Maker's Mark Distillery — Local services in Springfield

My wife and I visited here on the morning of August 7, 2024 after booking a tour online at their website a few weeks ahead of time. That was a very easy process and they even sent me a few reminders about the tour date and time a few days ahead of time. We were staying at an RV park just outside of nearby Bardstown, KY about 20 miles north of Maker's. The back road drive down to the distillery via Loretto Rd (SR 49) was very scenic, but not for those who are afraid of winding, narrow, and hilly roadways. I also would not recommend using that route if you are towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel because there are several hairpin turns and lots of blind curves. The distillery grounds, located just outside the "town" of Lorreto, are quite beautiful and manicured, and it reminded us of being at a luxury winery out in Napa Valley that we once visited back in the 1990s. The Maker's Mark visitor center is on bluff about 75 feet above the level of the distillery buildings and several on-site rickhouses (i.e., where the barrels are stored and the bourbon is aged). It has some fine artwork in the lobby, including a blown glass chandelier made by world-famous Dale Chihuly, and a lounge with an outside patio on the backside of the building that overlooks the grounds. There is also a very friendly house cat who greets you in the lobby. The day we visited, the distillery buildings (where the mash vats and still pots are located) were closed to tours because they were doing tear down maintenance on some of the still pots and plumbing fixtures and putting on a new roof. Their website warned me of that when I booked the tour, so I was not disappointed. In spite of that, we were still able to go through several of the rickhouses and the bottling center during our tour. The rickhouse, where they do the final end-stage "French Oaked" ageing for Maker's 46, also has some Dale Chihuly blown glass, and a seminar type lounge where you do the tastings. For their high-end consumers, this is also where they host French Oaked ageing classes for those wealthy individuals who can afford to create their own 53 gallon barrels of Bourbon for subsequent custom label bottling. The entire tour was excellent and informative, our tour guide Matt was super funny and very entertaining, but also very knowledgeable about the rich Maker's Mark history and high brand quality. The tour included a five quarter ounce sample tastings at the end. It was also value-priced tour at $25 a ticket. They also offer a 20% off veteran's discount and give you a free patch for your flight jacket. At the end of the tour, you go through their very nice gift shop, where you can buy your own "naked" bottle of Maker's and dip it into a vat of hot molten wax so you get to "drip your own stem" and bring home a nice (drinkable) souvenir. There is also a gourmet restaurant on the property with it's own on-site fresh herb and vegetable garden, but we were there in the early morning for our tour, and it didn't open until noon that day. Unfortunately, we had another distillery tour to attend to and could not stay to have lunch there. If you are on the Bourbon Trail and staying in or anywhere around Bardstown, then Maker's Mark is definitely a MUST-SEE distillery, even though it's a bit of a drive away from town. The scenic drive down there via Lorreto Road is worth doing, but if you are afraid of winding, narrow, and hilly roads, you can still get there by heading east of Bardstown on Springfield Road (US HWY 150) and then south on Manton Road (SR 605). These roads are much flatter and wider, and don't have many...

A Glowing Review: Yoga & Soundboard Experience at Makers Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky

A Truly Unforgettable Half-Day Retreat From the moment we arrived at the Makers distillery, about an hour out of Louisville, Kentucky, past some rolling farmland, I knew I was in for something special.

The yoga and soundbath experience is a masterclass in relaxation, rejuvenation, and thoughtful hospitality. We were a small group, about 7 of us, which made the whole experience intimate and powerful.

Taylor’s Exceptional Leadership Taylor’s refined expertise was evident in every detail. Her depth of knowledge—both in yoga and in crafting a holistic wellness journey—shone through from start to finish. The entire experience was meticulously planned, ensuring that each guest felt both cared for and inspired.

Taylor’s instructions were clear, gentle, and empowering.

She created a welcoming environment for all levels.

Her passion for wellness and community was contagious.

Curated Mocktails & Gourmet Touches The curated mocktails were a standout feature. After a brief tour of the farm, The Mother Tree and a 30 minute Yoga stretch-out and sound bath, we enjoyed a delicious mocktail which really complemented the session, using fresh, local ingredients that delighted the palate and refreshed the spirit. These non-alcoholic creations elevated the experience, making it inclusive and sophisticated. Some folks chose to throw in a dash of Bourbon, and also seemed super happy with how delicious it all was!

Gorgeous Farmland & Distillery Tour The setting itself is breathtaking. Practicing yoga surrounded by gorgeous Kentucky farmland and a drop-dead gorgeous view of Heritage Lake added a grounding, peaceful energy. The distillery tour was equally impressive—educational, engaging, and rich with local history. Walking the grounds and learning about the Makers process added a unique, authentic touch to the day. I liked that the distillery tour wasn't exhaustive or long, but perfectly timed to give us a view, and then get on with lunching at the local farm cafe.

Deeply Energizing Soundbath Experience with Katie A huge highlight was the soundbath session with Katie. Her skill in creating a deeply energizing and restorative soundscape was nothing short of magical. The vibrations and harmonics left me feeling balanced, centered, and truly renewed.

A Relaxing, Memorable, and Special Half Day This experience is more than just yoga or a distillery tour—it’s a thoughtfully curated journey for the mind, body, and soul. I left feeling relaxed, inspired, and grateful. If you’re looking for a unique, memorable, and restorative escape, look no further than this special offering at Makers distillery.

Major kudos to Taylor and Katie for crafting such a remarkable and deeply nourishing retreat! Thank you! Not a con necessarily, but more a note for info - cell phone signal was MIA and the...

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Loretto, Kentucky, the Maker’s Mark Distillery stands as a testament to the timeless artistry of bourbon making. Recently, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship that defines this iconic establishment.

From the moment I stepped onto the property, I was captivated by its rustic charm and idyllic surroundings. The sprawling estate exudes a sense of tranquility, with rolling hills and verdant fields stretching as far as the eye can see—a perfect backdrop for a journey into the heart of bourbon country.

Our tour guide, a true aficionado of the craft, led us through the various stages of bourbon production with unwavering passion and expertise. His in-depth knowledge and genuine enthusiasm brought the process to life, from the hand-dipping of each iconic red wax seal to the slow aging in charred oak barrels—a labor of love that spans generations.

But the experience didn’t end there. At the distillery’s bar, staffed by a team of seasoned mixologists, I had the pleasure of indulging in a selection of expertly crafted cocktails that showcased Maker’s Mark bourbon in all its glory. Each sip was a symphony of flavors, blending the smooth richness of the spirit with the subtle nuances of handpicked ingredients—a true delight for the senses.

What truly sets Maker’s Mark apart, however, is its commitment to sustainability and regenerative farming practices. As we explored the distillery grounds, our guide illuminated the company’s efforts to minimize its environmental footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. From innovative water conservation initiatives to the cultivation of native plant species, Maker’s Mark is leading the way in responsible bourbon production—a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

In conclusion, my visit to Maker’s Mark Distillery was nothing short of extraordinary. From the stunning property to the knowledgeable tour guide, the excellent bar staff, and the commitment to sustainable farming practices, every aspect of the experience exceeded my expectations. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of Kentucky’s finest tradition, Maker’s Mark is an experience not to be missed. Cheers to the art of bourbon making, and to the timeless legacy of Maker’s...