missy's blog

Best Way to Spend National Bourbon Day (or any other day): Drinks and Storytelling with Bill Samuels, Jr. at The Samuels House

Bill Samuels, Jr. in parlor of the Samuels House

June 14^th is a much-celebrated day in the spirits world. It is officially National Bourbon Day. It also happens to be the birthday of Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark. You may have heard Bill referred to as a maverick, a giant in the distillery business, a marketing genius, a visionary, and the best friend the Kentucky bourbon industry has ever had.

Competitors? Or Friends? Among Distillers, it’s Often All the Same...

Virginia Beach 1934, Beam and Samuels families

An old photo on the wall of the parlor at The Samuels House may seem a bit unusual; here are a couple of guys in early-1930’s swimwear standing on a beach with another gentleman in a coat and tie. A little odd, perhaps, but the story behind it paints a picture of a unique characteristic among Kentucky distillers: your biggest competitor might just be your best friend.

Female Bar Patrons Have a Samuels to Thank – Dixie Demuth!

Dixie Demuth portrait and her Bourbon Hall of Fame award

The last direct Samuels descendant to be born in The Samuels House certainly lived up to the family’s colorful history that preceded (and followed) her – and eventually landed her in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame alongside some other Samuels legends.