Maker’s Mark, renowned for its dedication to crafting high-quality Kentucky bourbon, has announced two new appointments to its leadership team. Dr. Blake Layfield will take on the role of Master Distiller, while Beth Buckner steps into the position of lead blender. These leadership changes highlight the brand’s continuous commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.
Rob Samuels, Maker’s Mark managing director and eighth-generation whisky maker, lauded Layfield’s alignment with the brand’s values. “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,” Samuels remarked. “Blake embodies the brand’s commitment to culture, quality, and a higher purpose.”
Blake Layfield’s Role As Maker’s Mark’s New Master Distiller
Dr. Blake Layfield’s appointment as Master Distiller positions him at the helm of product consistency, taste quality, and innovation efforts. Layfield, who joined Suntory Global Spirits in 2019 after a career with Diageo, most recently held the position of senior director of innovation, blending, and quality for Maker’s Mark.
His credentials include a doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University and a General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Layfield is also a prominent figure in the Kentucky bourbon industry, co-chairing the Research Committee of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and serving on the board of the James B. Beam Institute at the University of Kentucky.
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Layfield’s responsibilities will extend beyond production quality, as he will oversee environmental and agricultural initiatives at Star Hill Farm, the Maker’s Mark distillery’s home. His work aims to enhance both flavor and sustainability, continuing the brand’s dedication to natural processes and industry-leading practices.
Beth Buckner As Lead Blender
Beth Buckner, who joined Maker’s Mark in 2013, has played a pivotal role in the brand’s growth, particularly through her contributions to the acclaimed Wood Finishing Series. Now taking on the lead blender role, Buckner will continue to drive innovation in blending, using her honed palate and creative approach.
Known for her leadership qualities and attention to the complexities of blending, Buckner has been instrumental in developing distinctive bourbon expressions that have garnered widespread praise from consumers.
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Kim Harmon Continues As General Manager
Supporting Layfield and Buckner’s work, Kim Harmon will remain general manager at the distillery. Harmon’s tenure at Maker’s Mark began in 2019 as director of safety and sustainability, where she played a key role in helping the distillery achieve B Corp certification in 2022. Her career, with experience at Heaven Hill and Suntory Global Spirits, underscores a commitment to sustainability, safety, and collaborative leadership. Harmon’s achievements resonate with Maker’s Mark’s ethos of attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
A Vision For The Future of Maker’s Mark
These appointments mark a new era for Maker’s Mark, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to preserving its legacy while innovating for the future. With Layfield’s expertise in distilling science, Buckner’s innovation in blending, and Harmon’s leadership in sustainability, Maker’s Mark looks set to continue its journey in creating quality bourbon.
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