Published: May 21, 2009 02:23 pm      

Travel opportunities

Maker’s Mark offers tours, tasting, shopping, more

LORETTO — Maker’s Mark Distillery, the oldest bourbon distillery in the world, has a complete onsite bourbon-making process (from grain to bottle). A National Historic Landmark, the distillery gives free guided tours every hour on the half-hour starting at 10:30 a.m. with the last tour beginning at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, tours are at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Maker’s Mark offers a complimentary bourbon tasting for those older than 21. A full gift shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 PM with dipping personalized bottles (at $20 per bottle) for those older than 21.

For further information and directions, or for groups of more than 20, call (270) 865.2099.

The Toll Gate Café is just before the distillery proper and is opened from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. The number is (270) 865-4982

For questions about special events at the distillery, call Director of Visitor Relations Sydina Bradshaw at (270) 865.2099.

The distillery’s Web site is makersmark.com

From Lexington, follow U.S. 60 West six miles to Martha Layne Collins Blue Grass Parkway. Merge onto the Parkway toward Elizabethtown and drive 30 miles to the Springfield/Lebanon exit (Exit 42). Take the exit and turn left toward Springfield/Lebanon on KY 555 S.

After 14.8 miles, Ky. 555 South becomes Ky. 55 but continue straight for 8.9 miles to traffic signal (Gen. Thomas statue). Turn right onto Ky. 55 Bypass and drive to next light (Circle K). Turn right onto Ky. 49/52 and continue 6.3 miles. Turn right onto Ky. 52 continuation and continue 2.2 miles. Turn right onto Burks Spring Road and Maker’s Mark is straight ahead. Approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes driving time.