For over seven decades, Maker’s Mark has been synonymous with its distinctive wheated bourbon. Now, in a historic move that signals innovation while honoring its legacy, the venerable Kentucky distillery has unveiled its first new mashbill and its inaugural wheat whisky: Star Hill Farm Whisky. This groundbreaking release marks a significant departure for Maker’s Mark, venturing beyond the legal definition of bourbon to explore the nuanced flavors that different grains can offer.
Star Hill Farm Whisky isn’t just a one-off experiment; it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Maker’s Mark. This label will serve as an experimental collection, with the distillery planning to launch unique and different whiskies annually. According to Rob Samuels, an eighth-generation whisky maker and the managing director of Maker’s Mark, Star Hill Farm Whisky represents “a 10-year journey to unlock nature’s depth of flavor, resulting in something new from the Maker’s Mark Distillery.”
While Maker’s Mark has previously introduced variations like Maker’s Mark 46 and expressions within their Wood Finishing Series, all of these were rooted in their signature wheated bourbon mashbill, where red winter wheat played the crucial role of the “flavoring grain.” A typical wheat whiskey, in contrast, often reverses this grain bill, positioning corn as the flavoring component. However, the team at Maker’s Mark charted their own course for this inaugural release, notably omitting corn entirely.
The 2025 Star Hill Farm Whisky, named in homage to the very farm where the Maker’s Mark distillery was established in 1953, is a blend of 7 and 8-year-old whiskies crafted from two distinct mashbills. One mashbill features a composition of 70 percent wheat and 30 percent barley – the latter typically included in bourbon recipes to enhance fermentation and contribute nutty undertones. The second mashbill is composed entirely of 100 percent soft red winter wheat.
Staying true to their commitment to authenticity, Maker’s Mark is releasing the first batch of Star Hill Farm Whisky at its natural cask strength of 114.7 proof. This uncut expression, consistent with the rest of the Maker’s Mark portfolio, is also expected to be non-chill filtered, preserving its full spectrum of flavors and textures.
Master Distiller Dr. Blake Layfield’s tasting notes paint a compelling picture of this new whisky. He describes a nose that “captivates with notes of buttery caramel, golden raisins and gingerbread,” followed by flavors of “honeyed toffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and a hint of apple pie spice,” culminating in a finish of cinnamon and toasted pecans.
Beyond the exceptional liquid, the Star Hill Farm Whisky project carries a deeper purpose: exploring the impact of healthy regenerative ecosystems on the flavor profiles of the grains used in whisky production. Maker’s Mark, the first and only bourbon distillery to achieve B Corp certification, is also the world’s first distillery certified by Regenified, a leading regenerative certification company. While these practices might not directly alter your cocktail, they underpin Star Hill Farm Whisky’s distinction as the first whisky to receive certification from the Estate Whiskey Alliance for its “local sourcing and sustainable production in the whiskey industry.” In an era where transparency is increasingly valued, Maker’s Mark is openly sharing its commitment to responsible practices.
Anticipated for release typically in May, the exact production volume of Star Hill Farm Whisky remains undisclosed. However, its global distribution, including markets in the United Kingdom and Australia, suggests sufficient quantities for international enthusiasts. With a suggested retail price of $100, Star Hill Farm Whisky presents an accessible opportunity to experience a unique offering from an iconic brand boldly venturing into new territory.
(Photo Credit: Star Hill Farm Whisky)
