Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 - Cask-Strength Wheat Release

Maker's Mark Returns with Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026

Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm represents the second edition of Maker's Mark Distillery’s Star Hill Farm Whisky, marking the brand’s first foray into wheat whisky in 70 years. Honored as the World's Best Wheat Whiskey 2026, this expression extends a new mash bill that highlights the distillery’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainability. Following its 2025 debut in the United States, the 2026 release arrives in Duty Free markets as well as Japan, the UK, and Australia, broadening the whisky’s international presence.

Maturation & Flavor Profile

Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 introduces a blend of two mash bills: one fully malted wheat and another with 70% wheat and 30% malted barley. The final blend is composed of 27% wheat, 62% malted wheat, and 11% malted barley, creating a darker and more layered aromatic profile than the inaugural release. Bottled at cask strength 58.2% ABV (116.4 proof), this expression showcases a rounder structure with intensified fruit notes. The whisky is a blend of seven and eight-year-old stocks, evolving its flavor from the first sip through to finish.

Master Blender's Statement

Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker's Mark, explains: "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."

The release continues Maker’s Mark’s pioneering regenerative agriculture efforts pioneered at Star Hill Farm, which earned the inaugural edition Estate Whiskey certification from the Estate Whiskey Alliance® (EWA).

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Molasses, fig, delicate baking spices
• Palate: Zesty citrus, ripe pear, buttery shortbread
• Finish: Soft cinnamon

Release & Availability

Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm is priced at $100 USD for a 700 ml bottle. It is available through Spiritory and continues to embody Maker’s Mark’s sustainability vision blended with expert craftsmanship.