Maker's Mark

Maker's Mark is made at its own distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Bill Samuels Sr. bought the old distillery there in 1953 and the first bourbon was bottled a few years later. The hand-dipped red wax seal has been part of the bottle from the start. The brand is now owned by Suntory Global Spirits, formerly Beam Suntory.

What sets the whiskey apart is its mash bill: red winter wheat replaces rye as the flavouring grain alongside corn and malted barley. This gives a softer, rounder bourbon, with notes of caramel, vanilla and baked bread rather than the spice of a rye-heavy recipe. It is distilled, matured and bottled at the Loretto site.

The standard Maker's Mark Bourbon is the one most buyers meet first, with the stronger 101 Proof alongside it. The Wood Finishing Series experiments with different wood staves, and the Cellar Aged releases are older bourbons finished in the distillery's limestone cellar. Star Hill Farm takes its name from the distillery's own farm.

Collectors will also find plenty of limited editions, from personalised VIP labels to sports and city editions and festive bottlings such as the Christmas jumper bottle.