In 1953, Bill Samuels Sr. literally burned his family's 170-year-old, harsh-tasting bourbon recipe. He wanted to create a gentle, flavorful bourbon. His wife, Margie Samuels, designed the iconic bottle, the name, and the signature red wax dip that seals every bottle by hand to this day.

By substituting winter wheat for traditional rye in the mash bill, Maker's Mark eliminates the sharp 'bite' associated with bourbon. Distilled at a low proof and aged to taste rather than time, it delivers a remarkably sweet, front-of-palate profile of caramel, vanilla, and soft fruit.