Maker’s Mark® Announces “Greats of the Gate” Release Date

The 10-year bottle series is committed to raising $4 million for Central Kentucky nonprofits

WHEN: Monday, October 21, 2024

WHERE: Bottles will be sold at Kentucky retailers that carry Maker’s Mark.

WHAT: The inaugural “Greats of the Gate” bottle honoring the legendary Man o’ War will be on sale starting on October 21, 2024, at select Kentucky retailers for the suggested Retail Price of $149.99. Each bottle will be packaged in a collectable box with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Rob Samuels, eighth generation distiller and Managing Director of Maker’s Mark; Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland Race Course; and Tyler Robertson, fine artist. Only five thousand bottles will be available and all proceeds will benefit four Central Kentucky nonprofits.

BACKGROUND:

In April, Keeneland Race Course and Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Bourbon unveiled the newest chapter in their longstanding partnership with the launch of “Greats of the Gate,” a 10-year commemorative bottle series celebrating Thoroughbred racing’s most iconic horses – featuring a different horse each year.

The limited-edition bottle features an illustration by Kentucky artist Tyler Robertson with the 2024 artwork wrapping around the bottle in yellow and black – the racing colors for Man o’ War.

Proceeds from each year’s “Greats of the Gate” bottle will benefit designated Kentucky nonprofits. For the first three years of the 10-year series, the “Greats of the Gate” bottle will support Kentucky Harvest, Arts Center of the Bluegrass, Blue Grass Farms Charities and Kentucky Classic Arts. Over the course of the next decade, Keeneland and Maker’s Mark are committed to raising $4 million to benefit Kentucky nonprofits through the bottle series. Click here for more information.

ASSETS:

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About Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Bourbon

In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, Maker’s Mark Cellar-Aged, and Maker’s Mark Private Selection, the brand’s custom barrel program. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

About Keeneland

Since its first race meet 88 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts five on-site sales a year, in January, April, September and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.

Media Contact

Maker’s Mark – Alison Brotzge-Elder– 502-262-0359 – [email protected]

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2022 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.