Maker’s Mark has been producing handcrafted Kentucky bourbon for over 70 years.
But the iconic distillery just made an unexpected announcement that caught everyone off guard.
And Maker’s Mark made one surprise move that has the distillery’s fans racing to book tickets.
World-renowned glass artist transforms bourbon homeplace into art wonderland
The folks at Maker’s Mark just dropped some major news that nobody saw coming.
Starting July 19, the famous Kentucky bourbon distillery – immediately recognizable for their distinctive wax-dipped bottles – will showcase a stunning new art exhibition featuring the work of Dale Chihuly, one of America’s most celebrated contemporary artists.
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The partnership brings together two masters of their crafts in what promises to be an unforgettable experience at Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.
"Our partnership with Dale Chihuly reflects our perfectly unreasonable spirit," Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark and eighth-generation whisky maker, told the press.
The exhibition will showcase nine glass installations across the distillery’s expansive grounds.
Visitors will be greeted by the "Sapphire and Platinum Waterdrop Tower," a towering 12-foot piece that draws inspiration from the natural watershed at Star Hill Farm.
But that’s just the beginning of what guests can expect to see.
Art meets bourbon in ways you never imagined
The collaboration between Chihuly and Maker’s Mark didn’t happen overnight.
This marks the culmination of a decade-long creative relationship between the renowned glass artist and the bourbon maker.
Chihuly said the decade-long partnership has been "a creatively fulfilling experience," noting he drew inspiration from "the landscape and architecture of the campus."
Among the highlights visitors can look forward to are the "Moonbow Fiori" (2025), the "End of the Day Persian Chandelier" (2015), and the distillery’s first permanent Chihuly installation, "Spirit of the Maker" (2013), which pays tribute to Maker’s Mark’s bourbon-making legacy.
The exhibition runs through December 7, giving bourbon enthusiasts and art lovers plenty of time to plan their visit.
Admission includes a printed map for self-guided tours, making it easy for visitors to explore at their own pace.
Saturday night experiences take bourbon tasting to the next level
For those looking for something extra special, Maker’s Mark is bringing back their popular after-dark tours on Saturday evenings.
These exclusive experiences include access to the Chihuly exhibition plus some serious bourbon treats that collectors dream about.
Guests will get to sample limited releases including Star Hill Farm Whisky, the Wood Finishing Series, and Cellar Aged expressions.
The evening wraps up with what they’re calling a "Perfectly Unreasonable cocktail and culinary experience" at the newly renovated Star Hill Provisions restaurant.
Speaking of the restaurant, it’s getting a complete makeover this summer with an expanded menu and a brand new outdoor patio.
The culinary program is being led by head of cocktail innovation Leslie Krockenberger and Chef Richard Knight, who are creating seasonal, handcrafted cocktails and dishes made with ingredients grown right on the farm.
Maker’s Mark continues tradition of doing things differently
This isn’t just another corporate art exhibit thrown together for publicity.
The partnership reflects the same "perfectly unreasonable" spirit that has driven Maker’s Mark since founders Margie and Bill Samuels Sr. started the company back in 1953.
Rob Samuels explained that the company’s founders "built this brand on culture, community and an uncompromising pursuit of great bourbon."
He said the Chihuly partnership reflects the distillery’s goal to make Star Hill Farm "the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world."
Maker’s Mark has always done things their own way, from using soft red winter wheat instead of rye in their bourbon recipe to hand-dipping every bottle in their signature red wax.
Now they’re taking that innovative approach to the visitor experience itself.
The timing couldn’t be better for bourbon tourism, as more Americans are discovering the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind Kentucky’s signature spirit.
Chihuly’s work has been featured in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
His large-scale installations have transformed spaces around the globe, and now bourbon lovers get to experience his artistry in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country.
Book your tickets before they disappear
Tours at Maker’s Mark start at $26 and can be booked at makersmark.com/distillery/visit-us.
Given the excitement surrounding this unique collaboration, smart visitors will want to secure their spots early.
The combination of world-class art, premium bourbon tastings, and Kentucky hospitality creates an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
This summer, Star Hill Farm is transforming into something truly special where the art of bourbon making meets the art of glass blowing in ways that celebrate both traditions.
For bourbon enthusiasts who thought they’d seen everything the industry had to offer, Maker’s Mark just proved there are still plenty of surprises left.
Below is a sampling of Chihuly’s work.
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