Bill Samuels, Sr. – Sixth-generation distiller, son of T.W. and bourbon visionary, Bill Samuels, Sr., not only reinvented the family whisky – he revolutionized the entire category. Bill had two advantages – he cared more about craftsmanship than money and he was a remarkably persistent man. So, using gentle winter wheat – instead of rye – and pure limestone spring water, Bill spent six long years getting it right. After some small fires and considerable trial and error, Maker’s Mark® was born.