Maker’s Mark Launches Limited Whiskey Series That Honors Racing Thoroughbreds of the Past — Starting With Man o’ War

Maker’s Mark and Keeneland Race Course announced a new series of whiskeys honoring racing thoroughbreds of the past, and it begins with the iconic ickMan o’War. (Photo: Maker’s Mark/Keeneland)

Keeneland Race Course and Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon announced on Thursday a new decade-spanning whiskey series honoring the great racing thoroughbreds of the past with a different horse featured each year. The first release of the “Greats of the Gate” series honors the legendary racehorse, Man o’War, who competed shortly after World War I and was considered one of the greatest racehorses in history after winning 20 out of 21 races.

The limited release will hit the shelves of specialized retailers in Kentucky starting in October, and the bottle is labeled with an illustration by local artist Tyler Robertson. The bottle is wrapped with yellow and black — a nod to Man o’War’s racing colors.

Profits from the sales of each bottle from the “Greats of the Gate” series will go to nonprofits supporting Kentucky hospitality, arts and the horse racing industry.

“Keeneland and Maker’s Mark have a rich history of working hand-in-hand to support organizations making an impact in Kentucky,” Maker’s Mark Managing Director and eighth-generation whiskey maker Rob Samuels said in a statement. “We’re honored to partner each year in such a meaningful way, dating back to when Keeneland was our first customer serving Maker’s Mark in the 1950s and setting the stage for decades of collaboration to follow.”

The brands claim for the first three years of the series, proceeds will be allocated to Kentucky Harvest, Arts Center of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Farms Charities. BGFC supports individuals who work in the thoroughbred industry and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Maker’s Mark has supported horse racing in the past and in March 2022 partnered with the Breeder’s Cup to launch a Private Selection Experience, which marked the most expensive whiskey experience in the history of the brand. Tickets cost $3,000 apiece.

“Keeneland is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Maker’s Mark to benefit both the Thoroughbred industry and our communities,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Keeneland and Maker’s Mark share a mission of service and philanthropy, and the commemorative bottles have been a fun way to engage our fans and support deserving organizations through the years.”

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