Maker’s Mark Announces New Master Distiller and Lead Blender

Maker’s Mark is making moves. Today, the iconic red wax whiskey producer announced Dr. Blake Layfield as the brand’s next Master Distiller and Beth Buckner as lead blender.

In September 2022, the news rippled of then Maker’s Mark Master Distiller, Denny Potter, and Jane Bowie, Master of Maturation, departing the company.

“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.”

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.

Continuing to oversee all operations is Kim Harmon, general manager at the distillery. 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. She also exemplifies the Maker’s Mark culture of pursuing perfection, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

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