Bill Samuels, Sr., simply wanted a whisky he would enjoy drinking. That's why Maker's Mark® is made with soft red winter wheat, instead of the usual rye, for a full-flavored bourbon that's never bitter or hot. To ensure consistency, we rotate every barrel by hand and age our bourbon to taste, not time. Each and every bottle of Maker's® is still hand-dipped in signature red wax at our distillery in Loretto, Ky., just like Bill would have wanted.