The absence of the letter “e” in Maker’s Mark is actually a deliberate choice made by the Samuels family, the founders of the brand. It is a nod to their Scottish-Irish heritage and tradition in whisky-making.
In Scotland and Ireland, whisky is spelled without the letter “e.” The term “whisky” refers specifically to Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey. On the other hand, the term “whiskey” with the letter “e” is used for American and other countries’ varieties.
Historically, the production of whisky in Scotland and Ireland predates that of the United States. When the Samuels family established Maker’s Mark, they wanted to pay homage to the traditional spelling used in their ancestral homelands.
By spelling it as “whisky” without the “e,” Maker’s Mark distinguishes itself as a bourbon that draws inspiration from the techniques and heritage of Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey. While bourbon is an American spirit, the Samuels family wanted to honor the roots of whisky-making and showcase their connection to the Scottish and Irish traditions.
It is worth noting that the spelling of “whisky” without the “e” is not legally mandated in the United States. The choice to omit the “e” is purely a stylistic decision made by Maker’s Mark. Other American whiskey brands may choose to use the spelling “whiskey” with the “e” to differentiate themselves from Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey.
The absence of the letter “e” in Maker’s Mark is a deliberate choice made by the Samuels family to pay tribute to their Scottish-Irish heritage and the traditional spelling of whisky in Scotland and Ireland. It adds a touch of uniqueness to the brand and showcases their connection to the rich traditions of whisky-making.