Maker's Mark takes home IWSC’s 2024 Green Spirit Initiative Trophy
We are delighted to award Maker's Mark the IWSC 2024 Green Spirit Initiative Trophy, sponsored by Aquapax.
Founded in 1953 by Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr., Maker's Mark has established itself as a pillar of the Kentucky Bourbon industry, renowned for its craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Nestled in the heart of Loretto, Kentucky, the distillery has always prioritised the health of its land—choosing its location for its pristine water source and natural watershed. With a mission to produce the most flavourful bourbon while nurturing the environment, Maker's Mark has become a trailblazer for sustainability in spirits production.
Maker's Mark has made remarkable strides in sustainability over the past 18 months at its Star Hill Farm. Today, 86% of the grains used in its bourbon are certified as regeneratively grown, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2025. The distillery has also been certified as a net-zero landfill operation, with all waste eliminated through a robust recycling and reuse programme. Expanding its solar energy use and establishing a 78-acre Natural Water Sanctuary to protect its water source further demonstrate its commitment to the environment.
The judges highlighted the company's forward-thinking approach, stating, "Maker's Mark continues to elevate their sustainability credentials. They don't stop pushing forward on ways to really own sustainability and make it their ethical responsibility to set a precedent for other large spirits brands to do the same and show that it can be done." This ethos has positioned Maker's Mark not just as a leading bourbon producer but also as a beacon of hope for sustainable practices within the industry.
Additionally, Maker's Mark has become the first distillery in the world to achieve the Certified Regenified™ Tier 3 certification—an accolade recognising its commitment to sustainable soil health and biodiversity. The recent filling of its first Certified Regenified barrel of whisky highlights the success of its regenerative agriculture initiative. By collaborating with local farmers dedicated to restoring soil health, Maker's Mark has set a new standard, inspiring others in the spirits industry to adopt similar practices.
Through innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Maker's Mark is not merely crafting high-quality bourbon but also shaping a future where spirits production aligns with environmental stewardship. The Green Spirit Initiative Trophy is a testament to its transformative efforts, making Maker's Mark a worthy recipient and an exemplar for the industry.
Congratulations to Maker's Mark.
Founded in 1953 by Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr., Maker's Mark has established itself as a pillar of the Kentucky Bourbon industry, renowned for its craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Nestled in the heart of Loretto, Kentucky, the distillery has always prioritised the health of its land—choosing its location for its pristine water source and natural watershed. With a mission to produce the most flavourful bourbon while nurturing the environment, Maker's Mark has become a trailblazer for sustainability in spirits production.
Maker's Mark has made remarkable strides in sustainability over the past 18 months at its Star Hill Farm. Today, 86% of the grains used in its bourbon are certified as regeneratively grown, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2025. The distillery has also been certified as a net-zero landfill operation, with all waste eliminated through a robust recycling and reuse programme. Expanding its solar energy use and establishing a 78-acre Natural Water Sanctuary to protect its water source further demonstrate its commitment to the environment.
The judges highlighted the company's forward-thinking approach, stating, "Maker's Mark continues to elevate their sustainability credentials. They don't stop pushing forward on ways to really own sustainability and make it their ethical responsibility to set a precedent for other large spirits brands to do the same and show that it can be done." This ethos has positioned Maker's Mark not just as a leading bourbon producer but also as a beacon of hope for sustainable practices within the industry.
Additionally, Maker's Mark has become the first distillery in the world to achieve the Certified Regenified™ Tier 3 certification—an accolade recognising its commitment to sustainable soil health and biodiversity. The recent filling of its first Certified Regenified barrel of whisky highlights the success of its regenerative agriculture initiative. By collaborating with local farmers dedicated to restoring soil health, Maker's Mark has set a new standard, inspiring others in the spirits industry to adopt similar practices.
Through innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Maker's Mark is not merely crafting high-quality bourbon but also shaping a future where spirits production aligns with environmental stewardship. The Green Spirit Initiative Trophy is a testament to its transformative efforts, making Maker's Mark a worthy recipient and an exemplar for the industry.
Congratulations to Maker's Mark.
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