Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 Release

Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 Release is Maker's Mark's second annual corn-free American wheat whisky, bottled at 116.4 proof from a radically reworked mashbill featuring malted wheat, hard red wheat, and hard white wheat. This Kentucky straight whisky represents a bold departure from traditional bourbon, showcasing the expressive character of wheat-forward distillation with fruit-forward complexity and rich vanilla sweetness. Maker's Mark continues to push boundaries with their Star Hill Farm series, growing their own wheat on the distillery's farm in Loretto, Kentucky. The 2026 release builds on the foundation of the debut 2025 edition but reworks the recipe around malted wheat and incorporates experimental barrels. By deliberately breaking from their usual barrel-rotation consistency and drawing from three rickhouse floors with a 20-point proof swing, Master Distiller creates a more vibrant and expressive whisky than the previous year's release.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Strawberry preserves, honeyed apricot, fresh peach, burnt caramel, orange marmalade, sweet oak
• Palate: Chocolate-covered cherry, vanilla custard, wildflower honey, crystallized ginger, fresh bread dough, bright lemon zest
• Finish: Long and warming with wheat spice, dark chocolate, honey sweetness, gentle oak tannins

Product Details

Spirit Type	American Wheat Whisky
ABV	58.2% (116.4 Proof)
Volume	750mL
Age Statement	7-8 Years
Release Year	2026
Distillery	Maker's Mark Distillery
Region	Kentucky
Mash Bill	Corn-free, malted wheat, hard red wheat, hard white wheat
Filtration	Non-chill filtered

Perfect For

• Neat Sipping: High proof showcases the unique wheat character and complex fruit notes
• Whisky Collectors: Limited annual release from America's most innovative bourbon distillery
• Special Occasions: Premium American whisky that represents cutting-edge grain-to-glass craftsmanship
• Wheat Whisky Enthusiasts: Rare opportunity to taste corn-free American whisky with experimental mashbill

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Star Hill Farm Whisky different from Maker's Mark bourbon?

Star Hill Farm Whisky is completely corn-free, using a wheat-forward mashbill instead of the traditional corn base found in bourbon. This creates a softer, more fruit-forward flavor profile with less spice and more natural sweetness. The wheat is grown on Maker's Mark's own Star Hill Farm, and the whisky is bottled at a higher proof than standard Maker's Mark.

How does the 2026 release compare to the 2025 edition?

The 2026 release features a reworked recipe built around malted wheat rather than the soft red winter wheat that dominated the 2025 edition. It incorporates hard red and hard white wheat varieties plus experimental barrels, and uses a deliberate proof variation across rickhouse floors to create a more vibrant and expressive whisky than the debut release.

Should I drink this neat or can it handle water?

At 116.4 proof, this whisky can absolutely handle a splash of water or ice, which will open up the fruit and honey notes. Many drinkers prefer it neat to experience the full intensity of the wheat character, but adding water reveals different layers of complexity without diminishing the experience.

Is this a good investment bottle?

As the second release in an annual series from Maker's Mark, this has strong collectible potential. The experimental nature of the mashbill, limited production using estate-grown wheat, and the distillery's reputation for quality make this an attractive bottle for collectors and enthusiasts of American whisky innovation.

How long will this bottle be available?

Star Hill Farm releases are annual and limited, typically selling out within months of release. Maker's Mark produces these in small batches using their estate wheat, so availability depends on harvest and aging cycles. Once the 2026 release sells out, you'll need to wait for the next year's iteration.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.