Maker's Mark

I almost skipped this stop. I was afraid it would be too sterile and it’s a bit out of the way. It was worth it, though (and we got to see a Foodland! I haven't seen one of those in years)

It can be difficult to find as the entrance has changed. Upon arriving, you pull up to a parking lot across a driveway from a mansion. I read somewhere that they don’t have any outside events on site which surprised me because I could imagine people would want this

for weddings. I walked inside and got my ticket for the next tour which, thankfully, was in ten minutes. I perused the rooms and grounds outside while I waited.

 

The tour itself winds through the different buildings on the distillery grounds which, at times, feels like a small village. You don’t actually see where the fermentation and distillation occur like at the other sites, but you get an explanation of the process while standing in a loud demonstration room. I would have preferred to hear the explanation outside before we entered.

I liked the different features that were unique to a distillery. At Maker’s, it was learning about their special aging process using specially treated wooden staves. This is how Maker’s 46 and Private Select are made.

This was one of my favorite tastings. We got to try five quality products in a comfortable setting. My only regret is not buying a bottle of the Private Select Tasting Panel Edition before I left. I was hesitant to settle on one so early in the trip and I was in a hurry to get to Wild Turkey before it closed. In retrospect, though, that was my favorite.

If I were in the area again I would certainly stop by Maker’s Mark but I wouldn’t pay for the tour. I know now that I like the varieties offered so I wouldn’t need the tasting. I’d get to enjoy the best part, walking through the grounds, for free on my way to the gift store to pick up a bottle of Private Select.