Maker’s Mark, a renowned Kentucky distillery, is breaking tradition with the release of its new limited edition bourbon, the Cellar Aged Bourbon. For the first time in its 70-year history, Maker’s Mark has aged its bourbon longer than the usual six years, resulting in a new expression that offers a unique flavor profile. The debut version of the Cellar Aged Bourbon is a blend of barrels aged for 12 and 11 years, allowing for a smoother and creamier taste. This shift in aging process was made possible by a new limestone warehouse that maintains a consistent cool temperature, ensuring a rich and balanced flavor. With a suggested retail price of $150 per bottle, this older bourbon is both a departure from tradition and an accessible option for bourbon enthusiasts. Available in select retailers in the United States this September, it promises to be a sought-after addition to the bourbon market.
Maker’s Mark Releases Cellar Aged Bourbon With Longer Aging Process
Introduction
Maker’s Mark, the Kentucky distillery known for its smooth and creamy bourbon, is venturing into a new territory with the release of its Cellar Aged Bourbon. This limited edition bourbon has been aged for a longer period than traditional Maker’s Mark, resulting in a unique flavor profile and a new experience for whisky enthusiasts.
Background of Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark has a rich history and a commitment to a consistent aging process. Since its establishment in 1953, the distillery has been known for its dedication to crafting high-quality bourbon using traditional methods. Maker’s Mark has aimed to create a bourbon that remains true to its original recipe while delivering a smooth and flavorful taste.
New Cellar Aged Bourbon
The introduction of Cellar Aged Bourbon marks a departure from Maker’s Mark’s traditional aging process. This limited release is the first time Maker’s Mark has ventured into longer aging periods. While traditional Maker’s Mark spends about six years in the distillery’s warehouses, Cellar Aged Bourbon has been aged longer to allow for a more complex flavor profile.
Aging Process
Maker’s Mark has always followed a tried-and-true aging process for its bourbon. However, with Cellar Aged Bourbon, the aging period has been extended to enhance the flavor and characteristics of the bourbon. This longer aging process allows the bourbon to develop a deeper complexity, resulting in a more refined and balanced taste.
Blend of Aged Barrels
Cellar Aged Bourbon is a blend of aged barrels, carefully selected to create a harmonious and well-rounded flavor. The composition of the barrels used in the blend contributes to the unique character of this limited edition bourbon. The exact breakdown of aged barrels in the blend is 87% barrels aged for 12 years and 13% barrels aged for 11 years.
Whisky Maker’s Statement
Rob Samuels, an 8th-generation whisky maker and grandson of the Maker’s Mark founders, shared his thoughts on the release of Cellar Aged Bourbon. He acknowledged that aging the whisky for a decade-plus was not something they had done before. However, with this release, Maker’s Mark has found a way to achieve their taste vision without compromising on quality.
Older Bourbon Considerations
Releasing an older bourbon presented some challenges for Maker’s Mark. The previous aging process had limitations, and barrels stored for longer than the usual six-year period resulted in a sharper and more tannin-heavy taste. This deviated from the expected flavor profile of Maker’s Mark bourbon. However, with the construction of a new limestone warehouse, Maker’s Mark has overcome these challenges and is now able to release an aged bourbon without the undesirable tannic bitterness.
New Limestone Warehouse
Maker’s Mark invested in the construction of a new limestone warehouse to accommodate the longer aging process required for Cellar Aged Bourbon. This new facility provides a consistently chilly storage environment at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The barrels used in the new expression are rotated after their initial aging in the traditional rickhouses. This allows the bourbon to mature further for a total aging period of around 12 years, resulting in a smoother and more refined final product.
The Result of the Aging Process
The longer aging process employed for Cellar Aged Bourbon has yielded an exceptional bourbon with unique characteristics. The bourbon has a delightful aroma of caramelized sugar, dark stone fruit, and toasted oak. The taste is well-balanced, with prominent notes of big oak, fruit, and vanilla. This limited edition bourbon offers whisky enthusiasts a chance to experience a more complex and sophisticated flavor profile.
Flavor Profile of Cellar Aged Bourbon
Cellar Aged Bourbon has a distinct flavor profile that stands out from traditional Maker’s Mark. The extended aging process has resulted in a bourbon that is rich and smooth, with layers of complexity. The caramelized sugar notes add a touch of sweetness, while the dark stone fruit and toasted oak provide depth and richness. The balanced taste brings together the flavors of big oak, fruit, and vanilla, creating a truly memorable sipping experience.
Availability and Pricing
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon will be released in September and will be available at select retailers in the United States. It will have a suggested retail price of $150 per bottle. The bourbon will also be available in London and Munich in October, and in Singapore and Tokyo by early next year. Whisky enthusiasts will have the opportunity to purchase this limited edition bourbon and savor its unique flavor profile.
In conclusion, Maker’s Mark’s release of Cellar Aged Bourbon with a longer aging process showcases their commitment to innovation while staying true to their tradition of crafting exceptional bourbon. This limited edition bourbon offers whisky enthusiasts a chance to experience a more complex and refined taste. With its blend of aged barrels and unique flavor profile, Cellar Aged Bourbon is set to delight bourbon lovers and further enhance Maker’s Mark’s legacy in the whisky industry.
