Maker's Mark Distillery
Star Hill Farm & Samuels Family Heritage Experience
Beyond the Standard Maker's Mark Tour
Guided by the Samuels Family
Star Hill Farm & Samuels Family Heritage Experience
7 Hours • VIP Maker’s Mark Tour with Private Tastings, Brunch, and MoreDesigned for bourbon lovers and Maker's Mark enthusiast seeking one of the most exclusive experiences in Kentucky; this privately hosted evening at The Samuels House and Maker's Mark Distillery, with Bill & Rob Samuels, offers rare after-hours access, elevated dining by chef Jamie Prouten, private tastings, a signed bottle, and personal time with the family behind the iconic red wax.
549 Per Person
An Exclusive Maker's Mark Experience
Southern Hospitality at Maker's Mark
The Star Hill Farm & Samuels Family Heritage Experience is a private bourbon tour through the history, land, and hospitality behind one of the world's most iconic bourbon brands, led by members of the Samuels family themselves.
The day moves through three settings that most visitors never see together: the historic Samuels family home, the working grounds of Star Hill Farm, and Maker's Mark Distillery itself. Because it's privately hosted and limited to small groups, it's one of the few genuinely exclusive bourbon experiences on Kentucky's Bourbon Trail.
Your Journey Includes
Brunch & Storytelling at the Samuels Family Home
The day begins with private access to the historic Samuels family home, not a public stop on any other tour. Guests are welcomed with a Southern-inspired brunch and handcrafted cocktails while Bill Samuels Jr. or Rob Samuels shares firsthand stories of the family and the decisions that shaped Maker's Mark, from the estate's own rooms.
Star Hill Farm: Land, Legacy, and the Mother TreeFrom the family home, the day continues onto the rolling grounds of Star Hill Farm. Guests walk the property's innovation gardens and orchards and visit the legendary Mother Tree, learning how regenerative agriculture and sustainable land practices are shaping the next generation of Maker's Mark bourbon.
Maker's Mark Distillery: Tour, Tasting & Cellar Aged 2026The experience concludes at Maker's Mark Distillery with a guided tour and a premium bourbon tasting. Guests also get the rare opportunity to purchase Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2026 before heading back to Louisville.
Your Experience Includes
- A Southern-inspired Kentucky brunch
- Family storytelling and deep roots at the Samuels House
- Star Hill Farm tour with a welcome cocktail and two bourbon pours
- Guided Maker's Mark Distillery tour
- Bourbon tasting
- Visit to the Maker's Mark Gift Shop
- Opportunity to purchase Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2026
- Private Transportation Included from Louisville
Limited Availability
Join us for this exclusive event on:
- Friday, October 16th, 2026
- Saturday, October 17th, 2026
- Friday, October 23rd, 2026
- Friday, November 6th, 2026
- Saturday, November 7th, 2026
- Friday, November 13th, 2026
FAQS
What is the Star Hill Farm & Samuels Family Heritage Experience?
It's a private, full-day bourbon experience that goes beyond the standard Maker's Mark distillery tour. It combines private access to the historic Samuels family home, a guided tour of Star Hill Farm, and a Maker's Mark Distillery tour and tasting, hosted personally by Bill Samuels Jr. or Rob Samuels.
How is this different from the regular Maker's Mark distillery tour?
The standard Maker's Mark tour covers the distillery only. This experience adds private access to the Samuels family home for a hosted brunch and storytelling, plus a tour of Star Hill Farm's gardens, orchards, and Mother Tree, before ending with the distillery tour and tasting most visitors already know.
Who hosts the experience?
Each experience is personally hosted by a member of the Samuels family, either Bill Samuels Jr., former President and CEO of Maker's Mark, or Rob Samuels, eighth-generation family distiller and Managing Director of Maker's Mark.
What's included in the price?
The experience includes a Southern-inspired Kentucky brunch, family storytelling at the Samuels House, a Star Hill Farm tour with a welcome cocktail and two bourbon pours, a guided Maker's Mark Distillery tour, a bourbon tasting, and access to the Maker's Mark Gift Shop. Guests also have the opportunity to purchase Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2026.
Will I receive a dipped bottle at Maker’s Mark?
Yes. Guests will participate in the iconic Maker’s Mark bottle dipping experience and receive a signed 750ml bottle of Maker’s 46 Cask Strength as part of the evening.
Is transportation included from Louisville?
Yes. Luxury round-trip transportation from the Omni Louisville Hotel is included with the experience. Guests can relax and fully enjoy the experience without worrying about driving, reservations, or logistics.
How do I book, and how far in advance should I plan?Availability is limited, with only a small number of dates offered per year. Because the experience is capped at a small group size and hosted personally by the Samuels family, dates are booked well in advance through Mint Julep Tours.
