Review: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024

Maker’s Mark’s 2023 Cellar Aged release was a huge hit, and the company knew it would be. That’s why they slapped a date on the front of the bottle, to assure us that round 2 would be coming soon enough.

That time is here, as Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 has finally arrived. And spoiler: It’s just as good as 2023’s release. Maybe better.

While Cellar Aged 2023 was a blend of 11 to 12 year old whiskeys, 2024 is raising the ante: It’s a blend of 12 and 13 year old stock, though Maker’s is careful to note it is “aged to taste, not time.” The proportions of the blend have actually been revealed: It’s 15% 12 year old stock and 85% 13 year old — bottled at cask strength, natch.

“We surprised the world with the debut of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged last year, a bold step in our family’s legacy because, for more than 65 years, aging our whisky for a decade-plus wasn’t something we did,” said Rob Samuels, 8th generation whisky maker and Managing Director, Maker’s Mark. “Staying true to our founders’ flavor vision and our relentless pursuit of excellence, we’re thrilled to introduce our most mature bourbon yet.”

I already spoiled it: This is stellar stuff from the get-go, maybe the best thing Maker’s Mark has released to date. My baby sips from a plastic thimble at Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2024 didn’t do it justice. Enjoyed properly, this reveals so many more layers than I ever imagined were ever in the mix.

The nose is instantly immersive, racy with ample baking spice and red pepper, but layered with red fruit, caramel, vanilla, and a massive nose-ful of almond nougat. Gentle florals emerge with time in glass, evoking aromas of rose and lilac. Lightly leathery and austere, aromas of old library books endure for ages.

On the palate, the spiciness of the bourbon immediately surprises. Big cinnamon and nutmeg notes are unavoidable, with a soothing brown butter quality backing things up. It’s a punchy, chewy whiskey — higher in abv than the 2023 — with loads of black and red pepper to keep you on your toes. An edge of beef brisket keep this with one foot grounded in savory elements, and there’s ample barrel char to give the whiskey a toasty, almost leathery punch. Elements of prune, rum raisin, and Mexican chocolate give the finish a festive, holiday feel. It’s happenstance that this whiskey is being released just in time for the holidays, where it’s really going to shine.

A very different whiskey than the 2023 — and better.

119.3 proof.

A / $175 / makersmark.com [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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