Bourbon Buzz » Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark 2011 Keeneland Bottle Unveiled

Bourbon Buzz — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:09:02 +0000

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Maker’s Mark Distillery officials announced today that the 2011 Maker’s Mark Mile commemorative bottle will honor a Kentucky icon – Keeneland Race Course in commemoration of its 75th anniversary.

In addition, sales of the specialty bottle – which go on sale April 8 – will benefit a newly named endowment for the arts honoring retiring University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd, Jr. and his wife, Patsy.

The Lee T. and Patsy Todd, Jr. Development Fund will make it possible for the UK Symphony Orchestra and students from the UK School of Music to take symphony music into public schools and communities throughout the state. This year is the third time that bottle proceeds have helped fund this program.

“Every year, we strive to make this commemorative bottle and its charitable proceeds about the people and entities that have a positive impact on Kentucky,” said Maker’s Mark President and CEO Bill Samuels, Jr. “Lee and Patsy Todd, as well as Keeneland, have made significant contributions to Kentucky and have been such wonderful partners to Maker’s Mark through the years, that it seemed only fitting to honor them in this way.”

The design of the 2011 collectable bottle features Keeneland’s specially designed anniversary logo and notes the 15th anniversary of the distillery’s sponsorship of the Maker’s Mark Mile. Keeneland Race Course opened on October 15, 1936.

Samuels expects about $200,000 from the sale of more than 18,000 bottles statewide, creating funding for this unique program in excess of $1.2 million.

“We are so honored that Maker’s Mark is paying tribute to our anniversary in this way,” said Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson. “This sponsorship and all of the money it has raised through the years was the brainchild of Bill Samuels and he deserves a tremendous amount of credit for his ability to take a corporate partnership like ours to new heights. He is an innovator and, himself, a Kentucky icon.”

“Art and music are passions for Patsy and me. We are humbled that Maker’s Mark, Bill Samuels and Keeneland would honor us in this way by making us part of this special program and by helping take the transformative power of music to children across our state,” Todd said. “Our School of Music, and this outreach program, are emblematic of what becoming a Top 20 public research institution can mean for Kentucky – conducting research and providing service that changes lives and makes our Commonwealth a better place to live.”

Signing this year’s bottle will be Samuels, Todd and Nicholson along with Rob Samuels, the incoming President of Maker’s Mark and Bill Greely, retired Keeneland President. The signing will take place on Friday, April 15 at 6:30 a.m. trackside at Keeneland.

Stay tuned for more info. In the meantime, check out Maker’s Mark’s Facebook page for more pictures.

Updated Details on the signing:

Friday, April 15, 2011Bottle signing starts at 6:30 a.m.
Bottles go on sale on Friday, April 8, at retail liquor stores across the state. Please contact your local retailer for more specific information; bottles are not sold at Keeneland.
Line may begin at Keeneland at 8:00 p.m. on Thurs., April 14, 2011; location will be designated by Security personnel
Limit 2 bottles per person and only the 2011 commemorative bottle will be signed
There is no line position holding by people who are in line early; anyone cutting in line may be ejected from the property.
No alcohol can be brought in to Keeneland for consumption
No coolers inside the gates
Violation of policies may result in ejection from the property
Must be 21 years or older to participate

Maker’s 46 Valentine’s Day Cocktail

Bourbon Buzz — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:49:55 +0000

As you know, last summer Maker’s Mark released Maker’s 46, the historic distillery’s first new bourbon in 52 years. With rich, creamy caramel and vanilla flavors that linger on the front of the palate, a touch of spice and a nutty nose, Maker’s 46 is an alluring drink to toast with over a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Here is a Maker’s 46 cocktail created just for Valentine’s Day by Ryan Goodspeed, head bartender at the acclaimed Miami restaurant Michael’s Genuine Food & Wine. The Maker’s Heart is a tantalizing mix of our new bourbon with pomegranate juice, blackberries, lemon juice and an aromatic orange zest sugared rim. Light some candles, turn on a Marvin Gaye album and enjoy with the one you love!

The Maker’s Heart

Shake and strain up or over ice. Garnish with an orange peel. Dash of Fee Bros. Orange Bitters. Rim with navel orange-zested sugar.

In a mixing glass combine:

3 Blackberries
1 oz POM 100% Pomegranate Juice
¼ oz Lemon Juice
Muddle. Add ice and:
2 oz Maker’s 46
¾ oz Sweet Vermouth (preferably Carpano Antica)
1 oz Simple Syrup
For sugar rim: Take one ounce of plain white sugar and zest it with four peels of orange.

Bill Samuels, Jr. Stepping Down as Pres. of Maker’s Mark

Bourbon Buzz — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:32:58 +0000

Loretto, KY (January 12, 2011) – In April of this year, Bill Samuels, Jr., will retire as President of Maker’s Mark®,the world’s oldest operating bourbon distillery and a National Historic Landmark, and transition into the new role of Chairman Emeritus for the iconic global brand. His son, Rob Samuels, who was appointed Chief Operating Officer in October 2010, will lead the Maker’s Mark organization going forward. The announcement was made by Matthew J. Shattock, President & Chief Executive Officer of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.

“Bill Samuels reinvented the way bourbon was marketed at a time when the industry needed it most,” Shattock said. “He forever changed the bourbon industry while building Maker’s Mark into a global brand and staying true to his family’s commitment to handcraftsmanship. We’re pleased that Rob Samuels, as Maker’s Mark Chief Operating Officer, will follow in his footsteps, as Bill travels throughout the world on behalf of the brand as Chairman Emeritus.”

Bill Samuels, Jr., has been at the helm of Maker’s Mark for 35 years, and has overseen the growth of the brand from a Kentucky “cult” bourbon into a national icon that gave rise to the modern era of bourbon. Mr. Samuels is the son of Maker’s Mark Founder, Bill Samuels, Sr., and the seventh generation to continue the family’s tradition of bourbon making first started in Kentucky by Robert Samuels in 1784. Since taking over the business from his father in 1975, Maker’s Mark has experienced double-digit growth year-on-year, and the Maker’s Mark Distillery has become one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually from the world over.

“A lot has changed in the spirits industry since we first started selling Maker’s Mark, but I’ve made sure all along that the way we craft our bourbon has remained the same as when we first started,” said Mr. Samuels. “Our heritage and craft is what makes us unique and ensures our quality.”

Samuels continued, “Now that we’ve achieved the milestone of one million cases as a brand, it’s the perfect time to transition the day-to-day running of Maker’s Mark to Rob, who will carry on our family traditions. I look forward to taking on this new role and meeting with our brand fans in markets around the world.”

Bill Samuels, Jr., will officially step down as President and transition to Chairman Emeritus on Friday, April 15^th during the Maker’s Mark Mile, a Grade-1 thoroughbred horserace held at the historic Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington, Ky., which will be the 15^th and last year for the running of the race. A private event will be held the following day at the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Ky., for brand Ambassadors and invited guests to celebrate the retirement of the venerable bourbon baron.

Together with his father, Bill Samuels, Jr., created the premium bourbon category. A true pioneer and innovator, Mr. Samuels has forged a rich and enduring legacy, without ever intending to do so. From the brand’s tongue-in-cheek advertising campaigns, to the industry pioneering brand Ambassador Program and the engaging Distillery visitor experience, Mr. Samuels helped transform Maker’s Mark from a bourbon into a lifestyle. Last summer, Mr. Samuels introduced what may well become one of his most defining contributions, Maker’s 46, the highly acclaimed first new bourbon from the Maker’s Mark Distillery in 52 years.

Growing up the son of a bourbon maker, and with Jim Beam as his godfather, everyone expected Mr. Samuels to work in the whisky industry. Always the contrarian and, to the surprise and consternation of many friends and family, Mr. Samuels decided to pursue other interests. He studied rocket science at the Case Institute of Technology and UC Berkley, and then went on to Vanderbilt University, where he earned a law degree before eventually deciding to join the family business and take on the marketing and promotion of what was then an emerging local “cult” bourbon.

Said Mr. Samuels, “My career has been an incredible journey and, over the last 43 years, I have always stayed true to my fundamental belief that the most successful way to build Maker’s Mark is one brand fan at a time and to let brand fans become our most influential advocates. I have no doubt that the future of Maker’s Mark is in the best of hands with Rob at the helm as COO and that the best is yet to come as the brand’s popularity continues to swell both in the U.S. and internationally.”

Maker’s Mark 2011 Keeneland Bottle Unveiled

Summer Bourbon Cocktails with Maker’s Mark & 46

Bourbon Buzz — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 05:36:44 +0000

Summer Breeze

1 part Maker’s Mark

1 part Ginger Ale

A splash of Cointreau

1 orange slice

Directions: Muddle an orange slice in an old-fashioned glass with a splash of Cointreau. Add in equal parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon and ginger ale. Stir gently. Top off with ice.

Char No. 46

Recipe courtesy of Ward III (New York, NY)

2 parts Maker’s 46

Muddled fresh peaches

1 part Averna Amaro

Dash of fresh orange juice

1 egg white

Bitters

Directions: Muddle peach in shaker and add all ingredients except the bitters. Shake vigorously for at least one minute. Strain into a chilled rocks glass. Drizzle bitters on the foam and garnish with fresh peach.

Maker’s Mark Introduces First New Bourbon in 52 Years

Bourbon Buzz — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:26:05 +0000

Loretto, KY (June 30, 2010) – Maker’s Mark is once again bringing innovation to the Bourbon industry with today’s release of the company’s first ever new Bourbon, Maker’s 46. In celebration, Maker’s Mark President Bill Samuels, Jr., continuing in the tradition his father began, hand-dipped and sealed ceremonial bottles of Maker’s 46^™ Bourbon in the brand’s iconic red wax with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear at the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery.

Maker’s 46 is a handcrafted, full-bodied Bourbon whisky that starts off as original Maker’s Mark. The transformation into Maker’s 46 begins when fully matured Maker’s Mark is emptied from the barrel so that 10 seared French oak staves can be affixed to the sides. Then, Maker’s Mark, which is made with red winter wheat for a smooth taste, is put back in the barrel and aged for several more months, allowing the natural caramel, vanilla and spice flavors released by the staves to enhance the end product.

“This new expression is a breakthrough in the contemporary craft of bourbon,” stated Mr. Samuels. “We have used innovative techniques never before employed by the Bourbon industry to create a full-bodied bourbon without any bitterness.”

The creation of Maker’s 46 was a collaborative effort between Bill Samuels, Maker’s Mark Master Distiller Kevin Smith, and Barrel Maker and

“Wood Chef” Brad Boswell of Independent Stave Company. Samuels and Smith started with a clear idea of how they wanted the new bourbon to taste – full-bodied without any bitterness – and turned to Boswell to help develop the recipe. They knew this would be no easy task, if it could be done at all.

After much experimenting, Boswell decided to try a searing technique on French oak staves that had never been used before to make bourbon. He delicately seared the staves just enough so that the caramel and vanilla flavors from it were released and only a small amount of tannin, which adds bitterness, came out of the wood. The name Maker’s 46 comes from the profile number Boswell assigned to this winning “wood recipe.”

Samuels notes, “Over the years whisky consumers’ palates have moved toward bigger and bolder flavors. So, I wanted to craft a contemporary interpretation of Maker’s Mark that matched with current tastes, but didn’t want to mess up what my father had created or disenfranchise any of our loyal fans.”

Kevin Smith adds, “Maker’s 46 is spicier and has a more intense aroma than Maker’s Mark. It has rich caramel and vanilla flavors, and even at 94 proof it’s soft enough to hold on the tongue. You can drink it on its own or mix it into a cocktail.”

Initial reactions from Bourbon experts to Maker’s 46 have been positive. Malt Advocate Publisher and Editor, John Hansell has noted in his review, “The French Oak staves in ‘46’ add firm, complex, dry spices (lead by warming cinnamon, followed by nutmeg and clove)…which dovetails well with Maker’s trademark layered sweetness.”

Additionally, Charles K. Cowdery, Editor-in-Chief of The Bourbon Country Reader – a publication dedicated exclusively to American whiskey – says, “Compared to standard Maker’s, there is less citrus and more fudge. It is very, very good.” Jose Garces, Owner of Garces Restaurant Group and Food Network Iron Chef, has also reviewed the Bourbon and states, “… I really enjoy its fruit-forward notes with flavors of vanilla and caramel lingering from the aging process. The finish is extraordinarily smooth and the flavor pleasantly stayed on my palate.”

Only 25,000 cases of Maker’s 46 will be shipped by the distillery this year, making bottles of this first batch a rare commodity. The new Kentucky straight bourbon whisky will be sold in 750ml bottles and retail for approximately $10 more than Maker’s Mark (prices vary state to state).

For more information about Maker’s 46 and Maker’s Mark, go to www.makersmark.com (must be 21 years of age or older), or visit Maker’s Mark on Twitter and Facebook.

Maker’s Mark 2011 Keeneland Bottle Unveiled

Maker’s 46 Debut And Online Media Event

Bourbon Buzz — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:24:20 +0000

Bourbon is helping grow Kentucky’s economy and the Maker’s Mark brand is growing right along with it. For the first time in the history of the company, Maker’s Mark is introducing a new bourbon. Maker’s 46 is still a Kentucky straight bourbon whisky, handcrafted like the original at the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. In fact, the recipe starts with original Maker’s Mark bourbon, and its unique flavor comes from aging the bourbon for an additional two to three months in barrels with seared French oaks staves. You can think of Maker’s 46 as a “cousin” to the recipe Bill Samuels Sr. more than 50 years ago.

As you probably know by now, Maker’s 46 is the brainchild of Maker’s Mark Master Distiller Kevin Smith and Brad Boswell, President and CEO of Independent Stave. It’s a 94 proof product, created by the addition of toasted French oak staves to the finished Maker’s Mark product.

Join Maker’s Mark as they celebrate this momentous occasion by visiting http://makersmark.com/makers46 on June 29 at 11 a.m. EST to watch Bill, Kevin, and Brad dip bottles two through five out of the first case. As for bottle number one, Governor Steve Beshear will do the honors at 4 p.m. EST. Governor Steve Beshear will speak about how the Bluegrass is benefiting from the bourbon industry’s impact on the state’s economy and will dip his own bottle of the new Maker’s 46 in the brand’s distinctive red wax.

Don’t forget to keep a close eye on BourbonBuzz.com for more news about where you’ll find the new Maker’s 46. Also, Kevin Smith gave our friends at Bourbonblog.com a sampling of what’s to come at http://brbn.bz/w.

Maker’s Mark 2011 Keeneland Bottle Unveiled

Maker’s Mark Salutes America with Special Red, White and Blue Bottles

Bourbon Buzz — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:36:55 +0000

There’s no better way to toast America’s birthday this 4th of July than with Maker’s Mark Kentucky straight bourbon whisky – a truly all American spirit. Located in Loretto, KY, the Maker’s Mark distillery is the world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery and a National Historic Landmark.

Special for the holiday, Maker’s Mark is selling tri-packs with three 375 ml. bottles sealed in red, white and blue wax. These packs will be sold for a limited time only in select U.S. states and will retail for $29.99.

Maker’s Mark suggests making the following refreshing cocktails with your red, white and blue bottles for a memorable 4th of July barbecue and throughout the summer.

Kentucky Lemonade
Yield – 1 serving
Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 parts Maker’s Mark
* 1/2 part triple sec
* 4 parts of lemonade
* 2 parts lemon & lime soda

Directions:
Pour Maker’s Mark, triple sec, lemonade and soda into a shaker. Shake and pour over crushed ice.

Maker’s Ice Cream Float
Yield – 2 servings
Ingredients:

* 1 cup of vanilla ice cream
* 1/4 cup Maker’s Mark
* 1 tsp. vanilla extract
* Freshly grated nutmeg (to taste)

Directions:
Combine bourbon, ice cream and vanilla in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into glasses and service with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Maker’s Mark 2011 Keeneland Bottle Unveiled

Exclusive Empty Calipari Marker’s Bottles Up For Grabs

Bourbon Buzz — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:19:18 +0000

Yesterday’s release of the 2010 Keeneland Maker’s Mark bottle featuring UK basketball coach John Calipari was a slam dunk. Reports are that 24,000 bottles sold out everywhere in under 2 hours. There simply were not enough to meet the demand. Coach Cal and Maker’s Mark have decided to make 8,000 more of the bottles available. The catch is, they will be empty! They will feature the same design as the full bottles which sold out on Day One of sales. The only difference is that instead of the Surgeon General’s warning on the back label, there’s a message from the CFFC. The proceeds from these bottles will benefit The Calipari Family Foundation for Children to help better the lives of underprivileged children in Kentucky. The limited edition bottles are on sale now for $49.99 with free shipping anywhere in the continental United States. You can get order this bottle online directly from caliparifoundation.org

Why empty bottles? Maker’s Mark President/CEO Bill Samuels, Jr. said: “Cal’s foundation can now sell and ship them anywhere. With nothing inside there are no legal restrictions. Fans everywhere can get one and make a donation to his cause for kids. When Cal agreed to do our charitable bottle only available in Kentucky, he warned me about the nearly 1 million fans outside Kentucky that are not going to be happy. He was right.”

“Ellen and I would like to thank Bill Samuels, Maker’s Mark and Keeneland for making this special edition empty bottle to help support our Foundation. By not including alcohol in the bottles, we are able to ship these keepsakes all across the world and allow the Big Blue Nation to share in the commemoration of our first fabulous year in the Bluegrass,” Coach Calipari said.

The collaboration between Maker’s Mark and Keeneland, Kentucky’s world famous bourbon and its historic thoroughbred racetrack and sales company, respectively, could result in nearly $250,000 for the CFFC.

Watch the video below for more info about the Maker’s Calipari bottle.