Note: This review of Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 reflects the personal opinions of Editor Kyle Swartz. This bottle was sent to him as a media sample.
Maker’s Mark has rolled out the second release of Star Hill Farm Whisky, the company’s first new mash bill and first wheat whisky in 70 years. This line is an annual experimental release that showcases different mash bills. The inaugural release focused on soft red winter wheat. The 2026 edition uses hard red and hard white wheat varieties, with a final blended mash bill iteration that contains 27% wheat, 62% malted wheat, and 11% malted barley. Star Hill 2026 comes bottled at 116.4 proof. The suggested retail price is $100 per 700-ml. bottle.
Nose
Mixed candies, sawdust, sweet barley, baking spices, cooked caramel. Medium but inviting.
Palate
The palate is significantly spicer than the nose. Barley balanced with nice wheat sweetness throughout. Stone fruits, leather, tea, cocoa. Palate coating, a big mouthfeel. I can detect some younger, greener whiskey in the mix.
Finish
A touch shorter than I’d expect after all that proof and spice on the palate. Bready flavors, stone fruits, and cinnamon spice.
Upshot
I’m a little late with my review after slogging through a set of unusually complicated summer magazine issues. During that delay, I’ve seen lots of whiskey enthusiast eagerly chase after this bottle. Which is to say that there’s heat here. Is it worth it? Star Hill 2026 is an unusual, unique bottle, especially coming from Maker’s Mark, known for its limited recipes and world-class consistency. First time I sampled this, after sipping about six or seven other whiskeys with some friends, I admittedly forgot that this was Maker’s Mark. That’s how off-profile this bottle is, despite the producer’s use of wheat in the mash bill. Which is all to say that this is an interesting blend of barley, wheat sweetness, and cinnamon spice. Especially considering its distillery of origin. Star Hill 2026 is certainly unique enough in its makeup to warrant purchase by someone looking to build out their collection with different flavors. Give it a try!
Kyle Swartz is editor of Beverage Dynamics. Reach him at kswartz@epgacceleration.com. Read his recent piece, The 2026 Spirits Growth Brands Awards Winners.
