Maker’s Mark has announced Dr. Blake Layfield as the brand’s next Master Distiller and Beth Buckner as Lead Blender.
In this key leadership role, Dr. Layfield will oversee the consistency and taste vision of the brand, as well as new product innovation. In addition, he will advance the environmental and agricultural initiatives on Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark distillery .
“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.”
Since joining Suntory Global Spirits from Diageo in 2019, Dr. 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. He holds a doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University 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 Buckner in her role as Lead Blender, a critical position for the brand. She began her tenure at Maker’s Mark in 2013 and her palate, creativity, and leadership qualities led to her significant role in the development of the acclaimed Wood Finishing Series.
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.
