Maker’s Mark soft red winter wheat is the Maker's Mark flavoring grain and star of its mash bill. In a day when distiller's rye which can have an unwanted bite was the go-to grain for whiskey makers, Bill Samuels, Sr., set out for a flavor that would let his new bourbon stand out in the crowd. After some trial and error, he discovered exactly what he was thirsting for. The limestone shelf where the distillery is located is key to crafting the unique taste of Maker's Mark the only distillery with its own water source and watershed. Kentucky limestone filters out iron from water, which is unpleasant in bourbon. The pure calcium- and magnesium-rich water surrounding the distillery makes better drinking water and a better sour mash in which yeast can flourish.
