Maker’s Mark unveils first non-Bourbon whiskey
Suntory Global Spirits-owned brand Maker’s Mark has released its first wheat whiskey, Star Hill Farm – its first non-Bourbon expression.
Star Hill Farm is the first new mashbill and wheat whiskey from Maker’s Mark during its 70-year history.
Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whiskey maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark, said: “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 flavour, resulting in something new from the Maker’s Mark Distillery.
“The launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky will expand our platform to advance regenerative agriculture beyond our business, fostering a more sustainable future for our industry, people and planet.”
The new annual addition to the distillery’s range will ‘evolve’ each year, exploring the flavours that soil, wheat, water, and wood impart to quality ingredients when expertly blended, aged, and grown regeneratively.
The inaugural release will showcase soft red winter wheat, the key grain in Maker’s Mark’s mashbill, while eliminating corn entirely.
The 2025 release of Star Hill Farm Whisky will be made from two distinct mashbills: one composed of 70% soft red winter wheat and 30% malted barley, and the other 100% malted soft red winter wheat.
Dr Blake Layfield, master distiller, added: “We’re proud to introduce the first wheat whiskey in our distillery’s history, one that showcases our vision and innovation and honours the land that makes it all possible.
“This release is a complex yet balanced blend of seven- and eight-year whiskeys, bottled uncut at cask strength. The nose captivates with notes of buttery caramel, golden raisins and gingerbread. On the palate, you’ll find a soft, bright mix of honeyed toffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and a hint of apple pie spice. The finish is smooth and inviting, with toasted pecans and soft cinnamon bringing it all together.”
Offered at 57.35% ABV, Star Hill Farm Whisky 2025 has a suggested retail price of US$100.
The annual release will be available in the US and the UK in mid-May, followed by Australia later this year.
Sustainability
Star Hill Farm Whisky is named after the 1,100-acre farm home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which was established by Margie and Bill Samuels Sr in 1953.
Maker’s Mark is credited as the first and only Bourbon distillery in Kentucky to achieve B Corp certification and the first distillery in the world to receive accreditation from Regenified, a company focused on regenerative practices.
Star Hill Farm Whisky will be the first to carry the Estate Whiskey certification – a new designation from The Estate Whiskey Alliance, created by the University of Kentucky.
The certification highlights the benefits of local sourcing and sustainable production in the whiskey industry. Estate whiskey is produced entirely on one distillery estate, using grains sourced from estate-owned or controlled land.
Alongside the launch of Star Hill Farm, Maker’s Mark has established The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, which involves a commitment to transition one million acres of conventional farmland to regenerative practices over three years.
The Regenerative Alliance will invite farms, bars, and restaurants, starting in New York, Kentucky, and Greater London, to join its mission.
The new initiative encourages participants to adopt regenerative practices in their sourcing and operations while promoting the benefits of these practices through menu storytelling and consumer engagement.
Last month, Maker’s Mark unveiled its latest iteration in its Wood Finishing Series, The Keepers Release.
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