Maker’s Mark tells BourbonBlog.com that has introduced Star Hill Farm Whisky — its first new mashbill and first-ever wheat whisky since the distillery’s founding in 1953 — emphasizing a decade-long focus on regenerative agriculture and sustainability.
Star Hill Farm Whisky marks a shift from Maker’s Mark’s traditional approach. While the brand has used the same mashbill for over 70 years, this new release will evolve annually — exploring how soil, wheat, water, and wood shape flavor when ingredients are grown and aged regeneratively.
The inaugural release features soft red winter wheat — the signature grain in Maker’s Mark’s bourbon — but removes corn entirely, allowing the wheat to take the lead.
The annual release will be available in the United States and the United Kingdom beginning in mid-May, with Australia to follow later in 2025. With this launch, Maker’s Mark is scaling its sustainability efforts by establishing the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance and committing to transition one million acres of farmland to regenerative practices over the next three years.
Pricing, Details, And How to Get a Bottle:
Suggested price: $100 USD
ABV: 57.35% (114.7 proof)
In the United States, the limited release will be available at select retailers nationwide and available for purchase at the Maker’s Mark Distillery by booking a Star Hill Farm Whisky experience via MakersMark.com
Crafted with two mashbills: one with 70% soft red winter wheat and 30% barley, and the other with 100% malted soft red winter wheat.
Flavor Profile According to Maker’s Mark:
Nose: buttery caramel, golden raisins and gingerbread.
Palate: soft, bright mix of honeyed toffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and a hint of apple pie spice.
Finish: smooth and inviting, with toasted pecans and soft cinnamon
“Guided by our founders’ pursuit of excellence and a higher purpose, we are proud to share Star Hill Farm Whisky with the world — a 10-year journey to unlock nature’s depth of flavor, resulting in something new from the Maker’s Mark Distillery,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark. ”
“We’re proud to introduce the first wheat whisky in our distillery’s history, one that showcases our vision and innovation and honors the land that makes it all possible,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller, Maker’s Mark. “This release is a complex yet balanced blend of seven- and eight-year whiskies, bottled uncut at cask strength.
Partnering to Advance Regenerative Agriculture
Star Hill Farm Whisky is named after the 1,100-acre farm that is home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, chosen by its founders, Margie and Bill Samuels Sr., in 1953 for its unique water source and proximity to grain growers. Maker’s Mark still owns, protects and enriches its watershed and land. Today, Maker’s Mark is the first and only bourbon distillery to achieve B Corp Certification in Kentucky and the first distillery globally to achieve certification from Regenified™, the leading regenerative certification company.
With the launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky, Maker’s Mark has formed an alliance with Regenified and Understanding Ag, which provides education and technical support to build healthy farm ecosystems. The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance will invite farms, bars and restaurants — starting in New York, Kentucky and greater London — to join its mission: pledging to adopt regenerative practices in sourcing and operations, while promoting its benefits through menu storytelling and consumer engagement.
Star Hill Farm Whisky will be the first to carry an Estate Whiskey certification — a new designation by The Estate Whiskey Alliance group established by the University of Kentucky to highlight the advantages of local sourcing and sustainable production in the whiskey industry. Estate whiskey refers to a category that is produced entirely on the distillery estate, using grains sourced from estate owned or controlled land.
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