Maker’s Mark

March 27 is designated as World Whisky Day and there’s no better to celebrate than with a bottle of fine Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Maker’s Mark is handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world, at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky.

In recognition of World Whisky Day 2013, enjoy Maker’s Mark which is one of America’s favorite bourbons. It’s the perfect occasion to highlight and celebrate this premium spirit that forever changed the industry back in 1953.

Maker’s Mark

Here are several fun facts about both Maker’s Mark and whisky:

– Whisky sales have sky rocketed in the past year in the U.S. and abroad! In the U.S., American whiskies including bourbon and Tennessee whiskey were at the forefront of this growth, with a combined volume rising 5.2% – that’s 16.9 million cases in 2012 alone! American whiskies also accounted for 70% of the total U.S. spirits exports for 2012.

– Did you know whisky can be spelled with or without an E? The difference in the spelling depends on the style or country of origin. Whisky is generally used in Scotland, Wales, Canada and Japan, while whiskey is mostly used in Ireland and the U.S. While Maker’s Mark is distilled in Kentucky, the Samuels’ family has Scottish roots – therefore no “e.”

– Whisky comes from all over the world. Each type varies by region, distillation, aging and grain mash recipe. For instance, Irish whiskies are normally distilled three times while Scottish whiskies are distilled twice. Maker’s Mark whisky is made from mash that consists of at least 51% corn, red winter wheat and barley malt and is distilled twice.

– Bourbon is both good behind the bar and in the kitchen. Maker’s Mark has become a favorite among bartenders and chefs alike, as it offers great dimension when added to sauces for meats and in sweets like ice creams and cakes. Go ahead-take a stab at adding some whisky to your favorite recipes!

In addition, we wanted to share two classic cocktail recipes to enjoy.

Maker’s Mark Manhattan
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part sweet vermouth
* 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
* 1 maraschino cherry

Shake all together for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice).

Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part club soda
* 2 orange slices
* 2 maraschino cherries
* 1 teaspoon sugar

Muddle 1 orange slice, 1 maraschino cherry and the sugar in an Old Fashioned glass. Fill glass 3/4 full of ice. Add Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon and splash of club soda. Garnish with additional orange slice and maraschino cherry.

This year’s Kentucky Derby will be held on May 5th. Time to press your seersucker suit and unpack your fanciest hat because the big race is almost here.

The famous Kentucky Derby has been called the most exciting two minutes in sports. The Derby is more than just a sporting event. It’s as much about fashion and sipping mint juleps, as it is about horse racing.

In case you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying a mint julep cocktail, it’s a simple drink – bourbon, sugar, mint and ice. But to make a mint julep correctly, there’s a lot of prep that goes into making this iconic drink.

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest premium bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world. Rob Samuels is an eighth generation distiller and grandson of Maker’s Mark Founder Bill Samuels Sr. Rob has happily offered up his family’s personal recipe for The Perfect Mint Julep.

“The Perfect Mint Julep”
(Serves 14-16)

Ingredients:
– 1 liter Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
– Lots of fresh spearmint
– Distilled water
– Granulated sugar
– Powdered sugar

To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then, gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

When you think its right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice and serve.

For other great tasting cocktail recipes using Maker’s Mark Bourbon, please visit www.makersmark.com

This summer has clearly been a momentous one for fine bourbon and tequila lovers around the world.

We have seen the launch of Maker’s 46, the first ever new bourbon from the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery, in addition to the launch of Tequila Avión, an ultra-smooth, premium tequila made from 100% Blue Weber Agave.

Both of these premium spirits are made of superior quality and offer exceptional flavor.

As Labor Day has arrived and many summer vacations are winding down, people are enjoying the their last summer beach getaway or backyard barbecue. Of course, we know many cool cocktails will be flowing.

The following recipes for Maker’s Mark, Maker’s 46 and Tequila Avión cocktails are perfect for summer.

Summer Breeze
– 1 part Maker’s Mark
– 1 part Ginger Ale
– A splash of Cointreau
– 1 orange slice
Directions: Muddle an orange slice in an old-fashioned glass with a splash of Cointreau. Add in equal parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon and ginger ale. Stir gently. Top off with ice.

Char No. 46
(Recipe courtesy of Ward III – New York , NY)
– 2 parts Maker’s 46
– Muddled fresh peaches
– 1 part Averna Amaro
– Dash of fresh orange juice
– 1 egg white
– Bitters
Directions: Muddle peach in shaker and add all ingredients except the bitters. Shake vigorously for at least one minute. Strain into a chilled rocks glass. Drizzle bitters on the foam and garnish with fresh peach.

Bonita Margarita
– 1.5 parts Tequila Avión Reposado
– 1 part guava puree
– 1 part fresh lime juice
Directions: In a shaker over ice combine all ingredients. Shake until frothy and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Salida del Sól
– 1.5 parts Tequila Avión Reposado
– 1 part blood orange juice
– Splash of fresh sour mix
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker over ice and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist.

Courtesy of: Maker’s Mark

Bringing innovation to the Bourbon industry, Maker’s Mark recently released the company’s first ever new Bourbon, Maker’s 46.

In celebration, Maker’s Mark President Bill Samuels, Jr., continuing in the tradition his father began, hand-dipped and sealed ceremonial bottles of Maker’s 46(tm) Bourbon in the brand’s iconic red wax with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear at the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery.

Maker’s 46 is a handcrafted, full-bodied Bourbon whisky that begins as original Maker’s Mark. The transformation into Maker’s 46 begins when fully matured Maker’s Mark is emptied from the barrel so that 10 seared French oak staves can be affixed to the sides.

Then, Maker’s Mark, which is made with red winter wheat for a smooth taste, is placed back in the barrel and aged for several more months, allowing the natural caramel, vanilla and spice flavors released by the staves to enhance the end product.

“This new expression is a breakthrough in the contemporary craft of bourbon,” stated Mr. Samuels. “We have used innovative techniques never before employed by the Bourbon industry to create a full-bodied bourbon without any bitterness.”

The name Maker’s 46 comes from the profile number Boswell assigned to this winning “wood recipe.”

Kevin Smith adds, “Maker’s 46 is spicier and has a more intense aroma than Maker’s Mark. It has rich caramel and vanilla flavors, and even at 94 proof it’s soft enough to hold on the tongue. You can drink it on its own or mix it into a cocktail.”

Initial reactions from Bourbon experts to Maker’s 46 have been positive. Malt Advocate Publisher and Editor, John Hansell has noted in his review, “The French Oak staves in ’46′ add firm, complex, dry spices (lead by warming cinnamon, followed by nutmeg and clove)…which dovetails well with Maker’s trademark layered sweetness.”

Only 25,000 cases of Maker’s 46 will be shipped by the distillery this year, making bottles of this first batch a rare commodity. The new Kentucky straight bourbon whisky will be sold in 750ml bottles and retail for approximately $10 more than Maker’s Mark (prices vary state to state).

For additional information about Maker’s 46 and Maker’s Mark, please visit www.makersmark.com

Maker’s Mark salutes America with special patriotic – Red, White and Blue bottles.

As Independence Day nears, there is no better way to toast America’s birthday this 4th of July, than with Maker’s Mark Kentucky straight bourbon whisky – a truly all American spirit.

Maker’s Mark is located in Loretto, Kentucky. The Maker’s Mark distillery is the world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery and a National Historic Landmark.

Special for the holiday, Maker’s Mark is selling tri-packs with three 375 ml. bottles sealed in red, white and blue wax.

These packs will be sold for a limited time only in select U.S. states (see below) and will retail for $29.99 (prices vary by state).

Looking for a tasty drink recipes? Maker’s Mark suggests the following refreshing cocktails with your red, white and blue bottles for a memorable 4th of July barbecue and anytime throughout the summer.

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Kentucky Lemonade
Yield – 1 serving

Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 parts Maker’s Mark
* 1/2 part triple sec
* 4 parts of lemonade
* 2 parts lemon & lime soda

Directions:
Pour Maker’s Mark, triple sec, lemonade and soda into a shaker. Shake and pour over crushed ice.

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Maker’s Ice Cream Float
Yield – 2 servings

Ingredients:
* 1 cup of vanilla ice cream
* 1/4 cup Maker’s Mark
* 1 tsp. vanilla extract
* Freshly grated nutmeg (to taste)

Directions:
Combine bourbon, ice cream and vanilla in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into glasses and service with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

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* Red, White and Blue Tri-Packs Available in the Following States: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, IL, KY, LA, MI, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NY (Upstate & Metro), OR, OH, PA, TX, WA, WY.

For additional recipes, please see Maker’s Mark Mint Julep