Makers Mark
Bourbon
Robert Samuels arrived in Kentucky in 1780. A third-generation Scotch-Irish emigrant, he went about making just enough whisky to keep himself and a few select friends very happy. The level of craftsmanship that Bill Samuels, Sr. started over 40 years ago is still practiced at Maker's Mark Distillery today. When Bill Samuels, Sr. bought the 200-acre site in 1953, it was the Burks Spring Distillery that had begun operation in 1805. In 1980, the entire distillery was recognized by then-U.S. Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andress. He designated Maker’s Mark Distillery a National Historic Landmark. Today Maker's Mark is the smallest and oldest currently operating distillery in the nation.There are even specialty ones made every year. The one pictured below is one made in honor of the 1996 Kentucky Men's Basketball Team who had just won a National Title in the NCAA Tournament. Notice it was signed by the coach at the time who was Rick Pitino.