On our way back from Ohio we made a slight detour to Kentucky. See, they have bourbon there, and we needed to get some. 😉
Several years ago I signed up to be an “Ambassador” for Maker’s Mark. The deal was that as an Ambassador I had a barrel which was “mine,” and when the barrel was ready for use I would be invited back to the distillery and given the opportunity to buy some of the bourbon. I received my “Golden Ticket” in October, and I had until the end of March to make my pilgrimage to take the tour and buy our bourbon. Since Kentucky was kind of on the way from Ohio it was easier to go on our way home than to make a special trip.
As it turns out, the bourbon is regular Maker’s Mark from a batch that contained “my” barrel and not just from the actual barrel itself. No matter. It was as good an excuse as any to go there, and we always enjoy the tour. Of course we purchased a few bottles, and at the end of the tour we went to the gift shop to hand dip our bottles with the famous red wax seal. We are now well stocked with Maker’s Mark! 🙂
So much whisky, so little time…
True, and then there’s all that rum…. 😉
When I was checking out with our 12 bottles, the cashier asked me if I needed any gift bags. I just looked at her, as if to ask “why?” We both got a laugh. I did bring home some gift bags, and we will likely give a few away. 😉
They do make it an art form. Love the idea of the wax on the cap and does give the customer the chance to add their touch to the bottles. Another great series of images. Thanks for sharing.
It’s fascinating how every distillery seems to have its own claim to fame. The story behind the Maker’s Mark logo & bottle design and the wax seal is attributed to Margie Samuels, wife of founder Bill. She supposedly hand-dipped the first bottles in her kitchen using a home fryer to melt the wax. She also came up with the idea of the “mark of the maker” because she was an avid collector of silver, where each piece receives a “mark” to identify the artisan who made the piece. It can be a little hard to distinguish between history and legend, but it makes for an entertaining story!
More of the story here if you care to delve deeper: https://www.makersmark.com/family
Nice haul! We were there a few years ago and toured the Wild Turkey distillery with a tasting at the end. I’d love to go back. Thanks for sharing the tour!
You bet, Joe! I didn’t include a photo of the few things we picked up at Limestone Branch (Yellowstone Bourbon and Minor Case Rye). We wanted to stop at Wild Turkey – love Russell’s Reserve, especially the rye!) but they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays this time of year. Buffalo Trace (also closed Mondays and Tuesdays) is another great place to visit. Historic facilities and famous, albeit somewhat unobtainable, bourbons. And Woodford (also closed) is a beautiful facility, and pretty good bourbon. 😉
Ambassador Tom! I’m impressed – you’ve got your own cask! 😀 I feel like one of the little people, like I’m not making my “Mark” on the world!
Well, you’ve only been retired a year, Paul. Keep practicing! 🙂
Good point! There’s hope! Thanks for the inspiration!