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We’ve Done Bourbon the Hard Way Since 1953
Going against the grain isn’t just part of our story—it is our story
From day one, we’ve chosen the harder path in pursuit of something better. And we’ve embraced the unreasonable at every turn.
We Burned Our Family Recipe
Most brands cling to legacy. We lit ours on fire—literally.
When our founders Bill and Margie Samuels set out to craft a smoother bourbon, Bill did something bold: he burned his 170-year-old family recipe. Why? Because the traditional recipe, made with rye, produced a bourbon that was too harsh and bitter for his taste. He wanted something more approachable — something that wouldn’t “blow your ears off.” So, he started from scratch, replacing rye with soft red winter wheat to create the rich, mellow flavor Maker’s Mark is now known for.
Unreasonable? Maybe. Worth every sip? Absolutely.
We Hand-Dip Every Bottle
It’s not just a signature look; it’s a hands-on commitment to quality.
Every single bottle of Maker’s Mark is hand-dipped in red wax at our distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. But here’s what most people don’t know: our team inspects every bottle as it’s dipped, making this iconic flourish a final quality check. It’s detail — obsession you can see and feel.
No shortcuts. No machines. No dipping out on quality.
We Put the Planet Before Profits
We make bourbon for future generations.
From cover crops to no-till farming, we partner with local grain farmers using regenerative practices that improve soil and water quality. Maker’s Mark is proud to be the world’s first distillery to achieve Regenified™ Tier 3 certification — pushing the boundaries of regenerative agriculture in ways that are as vital to the future of our land as the taste of our bourbon. It’s also why we’re one of the only distilleries certified as a B Corp™, a global standard for social and environmental excellence.
We believe making better bourbon starts with making better choices.
We Rotate Every Barrel by Hand
Automation saves time. We’d rather make great bourbon.
While most distillers let barrels sit, we rotate ours by hand to ensure each one matures evenly. This slow, labor-intensive process helps deliver the consistent taste of Maker’s Mark without ever cutting corners. It’s the long way. It’s the hard way. It’s our way.
We Age to Taste, Not to Time
We don't set age statements. We set standards.
Most distillers age by the calendar. We taste every barrel and bottle it only when it's ready — no sooner, no later. Because “4, 6, or 8 years” doesn’t mean much if the bourbon isn’t remarkable.
Discover Our Bourbons
Smooth, full-bodied flavor and a distinct hand-dipped red wax seal define our bourbon bottles.
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