Maker's Mark Cellar Aged (2024 Release)

The 2023 Maker's Mark Cellar Aged release was excellent, and so was the 2024 version. However, these bourbons often come with a high price tag on the secondary market, sometimes reaching $250–$300. For the 2025 bottling, prices seem to be dropping slightly, ranging from $160 to around $300, which is promising. I was surprised to discover I hadn't reviewed the 2024 Cellar Aged, especially since I've had this bottle open for over a year and it's nearly empty. Life has been chaotic, and this one got overlooked. Fortunately, I had just enough left for a final pour and a proper tasting. Keep in mind, this is the last pour from a bottle opened for about a year, so some elements might be smoother than when first opened. Nose: The initial aroma presents a strong ethanol presence, consistent with its 59.7% ABV. Beyond that initial heat, familiar Maker's Mark notes emerge: sweet vanilla and creamy milk chocolate, adding a softer dimension. What truly stands out is the dry, tannic oak, which gives the nose a noticeable bite. This dryness contrasts with the typically sweeter profile of lower-proof Maker's Mark. Deeper in the glass, there's a hint of fruit, specifically overripe cherries that are dark and soft rather than bright and tart. Baking spices, primarily cinnamon, are also present. Taste: The palate begins with some sweetness upfront, quickly followed by a persistent, tongue-tingling spice, predominantly cinnamon, that lasts from start to finish. A strong layer of dry, tannic oak is also present throughout the taste, surprisingly dominant, especially when compared to the sweeter 2023 Cellar Aged. Once you move past the spice and dryness, subtler notes appear. The milk chocolate from the nose translates to the palate, accompanied by a buttery toffee flavor. These add sweetness and richness to the mid-palate but don't overpower the oak and spice. A faint trace of the dark, overripe cherry from the nose can be detected in the background. The overall taste is dominated by the dry, spicy character driven by tannic oak and cinnamon, with other flavors taking a backseat. Finish: The finish is very drying. The milk chocolate notes transform into a bittersweet dark cocoa powder on the palate's end. It drinks almost like a blend of dark chocolate and coffee grounds as it lingers. Cinnamon continues through the finish, and the oak contributes a hint of char. The finish is long, complemented by a thick, viscous mouthfeel from beginning to end. Conclusion: This 2024 Cellar Aged release is distinct from the 2023 bottling. I generally prefer sweeter special releases from Maker's Mark, and the 2023 version suited me better. In contrast, the 2024 expression showcases a drier, spicier, and more oak-forward profile. It's an interesting and valuable bottling because it reveals an aspect of the distillery that many might not experience, especially considering the price of the Cellar Aged line. However, this 2024 bottling is over a year old, and finding it near its original price is unlikely. With secondary prices around $300, it's difficult to recommend purchasing a bottle at that cost for what it offers. It is, undeniably, a different experience from most Maker's Mark releases. Overall, it remains a competent bourbon with high proof, character, and a substantial mouthfeel. I'm just not sure I'd advise actively seeking this out in late 2025, particularly at the current secondary market prices.

This is a remarkable pour; beneath the spiciness, there's a deep vanilla and cherry flavor with significant character. I believe it justifies the $155 price point, though I'm someone who enjoys Maker's and other cellar-aged selections. The '24 is better than the '23, but not as good as the '25, which is unsurprising given Maker's consistent improvement over the last 15 years. A spectacular pour.

Review #200! Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Appearance: Dark amber. Nose: Vanilla, caramel, apples. Palate: Clove and oak give way to pronounced cinnamon notes. Finish: Lingering with moderate heat. Splash: No new flavors emerge, but the palate becomes more harmonious. Overall: 9.5/10 - This is exceptional and a fantastic choice for sipping. The individual flavors are good on their own, but they come together wonderfully.

Nose: sweet corn, caramel Palate: cinnamon, bubble gum, quite good but a significant upgrade from the 2023 version. The sweet candy finish lasts exceptionally long. Hints of grain and cocoa powder with cinnamon are also present in the finish.

Considerably better than the unpleasant 2023 release. The 2023 version was excessively sweet. This one offers enjoyable milk chocolate notes.

Long finish with a prominent baking spice note. It's almost like a sweet hazelnut flavor. Absolutely delicious.