Maker’s Mark Appoints New Master Distiller

Maker’s Mark, the iconic Kentucky bourbon driven by the pursuit of better flavor and a better world, has announced Dr. Blake Layfield as the brand’s next Master Distiller and Beth Buckner as lead blender.

“Visionary leadership has been a 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 whisky 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.”

The appointments fill a gap that has been left open in the Loretto, Kentucky company since September 2022, when Master Distiller Denny Potter and Lead Blender Jane Bowie left the company. That pair later went on to found Potter Jane Distilling Company in Springfield, Kentucky.

Although it may strike some as odd that Maker’s Mark was left without a Master Distiller for two years, that is not the only modern instance of a major American distillery was left without senior production leadership for a prolonged period time. George Dickel (now Cascade Hollow) was left without a Master and Deputy Master Distiller for years following the departure of John Lunn and Alissa Henley in 2015. That gap was not filled until current Master Distiller Nicole Austin was appointed.

And unlike Dickel, Maker’s Mark is still very much under the supervision of the Samuels family. Also, Kim Harmon was there as general manager at the distillery, and will continue on in that post. She joined Maker’s Mark in 2019 as director of safety and sustainability, and among other achievements, was instrumental in Maker’s Mark’s B Corp certification in 2022 – a milestone achievement within the industry. Harmon’s career, with tenures at Heaven Hill and Suntory Global Spirits, can be characterized by exceptional vision and a highly effective and collaborative leadership style.

In this key leadership role, Blake Layfield will oversee the consistency and taste vision of Maker’s Mark bourbon, as well as new product innovation. In addition, Layfield will advance the many environmental and agricultural initiatives on Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark distillery – enhancing flavor through nature and leading the industry to a more sustainable future.

Since joining Suntory Global Spirits from Diageo in 2019, Layfield has held a series of R&D and quality leadership roles in Kentucky, serving most recently as senior director of innovation, blending and quality for Maker’s Mark.  Layfield holds a doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC and a General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is also Co-Chair on the Research Committee of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and serves on the board of the James B. Beam Institute at the University of Kentucky.

Layfield will continue to be supported by the talented Beth Buckner in her role as lead blender, a critical position as the brand continues to innovate to deliver incredible experiences for consumers. Buckner began her tenure at Maker’s Mark in 2013 and her exceptional palate, creativity, and leadership qualities led to her significant role in the development of the acclaimed Wood Finishing Series. Buckner leads the brand’s push for innovation and the complex, fine art of blending.