The third in the 10-year commemorative bottle series committed to raising $4 million for Kentucky nonprofits 

Keeneland Race Course and Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the third bottle in the “Greats of the Gate” 10-year commemorative bottle series celebrating Thoroughbred racing’s most iconic horses. Proceeds from each year’s limited-edition bottle benefit nonprofits that support Kentucky’s horse racing industry and vibrant culture of hospitality and the arts. 

The limited-edition bottles will arrive on shelves April 16 – on the heels of the prestigious $650,000 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) during Keeneland’s Spring Meet on April 10. Available exclusively at select Kentucky retailers that sell Maker’s Mark, the 2026 “Greats of the Gate” bottle honors the Hall-of-Fame racehorse Northern Dancer, the first Canadian-bred horse to win both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. 

“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 Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark. “Through our partnership with Keeneland, we’re able to turn our shared heritage and commitment to purpose into tangible support for the organizations that make our community so vibrant.”

The bottle features an illustration by renowned Kentucky artist Tyler Robertson with artwork wrapping around the bottle in teal and yellow polka dots inspired by the racing silks of Northern Dancer. The bottle’s crown will be dipped in teal wax and topped with a yellow silk ribbon. Every bottle will include a certificate of authenticity signed by Maker’s Mark Managing Director Rob Samuels; Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin; and artist Tyler Robertson.

"Northern Dancer has long been a defining figure in Thoroughbred racing, and this commemorative bottle is a tribute to his enduring impact on the sport,” said Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland. “By blending the artistry of racing with the craftsmanship of bourbon, we are creating meaningful support for the nonprofit organizations that form the foundation of our industry.”

Proceeds from the commemorative bottle will benefit the nonprofits Kentucky Classic Arts by providing support for musical theatre performance opportunities for Central Kentucky; Kentucky Harvest by expanding their food rescue and donation efforts across the Commonwealth; Kentucky Arts Center of the Bluegrass providing free entry to guests for the museum along with arts programming; and Blue Grass Farms Charities supporting the new food pantry at The Thoroughbred Center.

For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com and www.keeneland.com.