Popular Kentucky Distillery: Maker’s Mark

OriginLoretto, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerBeam Suntory
EstablishedFounded in 1953
OwnershipBeam Suntory, Inc.

Introduction

The history of Maker’s Mark bourbon can be traced back to 1780 when Robert Samuels, a Scottish-Irish immigrant, arrived in Kentucky. The family’s first commercial distillery was established in 1840 by T.W. Samuels. In 1943, Bill Samuels temporarily stepped away from the family distilling business, only to return in 1953 to found Maker’s Mark and create the signature bourbon recipe.

The first bottles of Maker’s Mark were hand-dipped in the iconic red wax in 1958, establishing the brand’s distinctive visual identity. Over the following decades, Maker’s Mark continued to grow, hiring the Doe Anderson advertising agency in 1973 and seeing Bill Samuels, Jr. become President and CEO in 1975.

Major milestones include Hiram Walker’s acquisition of Maker’s Mark in 1981, the release of the Maker’s 46 expression in 2010, and the $67 million investment in 2015 to expand production capacity. Throughout its history, Maker’s Mark has remained a family-owned business, with the eighth generation distiller, Rob Samuels, taking over as Chief Operating Officer in 2011.

The brand has weathered challenges, such as the brief proof reduction in 2013 that was quickly reversed due to backlash from loyal fans. Today, Maker’s Mark continues to innovate and grow, selling over 2.4 million cases in 2019 and cementing its status as an iconic American bourbon.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky (45% ABV) – The original and flagship Maker’s Mark bourbon, known for its smooth, balanced flavor profile

Maker’s 46 (47% ABV) – A unique expression finished with seared French oak staves, adding notes of toasted oak and spice

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (Varies ABV) – An unfiltered, barrel-proof version of the classic Maker’s Mark bourbon

Maker’s Mark Private Selection – A customizable bourbon where retailers can select their own unique wood finishing staves

Maker’s Mark 101 (50.5% ABV) – A higher proof version of the original Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series – Limited edition releases featuring unique wood finishing techniques

Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged – A blend of 11 and 12 year old Maker’s Mark bourbons

T.W. Samuels Bourbon – The original Samuels family recipe, now produced by Heaven Hill

Maker’s Mark Black Seal – A higher proof, darker expression only available outside the US

Timeline

  • 1780 – Robert Samuels, a third-generation Scottish-Irish immigrant, arrives in Kentucky
  • 1840 – T.W. Samuels erects the family’s first commercial distillery in Kentucky
  • 1943 – Bill Samuels gets out of his family’s distilling business for a while
  • 1953 – Bill Samuels founds Maker’s Mark and creates the recipe for the new bourbon
  • 1958 – The first bottles of Maker’s Mark are hand-dipped in the iconic red wax
  • 1973 – Maker’s Mark hires the Kentucky ad agency Doe Anderson
  • 1975 – Bill Samuels, Jr. becomes President and CEO of Maker’s Mark
  • 1981 – Hiram Walker buys Maker’s Mark
  • 2004 – A second still is added to increase production
  • 2005 – Pernod Ricard sells Maker’s Mark to Fortune Brands, which becomes part of Beam Suntory
  • 2010 – Maker’s 46 is released as the first range extension
  • 2011 – Maker’s Mark sells 1 million 9-liter case equivalents for the first time
  • 2011 – Rob Samuels, grandson of the founder, takes over as Chief Operating Officer when his father Bill Samuels, Jr. retires
  • 2013 – Proof is briefly reduced 3% but quickly reversed due to backlash
  • 2015 – A $67 million investment includes a third still and new warehouses to increase capacity by 50%
  • 2019 – Maker’s Mark sells 2.4 million cases

Famous Product Releases

  • 1958 – Launch of the original Maker’s Mark bourbon
  • 2010 – Release of Maker’s 46, finished in barrels with extra French oak staves
  • 2016 – Launch of the single barrel program, allowing top accounts to buy their own cask

Important People

  • Bill Samuels, Sr. – The visionary who created the Maker’s Mark recipe and brand
  • Margie Samuels – Bill’s wife, who designed the iconic bottle, label, and red wax seal
  • Bill Samuels, Jr. – Brought Maker’s Mark from a Kentucky favorite to an American icon, pioneered wood finishing
  • Rob Samuels – Eighth generation distiller, current Managing Director focused on sustainability and meeting global demand

Significant Historical Events

  • 1953 – Bill Samuels, Sr. founds Maker’s Mark, creating a new premium bourbon category
  • 1958 – First bottles of Maker’s Mark are hand-dipped in the signature red wax
  • 1981 – Maker’s Mark is acquired by Hiram Walker
  • 2013 – Planned proof reduction is quickly reversed after backlash from loyal fans
  • 2015 – $67 million investment to add a third still and new warehouses to increase capacity

Sources


[1] https://sippinghistory.com/2021/09/27/example-post-2/
[2] https://www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com/episode/episode-104-makers-mark
[3] https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2019/03/makers-mark-a-brand-history/
[4] https://www.makersmark.com/en-us/story
[5] https://www.diffordsguide.com/producers/126/makers-mark-distillery/history