The relationship between Maker’s Mark and Keeneland Race Course is a special one. In fact, the first case of Maker’s Mark we ever sold was served at Keeneland in 1958. Maker’s Mark and Keeneland are two Kentucky icons committed to giving back to the community. Since 1997, we have collaborated on an annual commemorative Maker’s Mark bottle to help raise millions of dollars for local charities.

Through the strategic partnership with LexArts, proceeds from the sale of these commemorative bottles will provide funding for the creation of a permanent public art legacy project. Miniature bronze horses will be creatively placed throughout downtown Lexington, creating an interactive tour to find each one. These tiny statues will delight visitors and fans of all ages, heralding the past and present stories of Kentucky culture.

Bill Samuels, Jr., earned degrees in Engineering and Law, designed rocket nozzles, and served as a White House intern.

His true calling, however, was the family business. His mom and dad did the heavy lifting of creation, so Bill’s job was to find customers for their unique kind of bourbon.

After finding success as Maker’s Mark’s first brand ambassador, Bill was made President of the company in 1975. He held the position for over 35 years, turning Maker’s Mark from an obscure regional brand into an internationally respected and loved icon of the spirits world – and ensuring every drop was handcrafted right here on Star Hill Farm.

With our 2023 Wood Finishing Series release, we’re showcasing the influence of our unique 110 barrel entry proof (BEP). We go in at this lower proof to achieve the one-of-a-kind taste profile Bill Samuels, Sr., established in 1953. Anything less or more wouldn’t truly be or taste like the Maker’s mark you know.

To celebrate our special 110 entry proof, we’ve created an expression that features even more of what you get from a lower entry proof – more wood sugars, more barrel characteristics, and, ultimately, a more flavorful sip.

Our first chapter of the Wood Finishing Series has been a way of honoring all the elements that make Maker’s Maker’s. But with this seventh and final expression, we’re closing the chapter out (with a just-as-exciting chapter to follow). Enjoy accordingly!

Tasting Notes: An expression with prominent wood sugars bringing first strong notes of vanilla, caramel, and sweet spice.

Our Wood Finishing Series is a chance to push the flavor boundaries of our classic bourbon in truly pioneering ways.

For our 2022 releases, we’ve created expressions inspired by our unique history of barrel rotation. Hand-rotating 200,000 barrels a year is key to both our DNA and our consistent whisky.

BRT-01 tells a story of the first three years of extraction at the top of the warehouse, which experiences large temperature swings. You’ll get more barrel extractives with caramel and a hint of tastiness. BRT-20 is all about the final years of reaction at the bottom where it’s cooler year-round. You’ll find darker, heavier characteristics along with some fruit and chocolate.

Our Wood Finishing Series is a chance to push the flavor boundaries of our classic bourbon in truly pioneering ways.

For our 2022 releases, we’ve created expressions inspired by our unique history of barrel rotation. Hand-rotating 200,000 barrels a year is key to both our DNA and our consistent whisky.

BRT-01 tells a story of the first three years of extraction at the top of the warehouse, which experiences large temperature swings. You’ll get more barrel extractives with caramel and a hint of tastiness. BRT-02 is all about the final years of reaction at the bottom where it’s cooler year-round. You’ll find darker, heavier characteristics along with some fruit and chocolate.

Countless hours of hard work, attention to detail and an unwavering passion every season. This level of dedication is what it takes to be the best. That’s why, at Maker’s Mark, we hand-rotate every barrel, hand-dip every bottle, print and hand-cut every label and meticulously age our whisky to taste, not time. This season, we are proud to bring our best to your community as a proud partner of your Chicago Cubs.

In a city full of shining Starrs, we hope this offering from Star Hill Farm brings a twinkle to your eye. It’s our little tribute to a city bigger than life. So, here’s a toast to Dallas and its winning cuisine, arts, music, and certainly football! To all who call Dallas home, you’re deep in the heart of Texas – and in ours too! Cheers from all of us at Maker’s Mark!

THE INNOVATOR

When he was younger, Rob regularly accompanied his grandfather to work at the distillery, where he was captivated by Bull Sr.’s vision and passion for creating something special and enduring. After an early career in the international spirits business. Rob came home to Maker’s Mark and assumed the family mantle in 2011 as Chief Operating Officer. Since then, he has used his grandparents’ legacy as his roadmap for the future, turning their little distillery unto perhaps the most endearing and culturally inspiring someplace of any brand in the world – all the while protecting the very things that make Maker’s Mark special to so many people.

Countless hours of hard work, attention to detail, and an unwavering passion every season. This level of dedication is what it takes to be the best. That’s why, at Maker’s Mark, we hand-rotate every barrel, hand-dip every bottle, print and hand-cut every label and meticulously age our whisky to taste, not time. This season, we are proud to bring our best to your community as a proud partner of your Houston Astros.