Maker's Mark Distillery Now Has A New Installation By Glass Genius Dale Chihuly

Maker’s Mark is an iconic bourbon brand, with a picturesque distillery located in Loretto, Kentucky—the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark. Dale Chihuly is an artist, internationally renowned for his intricate glass works. They’ve come together for a stunning yet temporary site-specific installation.

Chihuly at Maker’s just opened at Maker’s Mark’s Kentucky distillery. The installation features six large-scale works by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, three of them new and created specifically for this installation, dispersed across the distillery’s grounds and in the visitors’ areas. They join The Spirit of the Maker, Chihuly’s first commissioned work for the distillery, which is permanently on display.

“I had the pleasure to visit the landmark Maker’s Mark Distillery in 2014 when we worked together to install The Spirit of the Maker,” Chihuly said in an announcement. “I was inspired then by its unique landscape and architecture and am excited to share my work from the perspective of its special surroundings.”

Chihuly’s “Crimson and Chestnut Fiori Boat” at Maker’s Mark

The installation’s grand opening is July 1 at 6:30 p.m.; the $50 admission gets you a meal and two drinks from the distillery’s new restaurant, Star Hill Provisions. From July 1 through October 31, admission to Chihuly at Maker’s is included in the ticket cost of the distillery’s daily tours. And on Saturday nights from July 22 through October 7, “Chihuly Nights” (separate ticket required) offers an after-dark view of the sculptures glowing with light—plus Maker’s Mark bourbon and cocktails.
Chihuly’s other recent site-specific installations include exhibits at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Catalina Island Museum.

Chihuly’s “Amber and New Oak Chandelier” at Maker’s Mark

About the author

Kathryn Maier

NYC Food & Drink Editor

Kathryn has eaten her way around the globe, seeking out local delicacies in more than 40 countries and counting. After receiving a Master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, she began writing about travel, food, and drink, and has held editorial roles at luxury publications including Conde Nast Traveler and the Robb Report. When she's in NYC, she can generally be found on a barstool at one of the city's best cocktail bars or at home sipping fine wine with her cat on her lap.