The original “Burk’s Distillery” was built in 1885 just outside of Loretto, Kentucky. T. William “Bill” Samuels bought the operation in 1953 for $35,000. Samuels wanted to make quality, so he used the sales of the existing stockpiles to finance a revamp. The first bottle of the new flagship brand “Makers Mark” was bottled in 1958 and dipped into the red sealing wax that has become the company’s trademark — making them one of the first to carve out a space in what we now call the “premium Bourbon” market. Currently owned by Beam-Suntory, members of the Samuels family still work at the company.
Maker’s Mark has actually made a special “high proof” version of their signature Straight Bourbon. But that tasty power-dram is usually just available at the distillery. A few years ago they started doing an annual holiday release of this high-test Spirit, and it’s coming around again this year. Maker’s Mark 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the same Maker’s Mark we all love with the same wheated mash bill — 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley. And it is aged “around six years” — famously being bottled when ready. The difference is that Maker’s Mark 101 is delivered at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). And friends… it makes a difference. A very good difference.
