Bourbon 101 With Bill

[Big Mikey]

For many years now, I have been a great fan of whisk(e)y in all its forms. About a 18 months ago, I became an Ambassador of Makers Mark bourbon. This entails educating friends about the virtues of Makers and promoting it as the fine whisky it is. I also have my name on a barrel in Loretto, Kentucky with the option of visiting and picking up a bottle when it matures.

But I digress. On Monday evening I attended the first Ambassadors Gathering held outside of the US. This was an opportunity to learn more about Makers Mark, its history and production straight from the man himself, Bill Samuels Jr.

Bill spoke at length on the history of his whisky and shared some great stories about his upbringing. His neighbour was Jim Beam! He was (justifiably) impressed by the only kilted gent in attendance and shared with me stories of his search for his family roots in Scotland, specifically Samuelstown.

It was a fun and educational time, great stories, great cocktails and an event I'll always remember.

Bill speaks to the masses.



Bill and Big Mikey.

[Old Hippie]

About a 18 months ago, I became an Ambassador of Makers Mark bourbon.

It's a good whiskey, for certain. Only time I ever saw my late friend Big Easy cry was when he arrived at the campsite and discovered his bottle of Maker's Mark had leaked into the underwear in his saddlebags.

[McMurdo]

Great photos Mike, glad you had a great time.

Old Hippie: I'm glad to say something like that never happened to me, I used to keep the clothes in one saddlebag, and the clothes in another.

[DTrain]

Looks like fun! Maybe you can create a "Makers Mark" tartan and convert some of the Kentucky faithful to kiltendom. As a bourbon drinker myself, how does one become an Ambassador for Maker's Mark?

[macwilkin]

Looks like fun! Maybe you can create a "Makers Mark" tartan and convert some of the Kentucky faithful to kiltendom. As a bourbon drinker myself, how does one become an Ambassador for Maker's Mark?

Or show them the Kentucky state tartan.

T.

[EagleJCS]

Looks like fun! Maybe you can create a "Makers Mark" tartan and convert some of the Kentucky faithful to kiltendom.

Mr. Samuels does a wonderful job explaining bourbon in general, and his product in particular.

A Marker's Mark tartan would probably be difficult to make, since Marker's Mark's trademark is the hand-dipped wax sealing the top of the bottle. (I'm a fan myself.) Can you imagine having a wax-dipped kilt?!? Weaving something to imitate the effect would be difficult too, if not impossible.

Seriously, a bourbon tartan might be OK. For Maker's, it would need an amber or caramel-colored base (to match the product), bright red over-check (for the regular wax sealer - they also do special runs in other colors), and a pale yellow or parchment over-stripe (to match the label).

Since bourbon is a Kentucky innovation, I'd agree with Cajunscot and say the Kentucky tartan would probably do just as well.

[Kilted Jeeper]

I'll be in in Lexington KY in a couple weeks and am hoping to make it to the MM Distillery while I am there.

[Bob C]

Good on ya. I'm no whiskey expert, but I'm a big fan of Maker's mark.

[Deil the Yin]

Mmmmm... Maaakers Maaark... nngnngnnnnn! (where's the freakin' slobber smiley when ye needs it?)

PS: how much Maker's Mark does one have to drink to become an "Ambassador"?

[ccga3359]

Old Hippie: I'm glad to say something like that never happened to me, I used to keep the clothes in one saddlebag, and the clothes in another.

So where did you keep the alcools?