Audio of WKU Public Radio's interview with Rob Samuels and Bill Samuels, Jr.
WKU Public Radio spoke Monday with two Kentuckians who were the key players behind a decision to lower the proof of Maker's Mark, one of the most famous bourbons in the world.
After being overwhelmed by negative reaction by fans, Maker's Mark Chief Operating Officer Rob Samuels and his father, Chairman Emeritus Bill Samuels, Jr., reversed course Sunday and announced they would leave Maker's Mark at 90 proof.
The Samuels initially decided to lower the proof in order to bottle more bourbon to meet growing demand in the U.S. and internationally.
Here are some excerpts of WKU Public Radio's conversation with the Samuels:
Rob Samuels, Chief Operating Officer of Maker's Mark:
"My father and I, and the team here at the distillery, spent a lot of time on... could we extend the supply and maintain the taste--and that's where we spent all of our time and attention. Because we received a lot of feedback from bartenders, restaurateurs, and package store owners that were having trouble getting Maker's Mark, and they were very unhappy and confused by that."