Maker’s Mark Chairman Emeritus Bill Samuels, Jr. to Host Bourbon Tastings on Distillery Tours

Rare Opportunity Brings Brand Fans Face to Face and Glass to Glass with Legendary Bourbon Baron

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has never had a tour like this before. Sure, Maker’s Mark has given free tours of its distillery seven days a week for many years. But, this year things will be different.

When Chairman Emeritus Bill Samuels Jr. retired in April after 35 years as the President of Maker’s Mark, he thought about what he wanted to do with his free time. There were lavish vacations to consider, but when it came right down to it, he decided to hang out at the distillery, drink bourbon and talk to visitors. On select days this year, Bill Samuels Jr. will lead the bourbon tastings that conclude each tour. For those lucky visitors, he will share the wit and wisdom that come from a lifetime of achievement in bourbon country.

Today, the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY is the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world and a designated National Historic Landmark. There, they still handcraft their premium bourbon the same way as when the distillery opened in 1953. The award-winning tour experience takes visitors step by step through the bourbon making process, including the milling, cooking and fermentation of grains; distillation, aging and a look at Maker’s Mark’s unique dipping line, where every single bottle of bourbon is hand-dipped and sealed in red wax. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and concludes with a tasting of Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46. Visitors also have the chance to dip their own bottle of Maker’s Mark at the gift shop. Although, every part of the distillery bears the mark and personality of the Samuels family, the visitors who get a chance to speak with Bill Samuels Jr. will have a special connection and insight into their favorite bourbon.

Please check the Maker’s Mark website (www.makersmark.com) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/makersmark) for dates that Bill Samuels, Jr. will be at the distillery holding court for a happy hour like no other.