Maker's Mark Distillery
Iconic bourbon distillery famed for its hand-dipped red wax bottles, beautiful campus, and art installations.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Maker's Mark Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic bourbon distillery famed for its hand-dipped red wax bottles, beautiful campus, and art installations.
"The most unique tours on the Bourbon Trail, with beautiful grounds and a memorable bottle-dipping experience."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Popular tours, especially the Ambassador tour, sell out quickly. Book online to secure your spot!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially during tours. Bring a water bottle; there are refill stations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hand-Dipped Bottle Experience
Gift Shop
Dip your own unique bottle of Maker's Mark in signature red wax. A truly unforgettable souvenir!

Beautiful Campus Grounds
Entire Distillery
Stroll through picturesque grounds with a creek and covered bridge. Perfect for photos and relaxation.

Chihuly x Maker's Mark Exhibition
Star Hill Farm
Experience stunning glass art installations by Dale Chihuly amidst the distillery's scenic landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Hand-Dipped Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Popular tours, especially the Ambassador tour, sell out quickly. Book online to secure your spot!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially during tours. Bring a water bottle; there are refill stations.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the beautiful grounds.
📸 Dip Your Own Bottle
A highlight for many! The gift shop offers the chance to hand-dip your own unique bottle.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Popular tours, especially the Ambassador tour, sell out quickly. Book online to secure your spot!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially during tours. Bring a water bottle; there are refill stations.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the beautiful grounds.
📸 Dip Your Own Bottle
A highlight for many! The gift shop offers the chance to hand-dip your own unique bottle.
📱 Cell Signal is Spotty
Be prepared for limited cell service and patchy Wi-Fi on the grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Maker's Mark Distillery for its beautiful campus, engaging tours, and the unique experience of hand-dipping their own bottles. The knowledgeable and personable guides, along with the stunning Chihuly art installations, are frequently mentioned highlights. While cell service can be spotty, the overall experience is described as memorable and highly recommended for bourbon lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
"I finally completed my Ambassador tour after a 7 year wait for my barrel to be perfected! It was one of the most enjoyable tours I have ever taken. Our tour guide Laura was so personable, knowledgeable, and entertaining. She was absolutely hilarious and everyone on the tour had a great time. We were able to try so many pours on our tour, including a pour from our own barrel. Going to the gift shop and dipping my own bottle is something I will never forget. This is one of the most unique tours on the Bourbon Trail. Can’t wait to come back and try the bar in the main house and the restaurant."
Jimmy Krueger
"Upon making plans to hit the Bourbon Trail, we booked a tour here ahead of time and we were very glad that we did. The tour was a great experience and it was very interesting to see the "behind the scenes" of how Maker's Mark makes their most famous products. Our tour guide Bailey, was very well versed in all things bourbon/Maker's Mark. The art was a very nice touch and was incorporated very well into the distillery. The tasting portion was very nice and thorough. The grounds were very beautiful and clean. Overall great experience and would definitely recommend the tour."
Noella T
"Amazing experience! We were able to squeeze into the last tour. Our guide was Jim, and he was great! I especially liked the refresher on the Krebs cycle during fermentation. The grounds are beautiful. It is a bit of a walk, but there is a shuttle to take you back to the parking lot. My husband dipped his own bottle in the shop and that was a highlight of our trip. You don't have to do a tour to walk around the grounds. Highly recommend!"
Stefanie Wedde
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maker's Mark Distillery is located in Loretto, Kentucky. It's a scenic drive through rolling farmland, about an hour from Louisville.
The most common way to reach Maker's Mark from Louisville is by car, taking approximately one hour. The drive itself is part of the experience, showcasing Kentucky's beautiful countryside.
Yes, Maker's Mark is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Other notable distilleries like Jim Beam and Buffalo Trace are within driving distance, making it possible to plan a multi-distillery visit.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the distillery. For longer walks, a shuttle service can take you back to the parking lot.
While possible, it's challenging to visit Maker's Mark Distillery without a car due to its rural location. Many visitors opt for rental cars or organized bourbon tours that include transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour costs can vary, but generally, expect to pay for guided tours. The 'Ambassador Tour' offers a more in-depth experience and includes a pour from your own barrel, with pricing available on their website.
Absolutely! Tours, especially the popular Ambassador tour, often sell out weeks or months in advance. Booking online is highly recommended to guarantee your spot.
Maker's Mark Distillery hours typically vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours and tour availability.
Yes, you can visit the gift shop without taking a full tour. This is where you can purchase merchandise and, for many, dip your own bottle.
The Maker's Mark Ambassador tour is a premium experience that allows you to check on the progress of your barrel over several years and includes a tasting from your own barrel. It's a unique offering for dedicated fans.
🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience
Many visitors rave about the unique experience of dipping their own bottle in red wax. The beautiful campus grounds and the engaging, knowledgeable tour guides also receive high praise.
Yes, tastings are a key part of the distillery tours. You'll have the opportunity to sample various Maker's Mark expressions, and some tours include pours from your own barrel.
This is a special exhibition featuring stunning glass art installations by Dale Chihuly displayed throughout the distillery's grounds and facilities. It adds an artistic dimension to the bourbon experience.
Yes, Maker's Mark offers dining options, including a restaurant serving local, seasonal dishes and cocktails. Some reviews mention a 'bar in the main house' and a 'local farm cafe'.
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as you'll be walking around the distillery grounds. Consider the weather; it can get quite warm, so light layers are a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged throughout the distillery grounds and public areas. The picturesque campus and the unique wax-dipping process make for great photo opportunities.
The covered bridge walkway, the creek, the main house, and the areas featuring Chihuly glass installations are particularly photogenic. The hand-dipping station itself is also a popular spot for capturing unique shots.
Yes, you can take photos during the distillery tour, but be mindful of your surroundings and any instructions from your tour guide. Capturing the bottling process and the art installations is highly recommended.
The grounds offer beautiful natural light, especially during the late afternoon 'golden hour.' Indoor areas may have artificial lighting, but generally provide good conditions for photography.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the highlights of your visit. If you're a photography enthusiast, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens will allow for more creative shots, especially of the Chihuly glass.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tour that focuses more on the grounds and the art, rather than extensive tasting details. The gift shop, where visitors can dip their own bottles, can be a fun, interactive experience for older children to observe or even participate in (with supervision). It's advisable to check the distillery's specific policies regarding children on tours and to ensure the visit aligns with your family's interests and expectations.
🥂 Couples & Art Lovers
Couples can enjoy a guided tour together, learning about the bourbon-making process and participating in tastings. The option to dip a personalized bottle in the gift shop makes for a unique shared souvenir. Afterward, consider enjoying a meal or cocktails at the distillery's restaurant for a complete romantic experience.
🥃 Bourbon Enthusiasts
Beyond the tours, exploring the different expressions of Maker's Mark available at the gift shop and tasting room is a must. Engaging with knowledgeable guides and fellow enthusiasts can enrich the experience. Planning your visit to coincide with any special events or limited releases can further enhance the trip for dedicated fans.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Hand-Dipped Wax Seal
This dedication to individual attention extends beyond the wax seal. The 'Ambassador' program allows enthusiasts to follow the aging process of their own barrel, culminating in a tasting and the opportunity to bottle their unique selection. This level of personalization fosters a deep connection between the consumer and the product, setting Maker's Mark apart in the crowded bourbon market. The distillery's beautiful campus, with its creek and covered bridge, further enhances the immersive experience, making it a destination for both bourbon aficionados and those seeking a unique travel experience.
A Campus of Art and Nature
Adding another layer of allure is the 'Chihuly x Maker's Mark at Star Hill Farm' exhibition. This collaboration showcases nine dramatic glass art installations by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly, strategically placed throughout the distillery's landscape. These vibrant, sculptural pieces create a stunning contrast with the rustic charm of the distillery, offering visitors a unique blend of artistic appreciation and bourbon culture. The combination of natural beauty and world-class art makes a visit to Maker's Mark a multi-sensory delight.
The Maker's Mark Tour Experience
A significant draw for many is the chance to taste various Maker's Mark expressions, with some tours offering pours from the visitor's own barrel, especially for Ambassador program members. The beautiful grounds are an integral part of the tour, allowing guests to stroll and appreciate the distillery's setting. While the tours are generally well-paced, some visitors note that it's wise to use the restroom before starting, as stops may be limited on shorter tours.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit