Drinking Maker’s Mark:
So you may wonder, how does someone with such a long lineage of bourbon distillers in his family prefer to drink the family’s product? Bill Samuels Jr. has three preferred drinks. The first to be mentioned by any good bourbon man from the Loiusville area is the “hometown” cocktail, the Old-fashioned, and a Maker’s Mark and water is another favorite. But it was Samuel’s version of the Manhattan that stood out the most. He calls it a “salute to the Old-fashioned” and starts with an 8:1 mix of Maker’s Mark and sweet vermouth. However, Samuels finds that the customary dash of bitters does not mix with the delicate flavor of his bourbon and, instead, he prefers a cherry juice.
The same advice is given when mixing Maker’s Mark with anything. Samuels suggests that, since Maker’s Mark is bottled at 90 proof, a true appreciation of the bourbon is found when diluting it slightly, just to the point of reaching 70-75 proof. If you’re accustomed to highly diluted whiskey drinks, take the ratio down when mixing Maker’s Mark. Being sensitive to the balance of the more delicate bourbon will create a better drinking experience. Sound advice from a man who knows bourbon, not only the one he produces.
Cocktails from Maker's Mark:
Also try this fantastic spiked fudge recipe- Forget Me Not Fudge
National Bourbon Heritage Month:
Bill Samuels Jr. sees the 2007 designation of September as National Bourbon Heritage Month as “recognition of the craft and heritage for the United States’ first distilled spirit.” It’s a well-deserved respect and appreciation for a product that has been an integral factor in generations of the country, especially those in Kentucky. “On a personal level it legitimizes what we’re doing,” says Samuels. It has been a long road, marked with opposition, especially in a conservative state where many still believe that drinking is a sin. But the bourbon distillers have played a major role in promoting responsibility and moderation, not the party atmospheres of spring breaks and Mardi Gras.
Bourbon enthusiasts, or as Samuels puts it “bourbon crazies,” flock to Kentucky to take in the aura of the whiskey they love so much. Samuels sees the consumer’s appreciation growing more and more and likens it to the popularity boom of Napa Valley wines in the early 1960’s. The recent recognition is not limited to individual bourbon lovers. In 1980 the Maker’s Mark Distillery became the first distillery to be placed on the list of National Historic Landmarks, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized the distillery in 1999 as “The World’s Oldest Operating Bourbon Whiskey Distillery” and 2004 marked the brand’s 50th anniversary with Kentucky designating February 25th as “Maker’s Mark Day.” Also in 2004 the Maker’s Mark Distillery became a stop along the newly formed American Whiskey Trail. Surely the appreciation for fine bourbon whiskey will not falter and for the Samuels family “the legend goes on.”
Maker's Mark is available throughout the United States and retails for around $30 per 750ml bottle. Visit the Maker's Mark website.
