Maker's Mark Red Wax Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky miniature. 1990s

Maker's Mark Red Wax Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky miniature. 1990s

Condition: New. Collector-Please note as this is a vintage/rare/limited edition bottle, conditions of bottle/label and liquid level can vary - Some years can vary and as estimations only (example: estimated 1970s/80s).
Fill level: New. In the neck.

Bourbon still produced: Yes.
Category: Still producing.
Distillery: Maker's Mark
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Bottling series: Red Wax miniature
Bottling Year: 1990s
Stated Age: Not stated. Usually 6-7 years
Cask type: Not stated.
Strength: 45.0 % Vol.
Size: 50 ml
Colouring: Yes. - No. - Unknown.
Bottle code: L9/28/93
Country Origin: USA.
Market: Worldwide.

This one changed the way we think of bourbon, all because one man changed the way he thought about making it. Bill Samuels, Sr., simply wanted a whisky he would enjoy drinking. Never bitter or sharp, Maker's Mark^® is made with soft red winter wheat, instead of the usual rye, for a one-of-a-kind, full-flavoured bourbon. To ensure consistency, we rotate every barrel by hand and age our bourbon to taste, not time. Each and every bottle of Maker's^® is still hand-dipped in our signature red wax at our distillery in Loretto, KY., just like Bill, Sr. would have wanted.  

Tasting notes;
Appearance/colour; Antique Amber.
Nose; Sweet oak, vanilla, bright fruit and wheat prevail in the nose.
Palate; Sweet with balance of oak, vanilla and fruity essences.
Finish: Smooth and creamy with a pleasant soft spice and clean finish.

Distillery History:

The history of Maker’s Mark Distillery is a fascinating journey rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation in the world of bourbon. Located in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker’s Mark is one of the most iconic and recognizable bourbon brands in the world, thanks to its distinct red wax-sealed bottles and smooth, wheated bourbon. Here’s an overview of the distillery’s history:

1. Early Beginnings (1780s - 1950s):

The story of Maker's Mark dates back to the late 18th century, long before the brand itself was established. In the 1780s, a family of Scottish immigrants named the Samuels settled in Kentucky and began distilling whiskey. The Samuels family had been making whiskey since 1784, and by the time T.W. Samuels, the patriarch of the family, began producing his own bourbon in 1840, they were established in the Kentucky whiskey-making community.

The Role of Bill Samuels Sr.

The modern history of Maker's Mark begins with Bill Samuels Sr. In 1953, after years of running his family’s distillery, he decided to create a new bourbon that was smoother and more refined than the typical harsh whiskey of the time. To do this, he famously burned the family’s 170-year-old bourbon recipe and started from scratch.

• Recipe Experimentation: Bill Sr. experimented with different grains to create a softer, sweeter bourbon. Instead of using the traditional rye as the secondary grain, which gives bourbon a spicier edge, he replaced it with red winter wheat to create a smoother, less bitter flavour. This decision would define Maker’s Mark and distinguish it from other bourbons.
• Tasting Biscuits: In a quirky yet brilliant move, Bill Sr. tested different grain combinations by baking bread from each potential mash bill recipe. The grain combination that made the best bread became the recipe for Maker's Mark.

2. Birth of Maker’s Mark (1950s):

The first batch of Maker's Mark was distilled in 1954, and the first bottles were sold in 1958. The brand name, “Maker’s Mark,” was inspired by the concept of makers' craftsmanship, with each bottle acting as a “mark” of the distiller’s artistry.

• Red Wax Seal: Maker’s Mark is famous for its hand-dipped red wax seal, which was the brainchild of Margie Samuels, Bill Samuels Sr.’s wife. Margie was instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and designed not only the wax seal but also the label, bottle shape, and even the distillery's name. The iconic red wax was intended to reflect the handcrafted quality of the bourbon.
• Bourbon Bottle Design: The Maker's Mark bottle itself is squat, with a hand-crafted, old-world look, designed to evoke tradition. Each bottle is still hand-dipped in red wax, making every one unique.

3. Expansion and Legacy (1970s - 1990s):

By the 1970s, Maker's Mark had become a small but respected name in bourbon, known for its quality and craftsmanship. However, it was during the 1980s and 1990s that Maker’s Mark began to achieve greater national and international prominence, thanks to growing interest in premium bourbon.

• Growth Under Bill Samuels Jr.: Bill Samuels Sr.’s son, Bill Samuels Jr., took over the distillery in the 1970s and expanded the brand’s reach without compromising the quality or artisanal production methods. He worked to increase the brand’s visibility through clever marketing, which emphasized the brand’s heritage and small-batch production methods.
• Iconic Status: By the 1990s, Maker’s Mark had solidified its place as one of America’s top premium bourbon brands. It became known not just for its quality but also for its distinctive marketing that played up its handcrafted, family-run origins.

4. Modern Era (2000s - Present):

Maker's Mark continued to grow in popularity through the 2000s and 2010s, expanding its offerings while maintaining the core principles that had made the brand famous.

• New Releases: In 2010, the distillery introduced Maker’s 46, the first new bourbon recipe from the distillery in over 50 years. Maker’s 46 used a finishing process that involved ageing the bourbon with seared French oak staves to add more complexity to the flavour profile.
• Bill Samuels Jr.'s Retirement: In 2011, Bill Samuels Jr. retired, passing leadership to Rob Samuels, the eighth-generation of the Samuels family. Rob has continued the family legacy, focusing on preserving the brand’s traditional methods while modernizing the distillery and expanding production.

5. Heritage and Craftsmanship:

Today, Maker’s Mark Distillery is a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its contribution to American bourbon history. Visitors to the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, can experience the entire whiskey-making process, from grain selection to bottling, and even hand-dip their own bottles in the iconic red wax.

Distillery Production:

• Small-Batch Philosophy: Maker's Mark is produced in small batches, and every step of the process is carefully controlled. From sourcing non-GMO grains to rotating barrels by hand, every detail reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship.
• Ageing Process: The bourbon is aged between 6 and 7 years, and instead of being bottled based on a specific age, Maker’s Mark is bottled based on taste. Tasting panels determine when each batch is ready for bottling, ensuring consistency in quality.

Summary:

The history of Maker’s Mark Distillery is a testament to innovation, tradition, and family craftsmanship. From its founding by Bill Samuels Sr. in the 1950s, who revolutionized the bourbon world by creating a smoother, wheated bourbon, to its modern-day legacy under the Samuels family, Maker’s Mark has remained a standout in the crowded field of American bourbon. Known for its iconic red wax seal, handcrafted production methods, and a commitment to quality, Maker's Mark continues to be one of the most beloved bourbons worldwide.

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