Bam Adebayo Is Making His Mark With Maker’s Mark

Photo Credit: Nick Garcia

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

PHOTOGRAPHY NICK GARCIA

STYLING KIMMIE SUSSMAN

GROOMING LESLIE MUNSELL

SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MIAMI

Miami Heat captain, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo has a brand new gig: bourbon-maker!

The 27-year-old athlete and his mother, Marilyn Blount, have collaborated with Maker’s Mark, the iconic Kentucky bourbon driven by the pursuit of better flavor and a better world, launch his custom blend, “Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1,” which is now available at select retailers in Miami at the suggested retail price $69.99.

“My mom is my inspiration on and off the court, and it was a great experience to create our own custom blend of Maker’s Mark,” says Adebayo. “Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1 celebrates what my mom and I both love best about the iconic Kentucky bourbon.”

The University of Kentucky alum and his mother visited the Maker’s Mark Distillery earlier this year to participate in the brand’s Private Selection program, which allows individuals, retail and restaurant partners to purchase a barrel and explore their own taste visions of Maker’s Mark.  At 112.2 proof, Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1 boasts bold notes of vanilla and baking space, as well as toasted coconut, and a light bright aroma of honey suckle and clove.

Here, we chatted to the NBA star about his latest exciting and spirited venture. 

Photo Credit: Maker’s Mark
Let’s talk about your latest initiative. How did you and your mom end up working with Maker’s Mark?

After playing basketball to the University of Kentucky, I was very familiar with the Maker’s Mark brand. When the opportunity was brought to me, what immediately stood out was how Maker’s Mark aligned with my goal to give back to the community. Giving back is huge for me and I’m always looking for meaningful ways to make an impact. Once I saw that Maker’s Mark shared that same vision and had a strong commitment to making an impact, it was an easy decision to become involved.

There’s a Kentucky connection in that you went to the University of Kentucky, where Maker’s Mark is from. Have you always been a fan of the brand?

You know, I’ve always said, from the first time I went to Kentucky, it just felt like it was home. And Maker’s Mark is such a staple in the community, it’s impossible to not be a fan of the brand. Especially because while, yes, Maker’s Mark is an iconic bourbon, the brand also really prioritizes giving back to organizations that support Kentucky art, culture, and sustainability.

You called the bourbon you and your mom made as Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1. What does that mean?

My mom is my inspiration on and off the court, and it’s wonderful to find ways for us to spend time and collaborate together. We named our Maker’s Mark Private Select “Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1,” because we’ve never had an experience like this before – and it truly is a one-of-a-kind bourbon that represents us both.

Photo Credit: Maker’s Mark

What was it like creating your own Private Select barrel with the brand and with your mom?

It was such a special experience to share this with my mom. She’s such a huge part of my life, so having her here to create something new, that has never been made before, felt right. This barrel is something we’ll always share and knowing we created it together makes it even more special.

As a bonding exercise with your mom, was this among your favorites? If so, why?

Definitely one of my favorites. Any time I get to spend making memories with my mom, especially when it’s introducing her to new experiences or trying something she’s always wanted to do, is special to me. This was a unique opportunity to do something where we could express ourselves creatively while also giving back to our foundation to help others.

Can you describe the process?

We visited the Maker’s Mark Distillery over the summer, which sits on over 1,000 acres of farmland, they’ve named Star Hill Farm. We toured the campus, heard about the history of the brand and how so much of their bourbon production process remains the same today – consistently handmade with such attention to detail.

We were invited to do our Private Selection experience in the Lakeside Tasting Room, which is stunning, and overlooks the lake and natural watershed that inspired the Maker’s Mark founders to originally choose the land in Loretto, Kentucky in 1953. Maker’s Mark still owns, protects, and enriches all 76 acres of its main lake’s watershed; and today, is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification.

Basically, the Private Selection program allows you to customize your own barrel based on your specific taste visions of Maker’s Mark. The process begins with cask-strength Maker’s Mark. Based on your aroma and taste preferences, you smell, taste, and select a combination of wood-finishing staves that matches your preferences. It really is a full sensory experience my mom and I enjoyed. Then, the staves are specifically fitted in the barrel and the bourbon ages for nine additional weeks in the distillery’s limestone cellar.

Photo Credit: Maker’s Mark

Can you describe the taste?

At 112.2 proof, Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1 boasts bold notes of vanilla and baking space, as well as toasted coconut, and a light bright aroma of honey suckle and clove.

Where can people find it?

We’re selling our Maker’s Mark Private Select “Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1,” at Vintage Liquors (300 SW 18th Terrace in Miami) beginning on November 20th while supplies last.

What’s your go-to cocktail?

I usually go for pineapple and tequila as my go-to. It’s simple, but it’s packed with flavor. However, I love trying out new drinks and experimenting with what I like. I have a feeling my new favorite will involve recipes using my Maker’s Mark private select.

Photo Credit: Maker’s Mark

How would you describe the bottling you made, and how would you apply those terms to you as a person?

The bottling we created feels bold, smooth and layered. It reflects attention to detail and has a warmth to it that I think mirrors the way I approach life.

What is a personal experience you can relay where you’ve celebrated with a glass of Maker’s Mark or a Maker’s Mark cocktail?

This one. Celebrating this experience with my mom is something I’ll never forget. Crafting our own bottle together was special and now every sip of this bourbon is tied back to these moments. It’s a taste that will always bring me back to this special memory.

Did you learn anything about yourself through the process of creating your own bourbon? What, if so?

I definitely came away with a new appreciation for bourbon. I’ve always heard about the effort that goes into winemaking, but never knew making bourbon was just as delicate. It’s a craft, essentially an art form, and learning about the process gave me real respect for the people who make it happen.

Photo Credit: Maker’s Mark