
The limestone shelf surrounding Star Hill Farm isn’t just scenic—it’s essential. Limestone naturally filters iron from water, contributing to Maker’s Mark’s famously soft, creamy profile. Aging barrels in the limestone cellar at cooler, stable temperatures allows the whiskey to mature slowly, developing complexity without harshness.
It’s another example of Maker’s Mark’s core philosophy: aged to taste, not time.
The Private Selections Program: Innovation Without Losing Identity
Maker’s Mark has always prioritized consistency. Traditionally aged 6–8 years, the brand famously declined single-barrel requests to protect its signature flavor.
Instead, they created the Private Selections Program, allowing enthusiasts to customize flavor profiles using proprietary oak staves—without sacrificing the house style. Seeing those staves stacked around us in the cellar reinforced how intentional every decision is.
This same philosophy underpins Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024: innovation, yes—but never at the expense of balance.
Availability and Price
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 will be available at a suggested retail price of $174.99 in the United States. The limited release can be purchased directly at the distillery by booking the Cellar Aged Experience via makersmark.com.
For broader context, super-premium American whiskey continues to gain momentum globally, with aged expressions driving category growth, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States: https://www.distilledspirits.org.
### Mini FAQ
Q: What proof is Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024?
A: 119.3 proof (59.7% ABV).
Q: How does it differ from the 2023 release?
A: 2024 uses older barrels and delivers a deeper, more mature flavor profile.
Q: Is this a limited release?
A: Yes, and quantities are extremely limited.
Refining legacy
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 isn’t chasing trends—it’s refining legacy. For whisky lovers who value patience, craft, and flavor that unfolds slowly, this release feels intentional and earned. Whether you’re a collector in Los Angeles or a longtime Maker’s Mark devotee, this is a bottle that rewards attention. Sip slowly. Let it linger. Some stories are better told with time.
