History

Maker's Mark was founded in 1953 by Bill and Margie Samuels and is described as the world's first premium bourbon on the website. The history follows their goal of making a handmade whiskey they enjoyed and liked to share with friends. The Samuels family is described as a closely connected core of Founders Bill Sr., Margie, Bill Jr., and Rob, who have carried the legacy through generations and shaped the brand's approach to flavor, craftsmanship, and packaging. Maker's Mark is described as a brand formed by a slow, human-centered approach to production and a strong connection to Star Hill Farm and Loretto in Kentucky.

Production / Manufacturing

Maker's Mark markets itself as a Wheated Bourbon: the grain consists of soft red winter wheat as the central element in the mash bill, which gives a rounded and flavorful profile without a sharp spicy bite. Distillation takes place in copper stills and follows a double-distillation process that removes impurities and contributes to a finer and more balanced drink. The water comes from a limestone source at the distillery, protected by limestone, and a source that contributes to drinkable water and a good sour mash; there is also mention of an old yeast strain that is kept internally and aged alongside the grain.

Aging process favors flavor-based decisions over fixed timeframes: the barrels are hand-rotated to ensure uniform exposure and development of flavor from top to bottom in the rackhouses. Barrels are specially selected and caramelized wood staves contribute to vanilla notes and deeper flavors. Finishing is done by hand-dipping labels and cases, and the painting and labeling of the bottles is done with a hand-operated press. Maker's Mark emphasizes "age to taste, not time" and describes the process as a constant pursuit of the right balance and flavor intensity, rather than following an absolute age statement.

There is an outdoor nine-month maturation step to remove tiny tannins before the final summer periods, and barrels are turned and rotated manually to ensure even maturation. Hand-dipped bottles in red wax are a hallmark, and the audible and visual signature continues throughout the entire product line. Star Hill Farm is also highlighted for its role as home and source of raw materials and sustainable production practices.

Products / Whisky series

Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon

A classic, wheated bourbon with a sweet, rounded flavor and the signature hand-dipped red wax. Described as "wheated, balanced without bite."

Maker’s Mark 46 French Oak Bourbon

An evolution of the original recipe, where full maturation occurs with ten toasted French oak staves, imparting layers of vanilla, caramel, and bakery-spice notes.

Maker's Mark Cask Strength

Bottled at cask strength (108–114 proof) with no additives, moving toward more intense vanilla and wood notes, and best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Maker's Mark 101 High Proof Bourbon

Provides a higher alcohol strength (101 proof) with a rich, creamy finish and nuances of spice and caramel.

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series

An exclusive distillery range that uses ten carefully selected oak staves in the aging warehouses to impart unique flavor profiles. This includes, among others, The Heart Release and The Keepers Release, celebrating the team behind Maker’s Mark and individual contributors to flavor variation. The series features annual, limited releases and special finishes.

Maker's Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon

The first aged edition from Maker’s Mark, aged longer in a LEED-certified limestone cellar, where a deeper and more complex flavor develops without a pronounced bitterness.

Maker's Mark Private Selection

A barrel program where partners can obtain their own cask and stave design, yielding over 1,001 possible stave combinations and all releases bottled at cask strength. Typically a particularly characterful experience for venues and collectors.

Star Hill Farm Whisky (Star Hill Farm Whisky)

This is the first American wheated whiskey from the Maker’s Mark distillery. Star Hill Farm Whisky is certified Estate Whisky via Estate Whisky Alliance and marketed as "better land, more flavorful whisky." The mash bills vary, and the 2025 expression blends two mash bills: 70% soft red winter wheat and 30% malted barley, plus 100% malted soft red winter wheat. The content is bottled at cask strength (114.7 ABV/57.35% vol.). There is emphasis on regenerative agricultural practices and local ingredients with sustainability as a goal; Star Hill Farm and Maker’s Mark have a Regenerative Alliance to cultivate sustainable farming and maintain local partnerships.

Global Travel Exclusives

A series of limited releases that capture the character of different cities and are finished using worldwide finishing processes. These typically range at cask strength (107–114) and employ various finish concepts to explore international flavor nuances.

Greats of the Gate 2025

A 10-year series celebrating horses and Keeneland collaborations in Kentucky, with donations to local nonprofit organizations and initiatives for the region. Each bottle features a unique illustration and musical heritage, and proceeds go to Kentucky Classic Arts, Kentucky Harvest, and other local partners.

Visit / Experiences

Maker's Mark runs the distillery and experience site at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, KY, where a variety of tours and experiences are offered alongside daily production. The Distillery & Gift Shop is open from 9:30 to 17:00, and the Star Hill Provisions restaurant is open daily from 11:30 to 15:30. Traditional tours can be booked, and you can dip your own bottle in the gift shop or purchase distillery releases in the shop. The Star Hill Farm experience includes a farm-to-glass cocktail and dining experience (Star Hill Farm to Glass & Table Experience) lasting around 2.5 hours and typically starting from around $150. Know Before You Go provides practical information such as parking, attire, and tips for a day at Maker's Mark. It also notes that Star Hill Provisions uses local products, regenerative farming practices, and offers personalized tours. There is also the Ambassador program, offering insider access and special events as well as the opportunity to personalize labels and reference private Selection batches.

Philosophy

• Maker's Mark emphasizes responsible drinking and moderation in attending events and consuming spirits.
• They place a high value on craftsmanship and human labor: hand-dipping each product, hand-handling barrels, and manually rotating barrels in aging racks.
• Financial and environmental initiatives include Star Hill Farm, Estate Whisky Certification, and The Regenified Alliance, which focus on regenerative farming and sustainability through a partner network of multiple farmers and food actors.

Contact and Visiting Information

• Maker's Mark sits at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, KY, at 3350 Burkes Spring Rd, Loretto, KY 40037. There are various contacts and touchpoints through the website for bookings and information about tours and experiences.