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Maker’s Mark names new master distiller
Kentucky Bourbon Maker’s Mark has appointed Dr Blake Layfield as its new master distiller and Beth Buckner as the brand’s lead blender.
Layfield joined Maker’s Mark owner Suntory Global Spirits in 2019 after a career stint at Diageo. Most recently, he held the position of senior director of innovation, blending and quality for Bourbon brand.
Buckner has been with the whiskey brand for more than a decade, having joined the brand in 2013. She has been credited by the brand for her ‘significant role’ in the development of the Wood Finishing Series.
“Visionary leadership has been critical and consistent factor in the success of Maker’s Mark, from the moment Bill Sr. and Margie Samuels decided to create something completely different in the Bourbon category 70 years ago,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whiskey maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark.
“Blake embodies the brand’s commitment to culture, quality and a higher purpose, and I am thrilled he and the Maker’s Mark leadership team are guardians of the brand’s legacy and vanguards driving the brand forward.”
As master distiller, Layfield will be responsible for overseeing the consistency and flavour vision of the whiskey brand, as well as leading new product innovation.
Furthermore, his role will include improving environmental and agricultural initiatives on Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark distillery.
Layfield has a doctorate in food science from North Carolina State University, and a general certificate in distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is also co-chair of the Research Committee of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, and serves on the board of the James B Beam Institute at the University of Kentucky.
Kim Harmon will continue to oversee all operations as general manager at the distillery.
These were the world’s biggest-selling world whisky brands in 2023.
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