Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky makes one thing, a wheated bourbon whiskey made with a soft red winter wheat. When you only make one thing, you really need to make sure you make it right.
When Maker’s Mark founder Bill Samuels, Sr. turned over the reins of the company to Bill Samuel’s, Jr. he had five simple words of advice, “Don’t screw up the whisky.” Today, Bill’s son Rob oversees not “screwing up the whisky” as his grandfather put it. And now, 8th Generation Whisky Maker and Managing Director Rob Samuels has announced the installment of the distillery’s 9th Master Distiller since the company’s founding in 1953.
Maker’s Mark Distillery Names New Master Distiller and Head of Innovation
Maker’s Mark has announced J. Blake Layfield, Ph.D. as the brand’s 9th Master Distiller.
“Visionary leadership has been a critical and consistent factor in the success of Maker’s Mark, from the moment Bill Sr. and Margie Samuels decided to create something completely different in the bourbon category 70 years ago,” said Rob Samuels. “Blake embodies the brand’s commitment to culture, quality and a higher purpose, and I am thrilled he and the Maker’s Mark leadership team are guardians of the brand’s legacy and vanguards driving the brand forward.”
Being Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark is a bit different than most distilleries. Unlike many other distilleries that might distill a traditional three-grain corn, rye, and malted barley bourbon, a rye bourbon or an American whiskey, Maker’s does one thing, a wheated bourbon. And on top of that, one of the things Maker’s prides itself in is making a ‘purposefully inefficient’ bourbon, meaning they stick to the ways of old. They are also the only large scale bourbon distillery that rotates their barrels over their 5-7 year stay in their cozy Kentucky rickhouses. On top of that, they manage their own watershed that is spread out over the 1,100 contiguous acres that make up Star Hill Farm in Loretto. Add all that up and you have the unique flavor profile that has made up maker’s for nearly three quarters of a century.
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In this key leadership role Layfield will oversee the consistency and taste vision of Maker’s Mark bourbon, as well as new product innovation. In addition he will advance the many environmental and agricultural initiatives on Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark distillery – enhancing flavor through nature and leading the industry to a more sustainable future.
Since joining Suntory Global Spirits from Diageo in 2019, Layfield has held a series of R&D and quality leadership roles in Kentucky, serving most recently as senior director of innovation, blending and quality for Maker’s Mark. Layfield holds a doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina and a General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is also Co-Chair on the Research Committee of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and serves on the board of the James B. Beam Institute at the University of Kentucky.
A Timeline of Maker’s Mark Distillery Master Distillers
As Layfield takes on his role as Maker’s Mark Master Distiller, he is only the 9th distiller in the brand’s storied history. Here is a list of the shoes Layfield will be filling.
| No. | Master Distiller | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | (Joseph) Elmo Beam | 1953 – 1955 |
| 2. | Sam Cecil | 1955 – 1980 |
| 3. | Arthur Gootee | 1981 – 1987 |
| 4. | Steve Nally | 1988 – 2003 |
| 5. | Dave Pickerell | 1994 – 2008 |
| 6. | Kevin Smith | 2008 – 2010 |
| 7. | Greg Davis | 2010 – 2018 |
| 8. | Denny Potter | 2018 – 2022 |
| 9. | Blake Layfield | 2024 |
Beth Buckner Takes on Role of Maker’s Mark Lead Blender
Layfield will continue to be supported by the talented Beth Buckner in her role as lead blender, a critical position as the brand continues to innovate to deliver incredible experiences for consumers. Buckner began her tenure at Maker’s Mark in 2013 and her exceptional palate, creativity, and leadership qualities led to her significant role in the development of the acclaimed Wood Finishing Series. Buckner leads the brand’s push for innovation and the complex, fine art of blending.
Continuing to oversee all operations is Kim Harmon, general manager at the distillery. She joined Maker’s Mark in 2019 as director of safety and sustainability, and among other achievements, was instrumental in Maker’s Mark’s B Corp certification in 2022 – a milestone achievement within the industry. Harmon’s career, with tenures at Heaven Hill and Suntory Global Spirits, can be characterized by exceptional vision and a highly effective and collaborative leadership style. She also exemplifies the Maker’s Mark culture of pursuing perfection, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky. Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. While he developed the bourbon, his wife Margie Samuels ideated the bourbon’s name and label, standout bottle shape, iconic and signature look that still involves hand-dipping each bottle in red wax to this day. Together as co-founders, Bill and Margie transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted in the same, purposeful way.
In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46 (developed by Bill Samuels, Jr., Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, and Maker’s Mark Cellar-Aged, as well as Maker’s Mark Private Selection: the brand’s custom barrel program. Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Related Story
– Maker’s Mark Releases its Oldest Ever 12- & 13-Year-Old Cask Strength ‘Cellar Aged’ Kentucky Bourbon, Sep 2024
– Maker’s Mark Fills the World’s First Barrel of Bourbon with ‘Certified Regenified’ Corn and Wheat, Dec 2023
– For the 1st Time in 70 Years, Maker’s Mark Launches an 11- & 12-Year-Old Cask Strength ‘Cellar Aged’ Kentucky Bourbon, Aug 2023
Learn more about Maker’s Mark Distillery.
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