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Maker's Mark Distillery

Maker’s Mark was started by Bill Samuels, Sr., using his family bourbon recipe that is some 170-years old. Samuels experimented with a range of grains to create his own unique mash bill. He stumbled upon a wheat-heavy mash bill that created a delicate, subtle, and sweet bourbon that has become a favorite worldwide.

The distillery is located in bourbon country, in Loretto, Kentucky, and has continued its family tradition to the present day.

Margie Samuels was the other half of the establishment and is known as the first woman involved in a distillery to earn awards. She helped create the unique bottle and hand-dipped wax closing that the bourbon is known for.

Fast forward to today, and the Samuels family still runs the company, now the torch has been passed to son Bill Samuels, Jr., and grandson Rob Samuels.

Offerings

Maker’s Mark offers a range of different bourbon offerings, including:

  • Maker’s Mark
  • Cask Strength
  • Maker’s Mark 45
  • Private Selection
  • Wood Finishing Series 2020 Release

Let’s take a quick look at Maker’s Mark and Private Selection, two of their most popular bourbons.

Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark is the classic and signature bourbon offering from this brand. This follows Samuels, Sr.’s original recipe that substitutes soft red winter wheat instead of rye, which gives the bourbon its smooth, clean finish and sweet overtones.

Private Selection

This is a unique set of wood-finishes based on their signature whiskey. 10 custom wood finishing staves are added to each barrel and aged in a limestone cellar. This leads to delicate, rich, and uniquely-flavored bourbons that provide for a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.

Tour Information

You can visit the historic distillery that has been in operation since 1953 and enjoy a range of tours and tastings. They offer three main tours and experiences as well as a few special events throughout the year. Their main tours and experiences are the Warehouse Tour, the Golden Ticket Ambassador Tour, and the Star Hill Sampler.

The Warehouse Tour

This is a 45-minute tour that is available by reservation only. It costs $24 per person. On this tour, you will learn a detailed history of Maker’s Mark, as well as information on the bourbon-making process. You will get to tour the barrel warehouse, as well as the Bourbon Limestone Cellar.

At the end of the tour, guests are treated to a guided tasting and get a complimentary wax-dipped tasting glass as a gift.

Golden Ticket Ambassador Tour

This is a special tour for Golden Ticket-receiving Ambassadors. This is a free, hour-long tour. Ambassadors are allowed to bring one guest of their choice. You will get a detailed tour of the facilities and learn more about the process of bourbon-making. This is a reservation-only tour, and spots are limited.

Star Hill Sampler

This is a guided tasting experience that lasts for about 30-minutes and is limited to groups of 10 or fewer. The experience costs $25 per person, and reservations are required.

During this guided tasting, guests are treated to a range of different Maker’s Mark bourbons, and the nuances of tasting are explained to them by a professional. Additionally, guests get a complimentary wax-dipped glass as a gift.

Bottles from Maker's Mark

Makers Mark Bourbon bottle

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Maker’s Mark is a true pioneer — a brand that has truly played an important role in the history of Bourbon Whiskey and its trajectory