Maker’s Mark, the Kentucky bourbon brand known for its handcrafted approach to whisky-making, has unveiled a new collaboration with British actor Lucien Laviscount.
The project is designed to spotlight the value of slowing down and being intentional in everyday moments, especially as Father’s Day approaches in the UK.
The campaign includes a short film shot at the newly opened Hawksmoor restaurant in St Pancras, London, blending storytelling, hospitality culture, and cocktail craftsmanship.
Short Film Focuses on Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World
At the centre of the release is a short film featuring Lucien Laviscount reflecting on how often people make small compromises in daily life due to busy schedules and modern pressures.
In the film, the tone shifts toward appreciation of moments that deserve more care—highlighting how something as simple as a well-made drink can become a pause for intention and presence.
The narrative builds toward Laviscount enjoying a Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned, positioned as a symbol of doing things properly rather than quickly.
The film will debut on Laviscount’s Instagram account, giving the campaign a strong digital-first rollout aimed at lifestyle and hospitality audiences.
Actor Highlights Value of Quality and Intention
Speaking about the collaboration, Laviscount described the experience of stepping into a high-quality bar environment as something that naturally encourages people to slow down.
He noted that daily life is often filled with shortcuts, but meaningful moments stand out when they are treated with care.
For him, the Old Fashioned cocktail represents that idea—simple ingredients combined thoughtfully to create something memorable and balanced.
His involvement aligns with the campaign’s wider message of appreciating craftsmanship and resisting unnecessary shortcuts.
Maker’s Mark Emphasises Tradition and Handcrafted Production
Representing the brand, Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark and an eighth-generation whisky maker, reinforced the company’s long-standing production philosophy.
He explained that the brand’s identity is built around attention to detail, from barrel rotation to flavour-based ageing decisions, as well as the signature hand-dipped red wax seal on every bottle.
According to Samuels, this commitment to process and patience is what defines Maker’s Mark and connects directly with the themes explored in the collaboration with Laviscount.
Changing Consumer Habits Drive Premium Drinking Experiences
The campaign arrives at a time when UK consumers are reportedly becoming more selective about how they spend on dining and nightlife experiences.
While fewer outings may be taking place overall, spending per occasion is rising, with consumers increasingly choosing higher-quality venues and premium experiences when they do go out.
This shift reflects a broader cultural focus on meaningful leisure moments rather than routine consumption.
Maker’s Mark and its partners are positioning the campaign within this trend, linking craftsmanship in whisky-making to hospitality experiences.
Hawksmoor Partnership Brings Exclusive Cocktail to UK Restaurants
As part of the collaboration, Maker’s Mark has teamed up with acclaimed restaurant group Hawksmoor to introduce a limited seasonal cocktail offering.
A special variation of the Old Fashioned, named “Kentucky River,” will be available throughout June across Hawksmoor locations in London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
The drink blends Maker’s Mark bourbon with white cacao, peach, and a lemon twist, offering a summer-forward interpretation of the classic cocktail.
The partnership is designed to extend the campaign beyond digital storytelling and into real-world dining experiences.
Home Recipe Encourages Viewers to Recreate the Experience
To complement the restaurant and media rollout, the campaign also shares a simple method for preparing a Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned at home.
The recipe includes Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon, sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange peel, served over a large block of ice.
The process emphasises stirring for proper dilution and chilling before straining into a rocks glass, finishing with a citrus garnish.
By offering a home version alongside the bar experience, the campaign encourages audiences to bring a sense of intention and craft into their own routines.
