The history behind the red wax at Maker’s Mark is an interesting tale involving the brand’s founder and wife. The story goes back to the early days of Maker’s Mark Distillery and its establishment in the 1950s.
The founder of Maker’s Mark, Bill Samuels Sr., wanted to create a bourbon that stood out from the competition, not only in terms of taste but also in terms of its appearance. He wanted the bottle to be easily recognizable and visually distinctive. So, he turned to his wife, Margie Samuels, for help designing the packaging.
Margie Samuels, a talented artist and businesswoman, took up the challenge. She wanted to create a unique and eye-catching look for the bottle. Inspired by the wax-dipped style used on cognac bottles, Margie came up with the idea of hand-dipping the necks of Maker’s Mark bottles in red wax.
Together, Bill and Margie Samuels worked on perfecting the wax-dipping process. They experimented with different colors and materials until they settled on the red wax we know today. Margie played a pivotal role in developing the signature hand-dipped look, where the wax would flow down the neck of the bottle, creating a distinctive dripped or melted wax effect.
The choice of red wax was influenced by Margie’s desire to make the bottles more visually appealing and to give them a unique and premium appearance. Red was an uncommon color for wax seals at the time, and it helped Maker’s Mark stand out on store shelves.
The first bottle of Maker’s Mark with the red wax seal was introduced in 1958, and it quickly became a symbol of the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The hand-dipped red wax seal became an iconic feature of Maker’s Mark, distinguishing it from other bourbons and making it instantly recognizable.
Over the years, the red wax seal has remained a cherished and iconic element of the Maker’s Mark brand. It is a testament to the Samuels’ vision and dedication to creating a bourbon that tasted exceptional and looked remarkable.
The red wax seal serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. From an aesthetic standpoint, it adds a premium look and gives each bottle a handcrafted, artisanal appearance.
From a practical perspective, the red wax seal is a tamper-evident feature. The wax is designed to break upon opening the bottle, providing a visible indication that the bottle has been opened or tampered with. This feature ensures the authenticity and integrity of the product, assuring consumers that the bottle’s contents have not been compromised.
Click here for more Original Pours.
