Maker’s Mark Diplomat Phil Olsen visited Hilo. He educated some bourbon enthusiasts on several spirits by Maker’s Mark. These included two very special Kadota Liquor Private Selections. The event at Kenichi Restaurant was $95. For that price, we enjoyed heavy pupus with our bourbon tastings. We also took home a bottle of Kadota Private Selection Maker’s Mark and a Kadota Liquor embossed Spiegelau bourbon glass.

We learned about the history of Maker’s Mark. The founders started the distillery in 1953 when they purchased an old distillery and a lake. Having a source of awesome water was key to making great bourbon. Also, because they kept the old distillery, the distillery is now designated as a National Historic Landmark. This was a true husband and wife team effort that made the company what it is today. Sounds like a place I should visit! If you visit and buy a bottle, you get to hand-dip your own bottle with its iconic red wax seal.

Ryan Kadota of Kadota Liquor visited the distillery a few years ago. Ryan and a wine sommelier friend blended a couple of bourbons to meet the taste of our Hilo palate. If you’re intrigued, you can find it at Kadota Liquor. Ask for Ryan and ask him to tell you about the Maker’s Mark Kadota Private Selection Volume 3 and Volume 4. They were both very popular this evening.

At this fun bourbon-tasting event, we not only hung out with friends we knew, but also made new friends. I got to meet Kaleo and Rebecca, the owners of Hirano Store in Mountain View. If you haven’t heard of the Hirano Store chili, you need to make a point to go visit and try it. Coincidentally, Aaron had just bought some Hirano Store chili earlier in the day that we were looking forward to eating when we got home. It was even more delicious after meeting Kaleo and Rebecca! Living Hilo Style.