Maker's Mark

Makers Mark Distillery

Region
  • USA, Kentucky
Awards
  • International Whiskey Competition (IWC) 2021, Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) 2021
Website
  • https://www.makersmark.com/en-us/
Phone Number
  • +12708652099
Address
  • 3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY 40037, United States

Historic black barn with red accents in rural landscape.

History of Makers Mark Distillery

The Beginning (1953)

  • Foundation by Bill Samuels Sr.: Transition from engineer to craftsman, igniting a revolution in bourbon-making.
  • Vision and Innovation: Creating a unique bourbon that emphasises personal taste preferences.

The Distillery’s Location: Star Hill Farm

  • Natural Beauty and Practicality: The farm’s unique limestone shelf plays a crucial role in the water purification process, vital for their bourbon.

Margie Samuels’ Legacy

  • Branding Brilliance: Margie’s design of the iconic bottle, label, and red wax seal.
  • Pioneer of Bourbon Tourism: Her innovative approach added a new dimension to the industry.

Bill Samuels Jr.’s Contributions

  • Expansion and Innovation: Introduction of new techniques like wood stave finishing.
  • Elevating the Brand: Transition from a local favorite to a nationally recognized bourbon.

Rob Samuels’ Modern Stewardship

  • Sustainability and Quality Focus: Upholding the family tradition with a focus on environmentally friendly practices.

Awards Won by Makers Mark Distillery

International Whiskey Competition (IWC) 2021:

  • Best Bourbon & Best American Whiskey: Black Bourbon Society’s Maker’s Mark® Private Selection: Recipe 2

Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) 2021:

  • Top Small Batch Bourbon: Maker’s Mark® Private Selection: Recipe 2 (96 points, Chairman’s Trophy)
  • Other Recognitions:
    • Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Batch: Finalist (95 points)
    • Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon: 91 points
    • Maker’s Mark 101: Great Value (93 points)

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2021:

  • Maker’s Mark® Private Selection: Recipe 2: Spirit Gold – Outstanding (98 points)
  • Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Spirit Gold (95 points)
  • Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2020 Limited Release: Spirit Gold (96 points)

San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2021:

  • Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Batch: Gold medal
  • Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Double Gold medal
  • Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Gold medal

International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2021:

  • Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 Limited Release: FAE-01: Gold medal

Makers Mark Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Maker’s Mark Distillery offers a captivating tour experience for visitors at their Star Hill Farm location in Loretto, Kentucky. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

Location and Schedule

  • The distillery is at 3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY 40037.
  • It is open every day of the week.
  • The operating hours are from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, with the last tour commencing at 3:30 pm.

Tour Experience

  • The tour provides an in-depth look into the distillery’s operations, from the stillhouse to the warehouse.
  • Visitors explore the unique aspects of bourbon making, including the traditional methods that Maker’s Mark employs.
  • The tour is designed to be memorable, showcasing the charm and craftsmanship of the distillery.

Dining at Star Hill Provisions®

  • Alongside the tour, you can enjoy delicious food and cocktails at the Star Hill Provisions® restaurant.
  • The restaurant features locally sourced and inspired ingredients.
  • It is open from Monday to Saturday, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Additional Opportunities

Visitors can join the Maker’s Mark family by signing up as an Ambassador, which gives early access to news and updates about Maker’s Mark®.

Flask & Barrel Review of Makers Mark Distillery

Visiting Maker’s Mark Distillery was an absolute treat. As a seasoned whisky collector who’s toured numerous distilleries, I’ve got a good handle on what makes a tour stand out, and Maker’s Mark hits the mark.

From the get-go, the setting of the distillery is picturesque, nestled in the beautiful Kentucky countryside. It’s the perfect backdrop for a day exploring the world of whisky. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, striking that perfect balance between informative and approachable, which is always a plus.

The tour itself was a fantastic experience. Getting an up-close look at the whisky-making process, from mashing to fermenting to distilling, was incredibly insightful. Maker’s Mark doesn’t shy away from showing you the nitty-gritty of their craft, which, for a whisky enthusiast like me, is incredibly appreciated.

The highlight was undoubtedly the tasting session. Sampling their signature whiskies, with their distinct, smooth flavours, was a delight. There’s a lot of passion and expertise that goes into every bottle.

The only slight downside, if I had to pick one, was the size of the tour group. It was a bit larger than I prefer, making some parts of the tour feel a tad crowded. But honestly, that’s a minor quibble in an otherwise superb experience.

In summary, Maker’s Mark Distillery tour is a must-visit for any whisky aficionado. It offers a rich, immersive experience that’s both educational and enjoyable. I’d rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5. The tour solidified my appreciation for Maker’s Mark whisky and left me eager to add a few more of their bottles to my collection.

What To Do Nearby Makers Mark Distillery

Limestone Branch Distillery: Only a 6.2-mile drive from Maker’s Mark, this distillery offers another opportunity to delve into Kentucky’s bourbon culture. With rave reviews, it’s a must-visit for any whisky enthusiast​​.

Independent Stave Company – Kentucky Cooperage: Situated 8.4 miles away, this cooperage is where you can witness the art of barrel making. It’s a unique addition to understanding the complete process of bourbon production​​.

Jesters Winery & Cafe: A mere 2.7 miles from Maker’s Mark, this winery offers a delightful change of pace with its selection of wines and a quaint cafe setting, perfect for a relaxing afternoon​​.

McIntyre’s Winery & Berries: Located 9.4 miles away, this winery is another excellent spot for wine lovers. It offers a chance to taste local Kentucky wines and enjoy the beautiful surroundings​​.

The Abbey of Gethsemani: Just 9.8 miles from Maker’s Mark, this tranquil abbey is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. It’s a place for reflection and appreciation of the serene Kentucky landscapes​​.

Kentucky Classic Arts at Centre: This attraction, 7.4 miles away, is great for those interested in the local arts scene. It offers a cultural touch to your visit​​.

Talbott Tavern: This historic tavern, not far from Maker’s Mark, provides a unique dining experience with its American cuisine and a wide selection of spirits, including local bourbons. It’s also a cozy place to stay if you’re looking for accommodation in the area​​.

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest: A short drive from Maker’s Mark, this arboretum is perfect for nature lovers. With over 16,000 acres and 40 miles of hiking trails, it offers a great outdoor experience, including birdwatching and fishing​​.

Kentucky Railway Museum: Situated in New Haven, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of railroads in Kentucky. It features a collection of vintage locomotives and train cars, and even offers train rides on select days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Makers Mark Distillery?

Huddle House: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +12706992143. Their address is 613 W Main St, Loretto, KY.

Cedarwood Restaurant: This establishment has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. The contact number is +12706924474. You can find them at 660 E Main St, Loretto, KY.

Mi lindo Cuernavaca: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. The contact number for reservation is +12706920027. The restaurant is located at 213 W Main St, Loretto, KY.

What hotels are near Makers Mark Distillery?

Hampton Inn Lebanon: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +12706994000. Their address is 1125 N Loretto Rd, Lebanon, KY 40033, United States.

Wildflower Ranch Inn: This establishment has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18599740028. Their address is Wildflower Ranch Inn, 3200 Lebanon Rd, Springfield, KY 40069, United States.

Maple Hill Manor: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18593363075. Their address is 2941 Perryville Rd, Springfield, KY 40069, United States.