Maker's Mark Distillery | Popular on Kentucky Bourbon Trail

A Must See Stop on the Bourbon Trail

Its the world-class, historic Maker’s Mark Distillery near Loretto in Marion County, and it’s just minutes from Lebanon, the Heart of Kentucky.

It’s one anchor-end of our Marion County Trail—along with Limestone Branch Distillery in the middle and Independent Stave Company’s Kentucky Cooperage the other anchor-end.

Maker’s Mark Distillery is one of the most iconic stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The distillery hosts more than 100,000 visitors each year from all over the world. The distillery also offers visitors unique opportunities throughout the year including art exhibits, specialty dinners at the onsite restaurant, Star Hill Provisions, festivals and more.

About Maker’s Mark

The first bottle of Maker’s Mark was dipped-sealed and sold for $7 in 1958. In 1980, the distillery was declared a National Historic Landmark.

In 2016 the Maker’s 46 Cellar opened. Previously Maker’s 46 could only be aged during the cold months of the year. Dynamite was used to blast into the limestone hill about 100 yards from the distillery and produce a cave. The cave was transformed into a one-of-a-kind whiskey cellar that provides a tasting room where Maker’s Mark Private Select customers can make their own Maker’s 46 creations. The Cellar is open to visitors taking the Maker’s tour.

In 2023, the grandson of Maker’s Mark founders Rob Samuels leaned the distillery even deeper into sustainability and regenified agriculture. In December of 2023 Maker’s became the first distillery in the world to be “Certified Regenified.” Not only are the farms that provide corn and wheat to the distillery certified, but the distillery itself is now Tier 3 Certified Regenified.

You’ll find touches such as dry laid stone projects by Scottish Master Craftsman Stone Mason Neil Rippingale, and specialty drinks available featuring natural elements from the distillery’s Innovation Garden and mushroom growing zone.

The distillery nowadays emphasizes on-the-grounds farming activities and oak tree regenerative programs with tours, in addition to traditional-style bourbon distillery tours.

Distillery tours are offered every day except for major holidays and every hour on the half hour. Visitors can dip their own bottle in the iconic red wax in the distillery gift shop. The gift shop offers visitors a variety of Maker’s Mark merchandise including clothing, artwork, souvenir items, specialty bottles, and of course bourbon.

Tour options and prices vary dependent on season. The best way to learn more and to find updated information is to visit the website, which you can find right here: www.MakersMark.com