If you're looking for a truly unique experience, then look no further than the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. This iconic distillery is part of the American Whiskey Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and offers tours that are sure to be an unforgettable experience.
At Maker's Mark Distillery, visitors will get a firsthand look at the process of making bourbon whisky from its grain selection to bottling. It's an intimate experience that sheds light on the specialness and tradition of making Kentucky bourbon.
The tour begins with an orientation video about the history of the Maker's Mark brand and its production process. Afterward, guests can tour the distillery itself where they can see exactly how each bottle of Maker's Mark is made from start to finish.
During the tour, guests also have the opportunity to learn about some of the ingredients used in creating their signature bourbons such as corn, wheat, barley malt and red winter wheat. They will also get to witness firsthand how each batch is hand-bottled with red wax before being sealed for sale.
At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy complimentary tastings of thre different types of Maker's Mark whiskies; Original Bourbon, Cask Strength Bourbon and Private Select Bourbon. They'll also receive a souvenir tasting glass so they can take home a piece of their experience at Maker's Mark Distillery.
For those who want to stay longer and really immerse themselves in this incredible environment, there's even an option to stay at the Maker's Mark Founder's House for an ultimate bourbon trail experience complete with a private dinner in their historic dining room and access to exclusive tastings.
If you're looking for a truly unique experience that celebrates one of America's most beloved spirits – then a visit to Maker's Mark Distillery is just what you need!
Visiting Makers Mark Without a Tour
Yes, you can visit Makers Mark without taking a tour. The Visitors Center is open from 9 am to 5pm every day, except for major holidays. You can explore the gift shop, tasting room, and educational exhibits without taking a tour. In the gift shop you can purchase bottles of Maker's Mark or items from the barrel selection. In the tasting room you can sample Maker's Mark products as well as craft cocktails and othr spirits made on-site. You can also learn about the distillation process and Maker's Mark history through interactive exhibits and videos. So come on by and experience Maker's Mark without a tour!
The Distillery Behind Makers Mark
Makers Mark is a small-batch bourbon whisky produced in Loretto, Kentucky by Beam Suntory. Beam Suntory is an international spirits company that was formed in 2014 with the merger of Suntory Holdings Ltd. and Beam Inc., two of the world's largest producers of distilled spirits. The distillery offers tours, and is part of the American Whiskey Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Makers Mark is bottled at 90 U.S. proof (45% alcohol by volume) and sold in squarish bottles sealed with red wax.
Cost of Touring Makers Mark Distillery
It costs $25 per adult to tour and taste at the Makers Mark distillery. However, there is no charge for active duty military with an ID. During the tour, you will learn about the specialness and tradition of making Kentucky bourbon in an intimate setting. The tour includes a tasting of Makers Mark whiskey.
Staying at Makers Mark Distillery
Yes, you can stay at the Maker's Mark Founder's House for a tuly unique and unforgettable experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Located in Loretto, Kentucky, the historic house was built in 1840 by Robert Samuels and his wife Margie who founded Maker's Mark Distillery. This luxurious bed & breakfast offers guests the opportunity to stay in one of the four individually decorated rooms that all come with a full private bath and a cozy fireplace. Guests can also take part in exclusive tours of the distillery grounds, enjoy bourbon tastings, and even learn how to make their own bottle of Maker's Mark with their own personalized label. With all these features and more, this is truly an exceptional experience for bourbon lovers!
Dipping Bottles at Makers Mark
Yes, if you visit the Makers Mark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, you can dip your own bottle in the famous red wax. The process is done by hand and has been a tradition of Makers Mark since it was first established in the 1950s. It's a fun activity that allows visitors to take home their own unique piece of Makers Mark history. All bottles are dipped to the same exact standard—the iconic red wax has become an iconic part of the brand.
Tour Length at Maker's Mark Distillery
At Maker's Mark Distillery, the tour length is 1 hour 15 minutes. The tours are available from Sunday to Saturday, 10am-5pm. The distillery offers a range of tours and experiences, including the Behind the Bourbon tour, MadeAtMaker's Cocktail Workshop, The Oak Experience and The Ambassadors Tour when your barrel is ready. All these tours provide a deep dive into the history, production and secrets behnd Maker's Mark Bourbon and its unique process. So don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the Maker's Mark Distillery and learn more about this iconic brand!
Is Makers Mark a Top Shelf Bourbon?
Maker's Mark is a highly acclaimed and widely available bourbon that can be considered top shelf. It is a wheated bourbon, which means it uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill. This gives it a softer, sweeter flavor than other bourbons. The regular version of Maker's Mark has earned a “mid-shelf” rating, while its Cask Strength variant has been given a “top shelf” rating by many whiskey connoisseurs due to its deeper, more robust flavor profile. Maker's Mark Cask Strength is often seen as one of the best widely available wheated bourbons out there, making it an excellent choice for those loking for a top shelf experience without having to search far and wide for bottles like Pappy or Weller.
Who is the Current Owner of Makers Mark?
Makers Mark is currently owned by Beam Suntory, Inc., a global leader in premium spirits. Founded in 2014 through the merger of two of the world's leading beverage companies — Beam Inc. and Suntory Holdings Limited — Beam Suntory has a portfolio of more than 100 brands, including many of the world's most admired and top-selling premium spirits. Maker's Mark Distillery was acquired by Beam Suntory in 2011 and is now the sixth largest bourbon distillery in the world. The distillery, located in Loretto, Kentucky, produces 16 brands, labels and variations of Bourbon, all under the ownership of Beam Suntory.
Does Makers Mark Distillery Have a Bar?
Yes, Makers Mark Distillery does have a bar! Located in Loretto, Kentucky, the Makers Mark Distillery offers its guests an unforgettable experience with its immersive tours and tastings. The bar at the distillery is a great place to relax after exploring the historic grounds of the distillery, featuring an array of Makers Mark-inspired cocktails, as well as othr bourbon-based drinks and craft beers. With live music often playing on weekends, it's a great spot to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
Conclusion
Makers Mark Distillery is a must-see destination for anyoe looking to experience the traditions and nuances of Kentucky bourbon. With its unique and intimate tour, Maker's Mark promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling like you have stepped back in time. Whether you take a tour and tasting for $25 per adult or stay at the Founder's House for the Ultimate Bourbon Trail Experience, Maker's Mark Distillery offers something for everyone. So come on down and take part in this historic tradition – you won't regret it!
