September is National Bourbon Heritage Month as you may have noticed the flood of fantastic upcoming Bourbon releases that commence along with it. Admittingly, we could not have predicted this news bit – Maker’s Mark Master Distiller, Denny Potter, and Master of Maturation, Jane Bowie, have announced they are departing their longtime employer this Friday, Sept 2nd.
Potter first joined the brand in 2003, working his way quickly to Assistant Master Distiller before venturing into other related distilling roles within the parent company (now Beam Suntory). He would then leave to become Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller for 5+ years (2013 – 2017) before returning back to Maker’s in 2018 as their MD.
Bowie is a 16 year veteran of Maker’s, making a distinguished name for herself in the art of blending and being integral to Maker’s rapid expansion into the innovating world of barrel finishes, specifically Maker’s Mark Private Barrel Select Program.
Per Shanken News Daily , Maker’s COO Rob Samuels kindly noted that their departure won’t change their “Family Status” at the Lebanon, KY based distillery.
Their next move has not been made public. Is their simultaneous departure a sign of them joining forces and combining their liquid talents for their next career play? It certainly is a possibility. We will keep you informed with the lasted news.
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