Whiskey brands today are constantly releasing new variations to keep up with the ever-evolving tastes of consumers. However, many of these brands tend to lose their original appeal in the process, inundating the market with an excessive amount of options. Maker’s Mark, on the other hand, seemed to take the opposite approach. While I was never a big fan of their flagship wheated bourbon, it gained immense popularity in the 1980s and maintained its status as one of the world’s most beloved American whiskeys. For over fifty years, there was only one version of Maker’s Mark available – the standard expression that became synonymous with the brand. It wasn’t until 2011, when Bill Samuels, Jr. retired, that a new variation was introduced.

This new expression, called Maker’s 46, took the original wheated bourbon and finished it in French oak staves, while also increasing the proof slightly. It was a fantastic addition to their lineup. From there, Maker’s Mark started experimenting with various expressions, including cask strength and 101 proof options, as well as their annual limited edition Wood Finishing series. While they all stayed relatively true to the brand’s recipe, I found that each one was an improvement on the classic Maker’s Mark.

One aspect that Maker’s Mark never tampered with was the age of their bourbon. Unlike most other distilleries in Kentucky, they didn’t release an age-statement bottling. The bourbon was typically aged for an average of six years, similar to industry standards. However, Maker’s Mark took a unique approach to aging by rotating every barrel through different tiers in their warehouses during the aging process. This ensured a consistent product, but it also eliminated the possibility of stumbling upon hidden treasures – those rare barrels aging for decades.

That is, until Maker’s Mark decided to push the boundaries of their aging process. They discovered a limestone hill near the distillery where a cellar had been cut specifically for finishing Maker’s 46. This cellar, naturally temperature controlled at 52 degrees, allowed for a different aging experience. Maker’s Mark barrels were aged and rotated in the traditional warehouses for six years before being transferred to the cellar for an additional 5-6 years.

By utilizing this unique environment, Maker’s Mark aimed to slow down the extraction of heavy, aggressive bitter tannins while continuing the oxidation process. The result of this experimentation is Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged, a blend of 11 and 12-year-old bourbon bottled at cask strength. This expression retains the classic Maker’s mashbill but delivers a more concentrated, intense, and flavorful drinking experience. The nose offers notes of dark fruit that transition into luscious caramel, dark chocolate, hazelnut, and hints of berries on the palate. Despite its high proof, the spice is mellow, providing a gentle warmth rather than a fiery sensation. While oak is present, especially on the finish, it doesn’t overpower the other flavors or dry out the palate.

In recent years, Maker’s Mark has consistently impressed with their releases, but Cellar Aged may be the best expression to date. Priced at $150, it may seem steep, but the quality justifies the cost. While the supply may be limited, it is expected to be an annual release, providing hope that even if it’s not available now, it may return in the future.

In conclusion, Maker’s Mark has successfully maintained its original appeal while also branching out to explore new flavors and aging techniques. The introduction of Maker’s 46 and subsequent expressions have expanded the brand’s portfolio without diluting the essence that made it so popular in the first place. With the release of Cellar Aged, Maker’s Mark continues to impress by introducing a more concentrated and intense expression that is worth every penny.