The Family Behind Maker's Mark Has Opened Their House for Overnight Stays
Whiskey lovers have plenty of places to vacation. We've covered whiskey-themed hotels in London, New York, and Los Angeles, and you can find whiskey trails in places like Kentucky and Tennessee. Of course, if you head to Scotland, nearly everything seems soaked in Scotch. But if you're specifically a fan of Maker's Mark bourbon, here's a new destination to add to your travels: You can now stay at the original home of Bill Samuels Sr., the founder of Maker's Mark, and enjoy an entire Maker's Mark experience while you're there.
Courtesy of The Samuels House
The Samuels House, as the property in Samuels, Kentucky, is called, boasts eight generations of family history, much of which is centered around the distilling industry, though it was Bill who would become most famous by launching a more approachable whiskey brand in the 1950s: Maker's Mark. Originally built in 1820 by John Samuels, the house left the family's hands around the same time Maker's Mark was founded. But now, after seven decades of success, Rob Samuels, the current head of the brand, purchased the house back this past January to open it up to the public as a celebration of Maker's Mark and its history.
Courtesy of The Samuels House
Among the "heirlooms and memorabilia," the house boasts includes English pewter from the collection of Bill's wife, Margie Samuels, that inspired her to name the brand Maker's Mark and the deep fryer she used to design the red wax tops on the brand's bottles. There's a pistol surrendered by Frank James of the James Gang on the front yard of the house that helped signify the end of the Civil War. And, as expected, visitors will see whiskies spanning 150 years —50 bottles in all.
But the newest development at the Samuels House is the chance for visitors to actually spend the night there. As of this month, the three-bedroom house with room for up to eight guests is available for overnight stays starting at $1,000. Beyond sleeping accommodations, visitors also have access to "a variety of sitting areas, including a spacious back porch and patio" and the property's two-acre grounds.
Courtesy of The Samuels House
Plus, the house also offering "one-of-a-kind experiences" to add on to your stay, such as a VIP nighttime visit to the Maker's Mark Distillery, a private dinner pairing from chef Newman Miller, and even sipping and storytelling with Bill Samuels Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker's Mark (for guests willing to make a donation to the Margie Samuels scholarship and subject to his availability).
For more details or to make a reservation, head to the Samuels House website.
