Maker’s Mark was born in 1954 from the Samuels family’s desire to create a bourbon that is enjoyable to drink and to share. Bill Samuels Sr., an engineer turned craftsman, reimagined the flavors of bourbon, while Margie Samuels designed the brand’s visual identity—the bottle shape, label, name, and the iconic red wax seal. Their son, Bill Samuels Jr., would go on to make Maker’s Mark an American icon.
Bill Samuels sought a whisky that was smooth and never bitter. He replaced rye with soft red winter wheat, resulting in a balanced and flavorful bourbon. To ensure consistent quality, each barrel is rotated by hand and aged in the same warehouses, limiting temperature variations.