The Beaufort Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, has partnered with Maker’s Mark to create its own interpretation of Maker’s Mark bourbon. One of only a handful of locations to feature a custom barrel, the hotel’s 34° North Restaurant will be a first for the Crystal Coast.
The one-of-a-kind bourbon is the product of a custom finishing process applied to the legendary Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Members of the Beaufort Hotel’s management team traveled to Lorreto, Kentucky, to partner with master distillers at Maker’s.
“After patiently waiting for our barrel to mature, we’re finally ready to share our Maker’s Mark Private Select® Bourbon with the public at an exclusive launch dinner,” stated Peter Grills, general manager at the Beaufort Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member.
On Saturday, August 24, Maker’s Mark Chairman Emeritus Bill Samuels, Jr., will host an exclusive event to commemorate Beaufort Hotel’s Private Select Whisky and share insight on the bourbon creation process.
Bill Samuels, Jr., was born into a family that had been making whisky in the U.S. for six generations. In 1784, Robert Samuels mustered out of George Washington’s Army, resettled in Kentucky with his father’s 60-gallon copper still, and began a tradition of distilling success. Bill, Jr., carried that torch as President and CEO of Maker’s Mark for 35 years and today that tradition continues under the guidance of his son, Rob Samuels.
“We are excited to have Mr. Samuels as our honorary guest so he can share a story or two about all of the incredible history he’s been eyewitness to,” stated Grills.
Besides world-class food, a welcome cocktail and tastings of the Maker’s Mark Bourbon family – including Beaufort Hotel’s new Maker’s Mark Private Select® offering – dinner guests will also receive special gift bags and prizes.
“Our goal is to provide our guests with distinct and memorable experiences, and this custom Maker’s Mark bourbon has been created to do just that,” said Grills.
The reception starts at 6 p.m. with passed specialty cocktails and Pork Belly Bites. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., featuring Smoked Duck Breast, and Braised Short Rib. The event will conclude with house-made assorted truffles.
Cost is $125 per person (plus tax and service charge). Limited seating is available. Overnight accommodations are available at the Beaufort Hotel at $199 per night, plus tax.
On Sunday, August 25, the Beaufort Hotel will host a unique Wood Class, where guests will learn just how integral wood is to the whisky-making process at Maker’s Mark. The wood-finishing series at Maker’s Mark was created to explore new, unique expressions of their signature whisky. Beginning as fully matured Maker’s Mark at cask strength, Private Select is created by adding 10 custom wood finishing staves to each barrel. It’s then aged in their limestone cellar to extract a unique, flavorful taste profile.
Guests will learn how members of the Beaufort Hotel selected a variety of wood staves to create a version of Maker’s Mark Private Select® that is truly exceptional.
The event starts at 11 a.m. and cost is $25, per person.
Reservations are required for both events by calling the hotel’s concierge desk at 252-838-7257.
The Beaufort Hotel is located at 2440 Lennoxville Road. 252-728-3000. For more information, visit www.BeaufortHotelNC.com.
