Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2025

Although the Samuels family had been involved in bourbon making for generations, the Maker’s Mark brand as we know it was born in the 1950s. In 1953, engineer-turned-distiller Bill Samuels Sr. took a decisive step when he purchased the historic and slightly run-down Burks’ Distillery site in Loretto, Kentucky. His goal was simple but ambitious: to create a whisky that he would genuinely enjoy drinking, something refined and distinct from the harsh, fiery bourbons of the time.

Production began in 1954, marking the start of what would become one of Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries.

Bill set out to use is family's 170-year-old recipe for the mash bill, but managed to set the only copy of it on fire. Time was not on his side, so in an effort to recreat the recipe, he baked loaves of bread using different grain combinations to see how each affected flavour. This was far quicker than distilling test batches of spirit. Bill replaced the rye grain traditionally used in bourbon mash bills with soft red winter wheat, along with corn and malted barley. This choice gave Maker’s Mark its gentle sweetness and creamy texture, setting it apart from most others in the category and became the foundation for Maker’s Mark. Bill had achieved his goal of creating a bourbon that was smooth and approachable.

While Bill focused on flavour, his wife Margie Samuels brought the brand’s character to life. She designed the distinctive square bottle, created the hand-torn label, and came up with the idea of sealing each bottle by hand in red wax. Margie also coined the name “Maker’s Mark,” inspired by the marks that traditional craftsmen would stamp on their work to show pride in their creation.

One small but meaningful detail sets Maker’s Mark apart from nearly every other American bourbon: it is spelled “whisky,” not “whiskey.” This was Margie’ decision. Wanting the label to reflect timeless craftsmanship, she chose the Scottish spelling in tribute to the Samuels family’s Scottish heritage and to the old-world quality that inspired the brand.

While nearly all American producers use “whiskey,” the Scottish influence gave Maker’s Mark a refined and distinctive identity. It’s a quiet nod to tradition and a subtle reminder that while it’s proudly Kentucky-born, its makers have always had one eye on the artistry of the great whiskies of the world.

By 1958, the first bottles of Maker’s Mark were ready for the public. From the beginning, the Samuels family placed craft above efficiency. Every bottle was hand-dipped in wax, every barrel carefully handled, and every decision made with flavour in mind.

The distillery’s location played a crucial role too. The surrounding limestone hills naturally filter out iron from the local water while enriching it with calcium and magnesium. This pure water source became an essential ingredient in the bourbon’s smooth profile.

The Maker’s Mark team still follows the same philosophy today: it's aged to taste, not to a specific number of years. A barrel is only bottled when the bourbon inside reaches the perfect flavour balance.

Over the years, ownership of the distillery changed several times. It passed to Hiram Walker in 1981, then to Seagram in '87, who after collapsing passed it to Allied-Domecq in 2001. In 2005 the distillery was sold to Fortune Brands, eventually becoming part of Beam Suntory.

Despite these changes, the Samuels family continued to guide the brand’s direction. In 2011, Bill Samuels Jr. retired after decades at the helm, handing the reins to his son Rob Samuels, ensuring that the family’s craftsmanship remained central to the Maker’s Mark story.

While deeply rooted in tradition, Maker’s Mark has always embraced innovation. The distillery introduced new expressions, including whiskies finished with different oak staves, and expanded its capacity to meet rising global demand without changing the core recipe.

In 2013, the company briefly announced plans to reduce the bottling strength from 90 proof to 84 proof to stretch supplies. The public outcry was immediate, and the plan was quickly reversed. The incident showed how passionately fans felt about authenticity and consistency.

In recent years, the distillery has continued to evolve. New limestone cellars enhance barrel aging, sustainability programs protect the surrounding environment, and the visitor experience has grown into one of the most celebrated in bourbon country. Through all of it, the same commitment to quality and integrity has remained unchanged.

Maker’s Mark stands out for its combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality. The decision to use wheat instead of rye, the hand-dipped red wax seal, and the emphasis on quality over quantity have all become defining features. The result is a bourbon that feels personal and timeless, crafted with patience and purpose.

For whisky lovers, Maker’s Mark represents the success of a clear and enduring vision. It is smooth, balanced, and full-flavoured, and it helped elevate bourbon from a simple spirit to a respected expression of American craft.