Maker's Mark: My Autobiography

by Bill Samuels Jr.

This is a full color, casebound book that tells you all you need to know about the world's most popular premium bourbon brand, Maker's Mark. It is written by Bill Samuels, Jr., son of the distillery's founder, and current CEO. The beautiful photographs take you on a guided tour of this pristine, old-fashioned Kentucky distillery, where bourbon is still made by hand. The book also describes what bourbon is, how it is made, what differentiates excellent bourbon from average bourbon, and why Maker's Mark has become the premium bourbon of choice internationally. Included are food and drink recipes, and a look back at the brand's advertising history, which features Bill Samuels' truly hilarious and offbeat approach to reaching new customers.

Genres: Nonfiction

116 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Eric]

This is a handsome, fun, and full-on folksy coffee table book retelling the history of Maker's Mark in particular, and bourbon in general. Written by the current owner of the family business, it is admittedly self-serving but it nonetheless remains an enjoyable addition to my food, wine, and spirits literary collection.

Any number of my noble bourbon boozers will enjoy it.

Of particular interest is the last third of the book, which is dedicated to reproductions of Maker's Mark ads. Maker's Mark has one of, if not the, most memorable and entertaining brands in the spirits world, so its a kick to see a lot of the ads in one place. Even more surprisingly, apparently some ad men accused Bill of having a lousy ad brand. They were probably all jealous hacks who wanted to dip their beaks in some of that sweet sweet bourbon bank.

Fortunately for us, Bill paid them no mind.

[James Allred]

Picked up for $2 at a Salvation Army store, Maker’s Mark – My Autobiography turned out to be so fun! I flew through it in a single day and had a blast doing so.
More than just a distillery history, this is a story of strategic brand positioning. It details how Star Hill Farm revolutionized bourbon in the 1950s with its soft red winter wheat mash bill, but the real genius lies in the decades-long collaboration between Bill Samuels Jr. and ad man Jim Lindsey. Their self-deprecating, iconic campaigns ("It tastes expensive... and is") shows what makes you unique rather than competing on race-to-the-bottom volume.
From customer-centric innovations like the Ambassador Program to strict quality control, the book transformed this casual reader into a lifelong fan of the distillery’s history.
An exceptionally fun, insightful read on leadership and legacy. Time to pour an Old Fashioned and enjoy the rest of my day!

[Robert]

This is more of a coffee table book. The information is interesting and if you are a fan of Makers Mark you will enjoy.

[Jacob Smith]

A Maker’s Mark picture book with some cool history.