Maker's Mark Releases Second Star Hill Farm Wheat Whiskey

Maker's Mark has released the second edition of its Star Hill Farm wheat whiskey, a departure from its traditional wheated bourbon mashbill. The 2026 release, made from a small batch of 300 barrels, uses hard red and white wheat instead of soft red winter wheat to create a different flavor profile. The blend combines two mashbills: one of 100% malted wheat and another of 70% wheat and 30% malted barley, resulting in a composite mashbill of 27% wheat, 62% malted wheat, and 11% malted barley. Bottled at cask strength (58.2% ABV, 116.4 proof), it is a blend of seven- and eight-year-old whiskies. Master distiller Dr. Blake Layfield noted increased complexity compared to the first release. The whiskey qualifies as an Estate Whiskey under the Estate Whiskey Alliance, with all production steps on-site and at least two-thirds of grains grown on estate land. Maker's Mark is a B Corp and Regenified-certified distillery, emphasizing regenerative agriculture. Managing director Rob Samuels highlighted the distillery's sustainability leadership. The whiskey (SRP $100) is available from this month in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Japan, and duty-free shops.