CEO/Creative Director, The Bourbon Life
Master of Bourbon | WSET Level II | International Whiskey Judge

Meet Mark D. Rucker, an attorney based in Lexington, Kentucky. In December 2018, Rucker decided to share three things he held dearly - his love for his home state of Kentucky, his fascination with bourbon, and his passion for photography - when he launched The Bourbon Life Instagram account.

The Bourbon Life was meant to be a personal outlet for Rucker – a creative escape from his work as an attorney – but it quickly transformed into something much grander.

The account grew almost exponentially, drawing the attention of Bourbon enthusiasts from every comer of the globe, and has amassed a staggering 53,000 followers, making it one of the most followed Bourbon sites on Instagram.

Capitalizing on this success, Rucker embarked on another exciting venture in February 2020 - The Bourbon Life Podcast. In collaboration with his friend and co-host, Matt Hughes, Rucker uses the platform to share captivating stories of individuals and brands from the Bourbon community every week with listeners around the globe.

The podcast quickly soared to remarkable heights and holds the title of being the 2nd most listened to Bourbon podcast in the world. With avid listeners spanning more than forty-six countries, Rucker's impact on the global Bourbon community has become undeniable.

Rucker's unwavering dedication to his love of, and quest for knowledge about, Bourbon reached its pinnacle in April of 2023 when the Council of Whiskey Masters bestowed upon him the rare and coveted title of Master of Bourbon, 1 of only 5 in the world, solidifying his position as a leading authority in the realm of Bourbon experts.

Beyond his professional successes, Rucker cherishes a fulfilling family life. He resides in Lexington with his beloved wife, Annita, and is a proud parent to two adult children, Abby and Mason.