Red Top

Maker's Mark began as a family experiment in 1953, when Bill Samuels Sr. burned his old recipe and started fresh, seeking a softer, more refined bourbon. His wife Margie named the brand, designed the label, and invented the hand-dipped red wax seal—a detail that made the bottle instantly recognisable and set Maker's Mark apart from competitors.

The recipe is deliberately different: Samuels substituted red winter wheat for rye, resulting in a gentler, rounder bourbon. Everything is made by hand and bottled in small batches at Star Hill Farms in Loretto, Kentucky. At 45% ABV, it delivers an approachable, balanced whisky without harsh edges.

The nose reveals caramelised grain, vanilla, and honeyed florals, followed by bright fruit notes. The palate brings caramel, cinnamon, and a subtle sweetness into focus, with honey and oak providing gentle structure. The finish is short and smooth, without bitterness—exactly what Samuels intended: bourbon that drinks pleasantly without complexity or pretence.