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Step inside an exclusive Maker’s Mark day that moves from a private Samuels family brunch to regenerative orchards and a barrel‑filled distillery tasting. Limited groups, personal storytelling, and farm‑to‑bottle context make this a one‑of‑a‑kind Kentucky experience.
Step inside an exclusive Maker’s Mark day that moves from a private Samuels family brunch to regenerative orchards and a barrel‑filled distillery tasting. Limited groups, personal storytelling, and farm‑to‑bottle context make this a one‑of‑a‑kind Kentucky experience.
Book with Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville
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Operated by Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville · Louisville, Kentucky
The Star Hill Farm & Samuels Family Heritage Experience in Louisville, Kentucky, is a seven‑hour private immersion that pairs family history with the craft of bourbon. Beginning in downtown Louisville, this small-group day trip departs from the Omni Hotel at 400 S 2nd St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA and moves outward to the Samuels family’s private estate, Star Hill Farm, and Maker’s Mark Distillery. Guests begin with private access to the historic Samuels family home where a Southern‑inspired brunch and handcrafted cocktails set the tone. Portions of the day may be personally hosted by Bill Samuels Jr. or Rob Samuels, who share first‑hand stories that connect family decisions, recipe choices, and hospitality traditions to the bourbon in your glass. The intimate setting—limited groups and private rooms—lets questions flow and anecdotes land with real context. From the house the itinerary opens up to Star Hill Farm’s working landscape: orchards, innovation gardens, and the much-talked‑about Mother Tree. Guides explain how regenerative agriculture and sustainability practices inform everything from corn sourcing to whiskey aging. It’s a rare chance to link soil management, plantings, and on‑farm experiments directly to the Maker’s Mark product line, and guests learn why farm stewardship matters for craft spirits and local ecosystems. The day concludes with a guided tour of Maker’s Mark Distillery and a premium bourbon tasting, including access to purchase limited releases such as Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 before returning to Louisville. Practical notes: the overall experience runs roughly seven hours, requires guests to be 21 or older, and asks for a government‑issued photo ID. Check in at least 15 minutes prior at the Omni Hotel departure point. What makes this offering stand out is the combination of family access, place‑based agriculture, and distillery craft presented in tight groups that prioritize conversation over crowds. For travelers who care about provenance, learning how regenerative practices shape flavor, or simply want an elevated bourbon day that pairs food and farm knowledge with behind‑the‑ropes distillery access, this is one of Kentucky’s most exclusive, educational outings. Expect good food, candid storytelling, and a clear line from field to bottle that changes how you taste bourbon. Groups are intentionally capped—this trip hosts up to 18 guests—so conversations stay personal and the pace allows lingering at sites like the Mother Tree and the orchard rows. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven farm paths, and bring a camera and a valid ID; transportation between sites is provided as part of the day. The experience is offered through a third‑party operator that departs from the Omni Hotel; the Samuels House itself is independently owned and distinct from Maker’s Mark Distillery and Suntory Global Spirits, a detail guests often find interesting during the historical segments aloud.
moderate.
7 hours.
Light to moderate fitness; be prepared for several short walks and standing during tastings and talks.
Check in at least 15 minutes before departure at the Omni Hotel, 400 S 2nd St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
The experience runs roughly seven hours and includes travel between the family home, Star Hill Farm, and Maker’s Mark Distillery.
Yes—non‑drinkers are welcome, but all guests must be 21 or older and carry valid ID to join the group.
Guests must be 21 years of age or older; this experience is restricted to adults.
Yes—guests receive access to purchase limited releases such as Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 during the visit.
Groups are limited to 18 guests to keep the experience intimate and conversational.
The Samuels family has shaped Maker’s Mark’s identity for generations; the experience ties family stories directly to the distillery’s legacy.
Star Hill Farm emphasizes regenerative agriculture and soil stewardship; visitors learn how those practices influence flavor and reduce environmental impact.
Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville runs curated bourbon tours based in Louisville, Kentucky. The company offers guided Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences that include distillery tours, spirit tastings, and locally sourced meals. Typical itineraries visit renowned distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Angel's Envy, Stitzel‑Weller, Rabbit Hole, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, and others featured on its scheduled trips. Tours combine expert storytelling, seamless private transportation, and scheduled tastings to create an accessible day trip for bourbon enthusiasts. Options include full-day public tours, a boozy brunch option, and a Private Bourbon Tour — a personalized nine‑hour experience that visits three distilleries with local cuisine and private transport. Many tours include a locally sourced lunch or brunch as noted in the itineraries. The business emphasizes safety and comfort by providing coordinated transportation between distilleries and curated tasting experiences rather than large, self‑directed driving routes. With nearly 20 years of experience and over 1 million satisfied guests reported on its private tour description, Mint Julep Experiences positions itself as a seasoned operator on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Bookings and availability vary by trip; travelers can select specific itineraries that match interests in bourbon history, craft distilling, and tasting education. Each trip is led by guides who focus on bourbon history, production, and tasting notes to enhance the visitor experience. Pickup and drop‑off locations are organized from central Louisville points, and itineraries clearly state included meals, tasting counts, and approximate durations for planning before booking online.
Book with Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville