SEPTEMEBER IS NATIONAL BOURBON HERITAGE MONTH

Visiting Maker’s Mark’s Kentucky Distillery Brings History of America’s Native Spirit to Life

September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, an official observance declared by the United States Senate in 2007 to celebrate America’s native spirit. Bourbon whisky has been made in the U.S. since the late 18th century but only in the last few years has the market for bourbon dramatically taken off with new brands and special reserves being launched at a rapid pace.

Kentucky is home to the majority of America’s bourbon distilleries, with the most historic distillery belonging to Maker’s Mark, founded in 1953 by Bill Samuels, Sr. The Samuels family began making whisky in the U.S. in 1784, but, as Bill once said, the old family recipe was so harsh “it could blow your ears off.” Inspired by the desire to make an incredibly smooth sipping whisky and after much experimentation, Mr. Samuels created an innovative recipe that used soft red winter wheat instead of rye as the flavor grain to craft the world’s first premium bourbon.

Bill Sr.’s son, Bill Samuels, Jr., took over the distillery in the 1970’s. Growing up, he lived on Distiller’s Row with other famous whisky makers, including his godfather, Jim Beam. Today his son, COO and eighth generation distiller Rob Samuels, is in charge of the distillery which has been named a National Historic Landmark and declared by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery.

As part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (www.kybourbontrail.com), close to 100,000 visitors a year take advantage of Maker’s Mark’s free tours, which show how Maker’s Mark still crafts its bourbon the same way as Bill Sr. made the first batch. From using an antique roller mill and hand dipping and sealing every bottle in red wax to aging its bourbon to taste instead of an arbitrary date, Maker’s Mark has stayed true to its heritage and handcraftsmanship.

In honor of Bourbon Heritage Month, we at Maker’s Mark would like to encourage folks to come to visit our distillery to witness American craftsmanship at its finest or to check out the 20th Annual Bourbon Fest in Bardstown, KY (Sept. 13-18). And, for those who can’t make the trip, enjoying a Maker’s Mark on the rocks or in a cocktail is a good substitution. This recipe for a Whisky Smash from master mixologist Dale Degroff, is a real crowd pleaser.

Whiskey Smash

Recipe by Dale Degroff

RECIPE:

2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

4 mint leaves

¾ lemon

1 part simple syrup

Lemon wheel, for garnish

Sprig of Mint, for garnish

1. Muddle all ingredients except Maker’s Mark® Bourbon in a bar glass.

2. Add Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, and shake with ice. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel.

Dale’s other variation is a Whiskey Peach Smash. Muddle 4 slices of fresh peach with the lemon, mint, and simple syrup. Add Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and shake with ice. Strain over ice filled rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh peach slice.