Maker's Mark

Maker’s Mark is a beloved name in American bourbon, known for its smooth, approachable flavor and unmistakable red wax seal. Born in Loretto, Kentucky, the distillery was founded in 1953 by Bill Samuels Sr., who set out to create a bourbon that was soft, sippable, and free from the bite often associated with traditional whiskies of the time. In doing so, he forever changed the bourbon landscape—introducing a wheated mash bill that substituted red winter wheat for rye, resulting in a sweeter, rounder taste profile.

One of Maker’s Mark’s most defining qualities is its dedication to hand-crafted production. The distillery produces bourbon in small batches using traditional methods: the whiskey is distilled in copper stills, aged in American oak barrels with a #3 char, and rotated by hand in aging warehouses to ensure consistency. The result is a signature flavor—warm, full-bodied, and layered with notes of caramel, vanilla, and gentle spice, making it perfect for both sipping and mixing.

Each bottle of Maker’s Mark is hand-dipped in red wax, a branding choice made by Margie Samuels, Bill’s wife and the brand’s first marketer, whose influence helped shape Maker’s into one of the most recognizable spirits on the shelf. Margie also designed the label and insisted on using the term “handmade” long before it became a marketing trend—placing Maker’s Mark firmly in the realm of premium bourbon.

Today, the distillery continues to innovate while staying true to its roots. With releases like Maker’s 46, Private Selection, and Cask Strength, the brand offers deeper, bolder expressions of its iconic profile. Yet at its core, Maker’s Mark remains a family-driven, craft-focused distillery—proudly delivering one of the most consistently smooth and trusted bourbons in the world.