Maker's Mark president Bill Samuels announces retirement

[boone]

His son Rob will take his place.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/01/12/1596013/makers-mark-president-bill-samuels.html

[cowdery]

Probably more significant is the fact, mentioned in the press release, that Maker's has surpassed one million cases in annual sales, a threshold never before reached by a premium American whiskey.

[proof and age]

Probably more significant is the fact, mentioned in the press release, that Maker's has surpassed one million cases in annual sales, a threshold never before reached by a premium American whiskey.

"has achieved the milestone of a million cases annually" is the language used, as in production? I think that sales are still in the mid 700K range.

[Josh]

proof and age, you seem to be quite knowledgeable. Why don't you tell us a little about yourself and your sources? Or at least fill out your profile more so we can get to know you better.

[CorvallisCracker]

"has achieved the milestone of a million cases annually" is the language used, as in production? I think that sales are still in the mid 700K range.

Domestic or world wide?

[proof and age]

Domestic or world wide?

All, worldwide. There was another article from October that originally announced Rob's new position that clearly stated that the Million case projection was production. Also laid out the expansion that has taken place there at Star Hill and stated that thier capacity for production would double after the work is done in early 2011 (again, the info from the AP article). The Makers 46 sales are folded into this number as well from what I understand. Mr. Cowdery was quoted in this article commenting on the passing of the bataan.

[cowdery]

If they were referring to one-million cases in terms of current production, not sales, that would be disingenuous because nobody talks that way. Production is quoted in number of bushels mashed, proof gallons distilled or barrels filled, not converted to future cases. The press release says, "Now that we’ve achieved the milestone of one million cases as a brand..."

The article in the Courier Journal says, "Last year the company bottled 1 million cases for the first time."

In 2008, Kevin Smith told me they were on track to reach one million cases in sales by 2010.

It's sales.

[proof and age]

If they were referring to one-million cases in terms of current production, not sales, that would be disingenuous because nobody talks that way. Production is quoted in number of bushels mashed, proof gallons distilled or barrels filled, not converted to future cases. The press release says, "Now that we’ve achieved the milestone of one million cases as a brand..."

The article in the Courier Journal says, "Last year the company bottled 1 million cases for the first time."

In 2008, Kevin Smith told me they were on track to reach one million cases in sales by 2010.

It's sales.

I have scoured all the news stories and press releases and see nowhere printed that sales exceeded 1 million cases, but rather have read over and over that cases bottled exceeded 1 million cases in 2010. Selling a million cases in a year is not the same as bottling a million cases. I have full repsect for Bill Samuels Jr. and in no way would try to question his impact on Bourbon and American whiskey during his tenure. In fact, I believe that the team at MM will likely achieve this milestone sooner than later, as it has been a mantra there for a number of years. I have tried to prove myself wrong, but have not been able to.

[smokinjoe]

I have scoured all the news stories and press releases and see nowhere printed that sales exceeded 1 million cases, but rather have read over and over that cases bottled exceeded 1 million cases in 2010. Selling a million cases in a year is not the same as bottling a million cases. I have full repsect for Bill Samuels Jr. and in no way would try to question his impact on Bourbon and American whiskey during his tenure. In fact, I believe that the team at MM will likely achieve this milestone sooner than later, as it has been a mantra there for a number of years. I have tried to prove myself wrong, but have not been able to.

So, if I'm interpreting your numbers correctly, then Maker's is selling only 70% of what they make? :skep:

[Josh]

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15204

[cowdery]

Selling a million cases in a year is not the same as bottling a million cases.

Actually, for all intents and purposes, it is. It's true for everybody, because you don't bottle it if it's not sold. It's especially true for Maker's because they have been on allocation for decades. They sell everything they make.

[jmpyle]

Bill Samuels Jr. said on WhiskyCast yesterday that they've hit a Million Cases. So that part is at least confirmed. I think what you guys are saying might be the same thing, but sort of a semantics issue. They've probably produced 1MM cases to keep pace with sales. Certainly they wouldn't produce 1MM cases and only have sold 70% of it, but I don't think we'll ever know that all 1MM are sold are not. Some surplus has to be there to be prepared and stay somewhat ahead of things.

Bottom line though, it's a lot of production and a lot of sales.