The famed Maker's Mark Distillery, known for its signature smooth bourbon, has recently shaken things up with the release of its oldest age statement bourbon yet, and it's just arrived at the shores of Singapore!

Maker's Mark's got it start when founders Bill and Margie Samuels challenged category norms and ditched their 170-year-old family recipe, choosing to use red winter wheat instead of rye in their mashbill for a softer, smoother bourbon. From the beginning, the distillery was founded on the idea of a softer, more approachable bourbon, free of the bitterness or harsh tannins that can accompany longer aging of American whiskies. Unlike many extra-aged bourbons, Maker's Mark Cellar Aged is designed to deliver depth and complexity without sacrificing its signature smoothness and creamy texture. 

This month, Maker's Mark Cellar Aged has debuted in Singapore and Japan. The Singapore launch kicked off at Manhattan Bar earlier this month, with an island-wide rollout to come very soon.

Unlike many distilleries that age their whisky for a predetermined period, Maker's Mark has continually sought to achieve a specific flavour profile, one that embodies the founders' vision of a bourbon that's flavourful and approachable. The Cellar Aged expression is a testament to this enduring philosophy.

Here's the magic: After spending around six years in traditional bourbon warehouses, the barrels undergo an additional five to six years of ageing in Maker's Mark's proprietary limestone whisky cellar. This innovative ageing process that takes place within the natural limestone shelf of the Kentucky hills uses the cooler, stable environment to minimise the tannic impact that ageing usually imparts, allowing the bourbon to attain a rich, deep flavour profile with complex undertones and no bitterness.

Maker's Marks limestone cellars, located in Kentucky.

The inaugural release of Cellar Aged is a marriage of 12-year-old and 11-year-old whisky constituting 87% and 13% of the blend, respectively, and bottled at a cask strength of 115.7 proof.

Official Tasting Notes

Nose 

An enticing blend of dark stone fruit, with a layer of sweetness of caramelised sugar and toasted oaks to deepen the depth of olfactory experience.

Palate

Upon the first sip, Cellar Aged reveals a balanced of big oak, accompanied by dark vanilla to complement the woodiness. The interplay of fruit notes further enhances the tasting experience, creating a delightful harmony that captivates the senses.

Finish

A velvety texture that gracefully lingers. 

Maker's Mark Cellar Aged will be an annual, limited release, available in select markets around the globe. Singapore holds the unique distinction of being the only market in Southeast Asia, and one of only two in Asia, to exclusively offer this limited-edition expression.

“I am thrilled to launch Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged in Singapore and share the exciting journey that has led to this remarkable new iteration. Our journey reflects, not just the years in barrels, but the craftsmanship, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Cellar Aged.”
– Rob Samuels, Managing Director of Maker’s Mark and eighth-generation whisky maker. 

The launch of this exciting expression took place at Singapore's Manhattan Bar, with plans to extend its availability to selected establishments across the island from 1 April 2024. Additionally, enthusiasts can procure this exquisite bourbon from iShopChangi starting 27 March 2024, at a suggested retail price of S$250.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team