You can’t visit Kentucky without a trip to one of the many Bourbon distilleries. We chose Maker’s Mark in Loretto. In 1780, Robert Samuels settled in Kentucky. According to Maker’s Mark delightfully humorous president, Bill Samuels Jr., his great, great, great, great grandfather was a farmer by trade but, “He made just enough whisky to keep himself and his neighbors happy. Very happy.”
By 1840, the Samuels family was making a living from distilling whisky. In the early 1950s, Bill Samuels Sr. abandoned the family recipe and started using locally grown corn, winter wheat and malted barley. The recipe was a success and Maker’s Mark has become one of America’s most award winning bourbons.
As you walk through the Maker’s Mark grounds during a guided tour, you will see the still house, arboretum, barrel warehouse, quart house and the original owner’s fully restored Victorian home. The tour ends at the visitor’s center where you can buy Maker’s Mark themed product and even dip your own bottle of bourbon in their trademark red sealing wax. The Maker’s Mark homepage is located at www.makersmark.com.
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