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MAKER'S MARK®
Greats of the Gate 2026
We are officially now in Year Three of our 10-year collection commemorating racing’s most spirited horses. Proudly debuting as our third Great of the Gate, this year’s bottle celebrates Northern Dancer. This Hall-of-Fame racehorse was the first Canadian-bred Thoroughbred to win both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. This special release was brought to life by Kentucky artist Tyler Robertson.
In 1958, Keeneland served Maker’s Mark® from the first cases ever sold. This began a longtime partnership that would go on to raise millions for Kentucky communities, continuing today with the current Greats of the Gate series. We’ve collaborated on a commemorative bottle each year since 1997, helping many Bluegrass causes.
“The ‘Greats of the Gate’ series is more than a tribute to legendary Thoroughbreds—it’s a meaningful way for Maker’s Mark to invest in the Kentucky culture that has sustained our craft for generations,” said our Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark.
We’re proud to donate proceeds from Greats of the Gate to local nonprofits
Proceeds from each year’s Greats of the Gate bottle will benefit nonprofits that support Kentucky culture, including the horseracing industry, hospitality, and the arts. Over the course of this series, Keeneland and Maker’s Mark are committed to raising $4 million for various Kentucky nonprofit organizations. For the first three years, the “Greats of the Gate” bottle will support Kentucky Classic Arts, Kentucky Harvest, Arts Center of the Bluegrass, and Blue Grass Farms Charities.
Kentucky Classic Arts
They strive to enrich the lives of people in Central Kentucky by providing family-friendly entertainment, arts involvement opportunities for all ages. Kentucky Classic Arts brings people, education and the arts together.
How Our Partnership Comes to Life: By supporting musical theatre performance opportunities for Central Kentucky.
Kentucky Harvest
They seek to end local hunger by connecting with food donors and engaging volunteers to rescue excess food and move it from those who have it to those in need. Kentucky Harvest rescues both perishable and non-perishable food and delivers it to those in need.
How Our Partnership Comes to Life: By expanding their food rescue and donation efforts across the Commonwealth.
Arts Center of the Bluegrass
They connect people to art, culture, and creativity. Arts Center of the Bluegrass has reimagined what an art center can be, bringing tens of thousands through the doors each year for the national glass museum, art exhibits, workshops, community gatherings, and more.
How Our Partnership Comes to Life: By providing free entry to guests for the museum and supporting arts programming.
Blue Grass Farms Charities
They support Central Kentucky horsemen/women and their families with benevolent assistance across multiple areas including health and human services. Blue Grass Farms Charities aims to bring stability and a sense of well-being to those working in the local Thoroughbred industry.
How Our Partnership Comes to Life: Through the building of a new pantry located at The Thoroughbred Center beginning this summer.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Sweet oak, vanilla, bright fruit and wheat prevail in the nose
Taste
Sweet with balance of oak, vanilla and fruity essences
Finish
Smooth and creamy with a pleasant soft spice and clean finish
Proof
90
Looking Back
Lookback: Greats of the Gate 2024
The “Greats of the Gate” series kicked off last year with an inaugural bottle honoring Lexington-foaled Man o' War, who famously competed from 1919 to 1920, winning 20 of 21 races.
Greats of the Gate 2025: Lexington
Last year’s bottle celebrated Lexington. More than just a legendary nineteenth century horse, Lexington’s 2025 feature also coincided with its namesake city’s 250th anniversary. Lexington, Kentucky is home to champion horse farms, world-class racetracks, and a vibrant culture beloved by locals and visitors alike.
GIVE MAKER’S MARK® GREATS OF THE GATE A STIR
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- Light & Bright
Maker’s Sour
The Maker’s Sour is a refined and refreshing blend of sour and sweet. Our Maker’s Sour is inspired by the Whisky Sour, a refreshingly citrus-forward cocktail; 1862’s "The Bartender's Guide" by Jerry Thomas is recognized as one of the first mentions of this classic. This cocktail has had enduring appeal and reaches a new level of refreshing when the sour notes are mixed with Maker’s® sweetness.
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Intermediate
- 3-5 min
- Citrus
- Rich & Bright
Mint Julep
With pronounced sugar and mint notes, the Mint Julep is one of our favorite bourbon cocktails and a natural match for warmer weather, horse races and good company. The mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938 but was actually invented in Virginia. This Southern favorite nears perfection when bourbon, particularly Maker's Mark, is used as the spirit of choice.
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Intermediate
- 1-3 min
- Savory
- Light & Bright
Maker’s Collins
A refreshing twist on the classic Sour, this long, fizzy cocktail is approachable and enhances Maker’s signature cherry, vanilla, and caramel notes for easy sipping, day or night.
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Easy
- 1-3 min
- Citrus
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