Maker's Mark, Loretto Kentucky

Maker’s Mark is a throw back to old world whisky making. It’s still made by hand from beginning to end and is considered one of the best premium bourbons available (and one of our favorites). The current distillery is one of the most picturesque in the America and includes a great new visitors center. Surrounded by rolling hills, Maker's Mark is worth a visit and you can even dip your own bottle in the trademark red wax.

The original family distillery was founded in 1840 near Samuels Depot, Kentucky by T.W. Samuels who was the stepfather of Jesse and Frank James. T.W. wasn’t the first Samuels to distill whisky and the original family recipe can be traced back cipe generations. In 1953, Bill Samuels, Sr. bought a dilapidated distillery in Happy Hallow, Kentucky near Loretto. Not fond of the family recipe he developed a new recipe in his kitchen that included red winter wheat instead of rye. This gave the whiskey a softer and sweeter character. The recipe is still used today. Bill’s wife designed the Maker’s Mark unique bottle and named the whisky after the mark that pewter craftsmen stamp on the bottom of their products. She also came up with the idea of dipping the bottle in wax which is still done by hand today. The distillery is now run by Bill Samuels, Jr. who's mainly responsible for Maker's Mark unique advertising campaigns that have helped propel the brand to record sales.

The distillery is on of Kentucky’s smallest and crafts bourbon in batches of 19 or less barrels. To meet increasing demand the distillery was expanded in 2000, doubling its capacity. Maker’s Mark is a sophisticated easy drinking whisky that’s best enjoyed neat or over ice (we love this stuff!).

Visitor Information

Established: 1953
Region: Kentucky
Tours: Open to the public
Phone: 502-865-2099
Location: 3350 Burks Spring Road
Loretto, Kentucky

www.makersmark.com