Maker’s Mark has announced the second release of Star Hill Farm Whisky, the company’s first new mash bill and first wheat whisky in 70 years.
“My grandparents built Maker’s Mark on the belief that when we invest in the land, it gives back in flavor,” says Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark. “Star Hill Farm Whisky extends that vision by embracing ingredients sourced from regenerative agriculture. As a proud B Corp and Regenified-certified distillery, we’re helping to define leadership in sustainability for the industry, while working to make Star Hill Farm the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world.”
Unlike Maker’s Mark bourbon, which uses the same mash bill for consistency, Star Hill Farm Whisky uses a different approach each year to show how various grain varieties affect flavor. The inaugural release focused on soft red winter wheat. The 2026 edition uses hard red and hard white wheat varieties.
Maker’s Mark said the 2026 whisky combines two mash bills: one made entirely from malted wheat and another made from 70% wheat and 30% malted barley. The final blend contains 27% wheat, 62% malted wheat and 11% malted barley.
“The first release of Star Hill Farm Whisky was bright, approachable and straightforward; this year we’ve dialed up the complexity,” says Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark. “The 2026 release is a balanced blend of seven and eight-year whiskies bottled at cask strength, evolving from first sip to finish. It opens with aromas of molasses, fig and delicate baking spices, followed by notes of zesty citrus, ripe pear and buttery shortbread, and lingers with a soft cinnamon finish.”
In 2025, Star Hill Farm Whisky became the first whiskey to receive Estate Whiskey certification from the Estate Whiskey Alliance, a program established by the University of Kentucky. The certification recognizes whiskey produced entirely on a distillery estate using grains grown on estate-owned or controlled land.
The release also supports the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, launched in 2025 to promote regenerative farming practices through education and farm support. Maker’s Mark said the initiative has helped convert 58,000 acres of farmland to certified regenerative practices. The alliance also works with bars, restaurants and farms to expand regenerative sourcing and consumer education. The company said more than 14 partners have joined the program.
Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 comes bottled at 58.2% ABV, or 116.4 proof, and carries a suggested retail price of $100 per 700-ml. bottle. The limited release will appear at select U.S. retailers and at the Maker’s Mark Distillery.
