Check out our profile on Maker’s Mark Chief Operating Officer Rob Samuels and Mixologist Extraordinaire Duane Fernandez, Jr. discussing the evolution of the Maker’s Mark brand and the role of bourbon in the NYC mixology scene!
Rob Samuels
The Samuels Family has been producing whisky longer than any other family in the world. Thus, it is no surprise that Rob Samuels is continuing the family legacy as COO of Maker’s Mark and upholding the traditions of craft and quality established by his father, Bill Samuels, Jr., and grandfather, Bill Samuels, Sr. – the founder of Maker’s Mark.
A proud descendant in a long line of leaders, Rob was named after Robert Samuels, a captain in the Cumberland (Pa.) County militia who fought in the Revolutionary War and the Whisky Rebellion and was responsible for bringing the Samuels family to the United States. Growing up in Loretto, Kentucky, Rob Samuels’ passion for Maker’s Mark and knack for business developed at a young age. Like his father before him, Rob learned about Maker’s Mark firsthand from his grandparents, Bill Sr. and Margie, and has spent time working every job at the distillery; from the milling, cooking and fermentation of the grains to distillation, warehousing, bottling and even the dipping line where every bottle gets its signature red wax seal. All of this experience has given him a unique understanding of the distinctive craft and heritage that is the legacy of Maker’s Mark.
Duane Fernandez
Duane has been in the bartending business for over a decade and is an acclaimed cocktail consultant who has created innovative bar menus at the likes of ACME, Theater Bar, Donatella and Wise Men in NYC. Duane works with numerous brands and regularly brings them to life via television, radio and print media and just opened the highly anticipated cocktail bar American Whiskey in in New York City!
Shot on location at the newley opened bourbon bar American Whiskey on 27 W30th Street (Between 7th & 8th Avenues!