Rob Samuels

Whiskey Maker & Managing Director

The Samuels family has been producing whisky in Kentucky for over 200 years, and today, Rob Samuels is continuing the family legacy as an eighth-generation whisky maker and Managing Director of Maker’s Mark®.

Rob has dedicated himself to upholding the distinctive legacy of craft and heritage established by his grandparents, Maker’s Mark founders Bill Sr., and Margie Samuels. Growing up in Kentucky, Rob spent time working every job at the distillery; from operating the grain and roller mill to hand- dipping the bottles. In 2010, Rob took over the company reigns from his father and current Chairman Emeritus, Bill Samuels, Jr. Rob has ensured that as Maker’s Mark expands, it remains true to the purposefully inefficient ways and quality standards of its creators. Some of Rob’s key achievements include:

• Expansion: Under Rob’s supervision and guidance, the distillery added a third still in 2015 to increase bourbon production by 50%. Rather than scaling up in the most efficient way possible, the third still was designed to mirror and operate exactly like stills I and II to replicate the same quality and consistency that Maker’s Mark has always been known for. This additional capacity, crafted the Maker’s Way, has allowed the brand to expand internationally under Rob’s leadership.

• Distillery Visitation & Sustainability: Rob strives to make Star Hill Farm – home to Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Ky. – the most culturally rich, endearing and sustainable homeplace of any brand in the world. As such, he has added art throughout the grounds including the first permanent Dale Chihuly installation in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Under Rob’s guidance, Maker’s Mark has also progressed a long-term vision to act as a force for good, cultivating bourbon that betters the world. This includes collaborating with research experts on regenerative farming practices; establishing the world's largest repository of American White Oak trees for research purposes; and providing career advancement opportunities and comprehensive benefits for its employees. This is part of the culture at Maker’s Mark which, through Rob’s stewardship, became a Certified B Corporation in 2022.