Maker's Mark tours run year-round at the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, and include the production floor, barrel warehouse, and a tasting room where you sample the bourbon

Maker's Mark offers two main tour experiences: the standard distillery tour and the Bourbon Makers Experience, which is longer and includes more hands-on activities. Both tours take you through the actual production facility where the bourbon is made, stored, and bottled. The standard tour lasts about 75 minutes; the Bourbon Makers Experience runs roughly two and a half hours. Tours depart throughout the day, and you do not need to reserve in advance for the standard tour, though advance booking is recommended during peak seasons (May through October and around holidays).

The distillery is located at 3350 Burks Spring Road in Loretto, Kentucky, about 50 miles south of Louisville. Admission to the standard tour is included with the price of a drink package you purchase on arrival; the Bourbon Makers Experience has a separate higher price. Parking is free. The facility is not wheelchair accessible in all areas — the barrel warehouse involves stairs and uneven ground — so contact the distillery directly if you have mobility concerns.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard tour takes 75 minutes and includes the production floor, barrel warehouse, and a tasting of three bourbons in the tasting room.
  • The Bourbon Makers Experience lasts about two and a half hours and adds a dipping station where you hand-dip bottles in the signature red wax seal.
  • No advance reservation is required for the standard tour, but booking ahead is wise during May through October and holiday periods.
  • Tours run daily year-round, with multiple departure times throughout the day, and the distillery provides transportation from the visitor center to the production areas.
  • The tour includes a tasting, but the bourbon itself is not free — you pay for a drink package when you arrive, and that price covers admission and samples.

What happens on the standard distillery tour

You begin at the visitor center, where you purchase a drink package (the cost varies but typically includes admission and three bourbon samples). A staff member then leads your group to a shuttle or van that takes you to the production facility. The tour starts on the production floor, where you see the mashing, fermentation, and distillation equipment. A guide explains how Maker's Mark uses soft red winter wheat instead of rye in its mash bill — a choice that sets it apart from most other bourbon distillers — and walks you through each step of the process.

Next, you move to the barrel warehouse, where thousands of barrels age in climate-controlled rooms. The guide discusses how long bourbon ages (Maker's Mark typically ages for around six to seven years), how the barrels are rotated, and how the Kentucky climate affects the aging process. This section involves walking through warehouse aisles and climbing stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. The warehouse can be cool and humid, so bring a light jacket.

The tour ends in the tasting room, where you sample three different Maker's Mark bourbons — usually the standard red label, the 46 cask strength, and a third selection that rotates. The guide explains the tasting notes and differences between the expressions. You can purchase additional bottles or merchandise in the gift shop before you leave.

The Bourbon Makers Experience and what makes it different

The Bourbon Makers Experience includes everything in the standard tour but adds a hands-on component: you dip bottles in the signature red wax seal that Maker's Mark is known for. This happens in a dedicated dipping station where staff provide instruction and let you coat the bottle neck and cap in warm wax. You get to keep the bottle you dip. The experience also includes a more in-depth discussion of the brand's history and a longer tasting with four or more bourbons instead of three.

Some dates offer a "Distillery Dinner" add-on, which pairs bourbon with food prepared by the distillery's kitchen. These dinners are ticketed separately and require advance booking. Check the Maker's Mark website for current dinner dates and pricing, as availability changes seasonally.

How to book and what to bring

For the standard tour, you can show up without a reservation during most of the year, though you may wait if a large group is ahead of you. During May through October and around major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's), the distillery fills up, and booking in advance through the Maker's Mark website or by phone is strongly recommended. The Bourbon Makers Experience requires advance booking year-round.

Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to drink — Kentucky law requires it for anyone consuming alcohol, regardless of age. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction, as the barrel warehouse has concrete floors and some areas are uneven. The distillery is outdoors and indoors, so check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Sunscreen and a hat are useful during warm months. The tour involves standing and walking for extended periods, so consider your physical stamina before booking.

The distillery does not allow outside alcohol or glass containers on the grounds. Pets are not permitted on the tour, though they may be allowed in certain outdoor areas — call ahead to confirm. If you are pregnant or have health concerns about alcohol exposure, you can still take the tour; the tasting is optional, and staff will not pressure you to drink.

Timing, seasons, and how busy it gets

Tours run daily from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with departures every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the season. The distillery is closed on Christmas Day and occasionally on other holidays, so check the website before you go. Summer (June through August) and fall (September through October) are the busiest times. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday in winter or early spring. Tours can be crowded, and you will be in a group with other visitors — expect anywhere from 10 to 40 people per tour depending on the time of day and season.

The distillery is about an hour's drive from Louisville International Airport and roughly 30 minutes from Bardstown, Kentucky, which has other bourbon distilleries and restaurants. Many visitors combine a Maker's Mark tour with visits to nearby distilleries or a stay in Bardstown. The drive from Louisville is mostly highway, and the distillery is straightforward to find with GPS.

What the tour costs and what is included

Pricing varies by tour type and season. The standard tour drink package typically ranges from $15 to $25 per person, though prices may be higher during peak season. The Bourbon Makers Experience costs more — usually $50 to $75 per person — and includes the wax-dipping activity, more samples, and a longer experience. Children under 21 can take the tour but do not receive alcohol samples; they usually pay a reduced rate or sometimes no admission fee if they are very young. Confirm current pricing on the Maker's Mark website, as it changes.

The price includes admission to the tour, three or more bourbon samples (depending on which tour you book), and access to the gift shop. It does not include food, additional bottles of bourbon, or merchandise beyond the samples. The distillery has a small café or snack area, but options are limited, so eat before you arrive if you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be 21 to take the tour?

No. Children of any age can take the tour, but only people 21 and older can taste the bourbon. Children typically pay a reduced admission or no fee. If you are bringing young children, let staff know when you arrive so they can accommodate your group.

Can I buy bourbon at the distillery, and is it cheaper than a store?

Yes, the gift shop sells Maker's Mark and other bourbon brands. Prices are usually similar to retail stores, not discounted. Some limited-edition or distillery-exclusive bottles may be available only at the facility. You can ship purchases to most U.S. states, though shipping costs extra and some states have restrictions.

What if I do not drink alcohol?

You can still take the tour. The tasting is optional, and the tour itself focuses on the production process and history. Non-drinkers usually pay the same admission price as drinkers. Staff will not pressure you to taste if you decline.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?

Parts of the tour involve stairs and uneven ground in the barrel warehouse. The production floor and tasting room are more accessible. Call the distillery at the number on their website to discuss your specific needs before you book.

How long does the whole experience take from arrival to leaving?

Plan for two to three hours total, including time to park, check in, wait for your tour to depart, complete the tour, and browse the gift shop. The tour itself is 75 minutes for the standard experience, but add 30 to 45 minutes for arrival and checkout.