Maker’s Mark General Manager & Master Distiller Denny Potter and Head of Innovation and Blending, Jane Bowie are stepping down from their positions to “blaze their own trails in the bourbon industry” according to a release from Managing Director (and Grandson of the Founders) Rob Samuels this morning.

Below is the full announcement:

For nearly seven decades, Maker’s Mark has stayed true to the vision of our founders Bill and Margie Samuels…to be innovators of the craft and to make a Bourbon whisky that people want to enjoy drinking and sharing with friends.

We’ve been incredibly fortunate over the years to have key individuals join our Maker’s Mark family who have been tremendous custodians of this legacy – people like Denny Potter, General Manager & Master Distiller, and Jane Bowie, Head of Innovation & Blending.

Just like our founders, Denny and Jane also have an entrepreneurial itch and have expressed a desire to blaze their own trails in the Bourbon industry with a new venture. While Denny and Jane will depart with our utmost thanks on Sept. 2, they will always be members of the Maker’s Mark family.

I simply can’t thank Denny and Jane enough for the tremendous impact they have had on Maker’s Mark around the world. I will be announcing their successors in due course and in the meantime, we will continue to create the highest quality bourbon and pursue an exciting future for this great brand.

Best Regards,

Rob Samuels
Grandson of the Founders
Managing Director, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc.

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Not sure how you feel about the announcement… but I would be lying if I didn’t say I was slightly excited to see who steps up to take their place, AND what those two have in store for us with their next venture.

Time will tell!