PR94268

LORETTO, Ky., Jan. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

    - With Industry-Leading Environmental and Community Focused Efforts, Iconic

Kentucky Bourbon Joins a Growing Global Movement of Companies Using Business

for Good

Maker's Mark has earned B Corporation [

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3424210-1&h=1694851457&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbcorporation.net%2F&a=B+Corporation

] Certification, making it the largest distillery in the world and the first in

Kentucky's famed Bourbon Country to achieve the distinction, which recognizes

companies working to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The B Corp

Certification affirms years of industry-leading efforts by Maker's Mark

intended to benefit the greater good and signals a major milestone on the

brand's environmentally conscious mission to "Make Your Mark. Leave No Trace" –

now and for the future.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1734165/Makers_Mark_Logo.jpg  

"Since 1953, my grandparents instilled a sense of responsibility here at

Maker's Mark that started with the way we make our bourbon and extended to the

way we impact the lives of our teams, our customers, our communities and our

shared environment," said Rob Samuels, 8th Generation Whisky Maker and Grandson

of the Founders at Maker's Mark. "That commitment to a higher purpose continues

to live on, both here in Kentucky and beyond. I am so proud of our team's

tireless efforts that have earned us B Corp certification, and I'm even more

excited to continue pioneering social and environmental initiatives that

benefit the future of bourbon and greater good for all."

Maker's Mark achieved B Corp Certification by meeting and exceeding rigorous

benchmarks across five categories of the B Impact Assessment: Community,

Customers, Environment, Governance and Workers. Key efforts recognized as part

of the scoring and certification include the following:

    - Maker's Mark is a spirits industry leader in its environmental practices,

      implementing innovative programs at its property on Star Hill Farm to

      preserve the natural resources that go into making its whisky and better

      the world around it. Initiatives include a distillery-wide zero landfill

      initiative; an onsite recycling program that is the first in Marion

      County, Ky. and open to community members; the establishment of a natural

      water sanctuary protecting the watershed at Star Hill Farm; and the

      implementation of a solar array that powers the extensive Maker's Mark

      warehouse complex.

    - The bourbon producer is renowned for its community and philanthropic

      efforts, having invested millions of dollars in the hospitality industry,

      local Kentucky causes and the arts since its founding more than 65 years

      ago. In recent years, Maker's Mark has acted as a principal partner to

      The LEE Initiative, which aims to address issues of equality and

      diversity in the restaurant industry. During the COVID-19 global

      pandemic, Maker's Mark and The LEE Initiative have worked together to

      feed more than 1.5 million hospitality workers in cities across the

      United States.

    - Maker's Mark has earned a decades-long reputation as an employer with

      workplace opportunities that exceed the industry standard. The company

      offers generous benefits and compensation, including the highest wages in

      its community; opportunities for advancement, job training and tuition

      assistance for employees; and six months paid maternity leave.

B Corp Certification is just one step Maker's Mark is taking to "Make Your

Mark. Leave No Trace," as part of its long-term environmentally-focused mission

which couples bold, regenerative actions with comprehensive efforts to leave

nothing harmful behind. Beyond the initiatives assessed as part of B Corp

Certification, Maker's Mark has introduced several innovative efforts to create

a more sustainable future for the spirits industry, including the establishment

of the world's largest repository of American White Oak trees for research

purposes; a first-of-its-kind genome mapping project of the American White Oak

species; and regenerative farming practices to enrich soil for more robust and

flavorful varieties of grain.

Maker's Mark joins more than 4,000 Certified B Corporations around the world –

including Patagonia, Allbirds, Burton Snowboards and Sipsmith(R) Gin – that

meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance,

public transparency and legal accountability. Aspiring to use the power of

business to address social and environmental issues, B Corps become certified

through rigorous verification by B Lab and undergo verification every three

years. The Certification is designed to help consumers identify companies with

a mission that align with their values.

For more information about Maker's Mark and its efforts for good, visit

www.MakersMark.com.

For more information about B Corp visit www.Bcorporation.net.

About Maker's Mark(R) Bourbon

In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a

handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches,

using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then

rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to

taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium

handmade spirit, and today Maker's Mark continues to make its bourbon the same

way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just fine 60+ years

later, as Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Double Gold

medal at the esteemed San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2021. In recent

years, Maker's Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its

portfolio, including Maker's Mark 46, Maker's Mark Cask Strength and Maker's

Mark Private Selection, the brand's first-ever custom barrel program. For more

information, visit www.makersmark.com.

About B Corporation

Certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards of social and environmental

performance, legally expand their corporate responsibilities to include

consideration of stakeholder interests and build collective voice through the

power of the unifying B Corporation brand. There are more than 4,000 certified

B Corporations from over 150 industries and over 75 countries, representing a

diverse multi-billion-dollar marketplace with 1 unifying goal.

About B Lab

B Lab is transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities,

and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates

standards, policies, tools, and programs for business, and we certify

companies—known as B Corps—who are leading the way. To date, our community

includes 280,000 workers in over 4,000 B Corps across 77 countries and 153

industries, and more than 150,000 companies manage. To learn, visit

www.bcorporation.net.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY.  PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.

Maker's Mark(R) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. (c)2022 Maker's

Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

SOURCE  Maker's Mark Bourbon

CONTACT:  Maker's Mark // EVINS Communications: Drew Tybus, Email:

Drew.Tybus@evins.com, Phone: 212-377-3597