Similar to how it was in Margie's kitchen all those years ago, Maker's Mark is hand-dipped in 400-degree red wax.

You'll earn your spot in our family…and at our distillery! Made with soft red winter wheat, Maker's Mark® is a full-flavored bourbon that is still handcrafted the way our founder intended. Maker's Mark, introduced in 1959 and sold in square bottles that are sealed with red wax, was developed by the Samuels family in Kentucky. The times and tourism have caught up with Maker’s, as now every distillery has set itself up to put on a good show for visitors. The first bottle was dipped using wax heated up in a deep fryer on the Samuels’ stove. The formula for Maker’s Mark’s wax used today was developed by Tom Hammond in his garage. The rooms are filled with relics showcasing the family history and the story of how the iconic red wax topped bottle came to be. A true innovator, Margie Samuels, the wife of founder Bill Samuels Sr, left her “mark” on the label by designing a sleek bottle and hand dipping each in wax. Margie's signature red wax topper isn't the only feature that helps Maker's Mark stand out from the crowd.
In October, 2014 Mrs. Wonk and I toured eight whiskey distilleries in the vicinity of Louisville, KY, and Nashville, TN. Founder T. William Samuels’ wife, Marjorie "Margie" Samuels, gave the whiskey its name, drew its label, and thought of the wax dipping that gives the bottle its distinctive look. I had no idea Margie Samuels was so involved. They tasting is great. In 1985, Maker’s trademarked the red wax seal, much to the consternation of the rest of the industry, which also tends to enjoy dipping bottles in wax from time to time. They have some really awesome spots on this tour. You can still check out the various dipping styles of the folks on our dipping line, from the skinny dipper to the no-nonsense dunker. Founder T. William Samuels’ wife, Marjorie "Margie" Samuels, gave the whiskey its name, drew its label, and thought of the wax dipping that gives the bottle … In Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc. v. Diageo North America, Inc., ___ F.3d. When it comes to Maker’s Mark, though, wax is purely decorative. Margie Samuels also came up with the bottle’s iconic red wax cap, which melts at 350˚F. History tells us she used a “home fryer” to melt the wax in her kitchen. ___ (6th Cir. 2012), Marker’s Mark sued Jose Cuervo for trade dress infringement for including a red wax seal on its Reserva de la Familia tequila bottles.

That square shape was inspired by Margie's collection of 19th-century cognac bottles – as was the wax that typically sealed them. Explore the original recipe of Maker's Mark…