Maker's Mark Distillery

Maker's Mark Bourbon is one of the most well-known, well-recognized, and famous of the bourbon brands distilled in Kentucky. Maker's Mark is one of the original distilleries and operates much the same as it did when first opening in the 1950s. The distillery is part of the American Whiskey Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and visitors to the site will learn all about them making, distilling, and drinking of this uniquely Kentucky concoction.

Parking and public transportation at Maker's Mark Distillery
There is no public transportation to this distillery, located in tiny Loretto, Kentucky. However, many tour companies in the area, and from Lexington and Louisville, do operate tours that will bring you to the distillery. The best way to get there is by car and there is ample free parking no matter the season.

Best and worst times to go to Maker's Mark Distillery
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is always busy, but the summer months of May, June, and July are especially busy and visitors can sometimes wait a long time to go on the tour. The best times to go are in the cooler months. The absolute best time, in terms of crowds and the beauty of the drive through fall leaves on the back roads, would have to be in October either during the least busy weekdays or even weekends.

Admission to Maker's Mark Distillery
There are two different tours to choose from. The Distillery Tour is the most popular and ranges around $10, with various discounts offered, and gives a thorough tour of the distilling process as well as the history of the distillery. The Specialty Tour is around $35 and lasts twice as long with behind-the-scenes stops and comes with complimentary gifts. Both tours include a free tasting of bourbon.

Must see/do at Maker's Mark Distillery
You'll see all the highlights on either tour, but don't forget to look up when you're looking at all those beautiful barrels. The newest features of the distillery happens at the end and features a unique Dale Chihuly glass piece installed above the hundreds of barrels of bourbons. Another great feature is the free tasting at the end of the tour where the bartenders often give out free recipes and treats. When you're done, you can also order a flight and stay awhile in the bar area which allows you to try some other flavors of Maker's Mark. While many come just for the distillery tour, take time to tour the grounds because some of the historical landmarks aren't on the featured tour.

Other places to visit near Maker's Mark Distillery
If you're on the Bourbon Trail, be sure to incorporate visiting some of the other distilleries in the area including Four Roses Distillery, Jim Beam Distillery, Heaven's Hill Distillery and Visitor Center, Wild Turkey Distillery, and Woodford Reserve, among others. If you're on the American Whiskey Trail, you'll want to add the Tom Moore Distillery and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey.

Insiders tips for visitors to Maker's Mark
If you're into photography, then this is the place for you. The historic buildings and layers of wooden barrels are stunning in rustic beauty and charm. There is also a charming cafe on the grounds where many of the food items actually feature bourbon. Those under 21 years of age are allowed on the tour, but they will not be allowed in the tasting area nor are there places for children to be unsupervised, so either plan to skip the tasting or leave the youngest kids at home.

Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.