The iconic red wax darling better known as Maker’s Mark has been a one trick mashbill pony since it’s very first year of production in 1954. A legendary Bourbon that used wheat as its second leading ingredient (beyond corn of course) vs the industry standard of rye in second place. It took them over 50 years to launch a different product, that being Maker’s 46 in 2010. But that still used the standard Maker’s Mark Bourbon mashbill. Now, 70 years after selling its first bottle of Bourbon in 1958, a seismic historic moment is happening for one of Bourbon’s most beloved brands.
Quick Facts
- Wheated Whiskey (Not Bourbon)
- PROOF: 114.7 Proof (57.35% abv)
- PRICE: $100
Maker’s will soon be rolling out Star Hill Farm Whisky – a WHEATED WHISKY, it’s NOT A BOURBON. How much corn in the mashbill? Zero. Zilch. The primary focus is to highlight soft red winter wheat — the distinctive grain in Maker’s Mark’s mashbill. The 2025 release of Star Hill Farm Whisky is crafted from two mashbills: one with 70% soft red winter wheat and 30% malted barley, and the other with 100% malted soft red winter wheat.
LARGER CONCEPT AFOOT: As Maker’s tend to do, this is all part of a grander vision for a more encompassing concept. This being the first release and focusing on the wheat component. However, Star Hill Farm Whisky will evolve each year, exploring flavors that soil, wheat, water and wood impart to quality ingredients when blended, aged and grown regeneratively.
Major Emphasis on Environmental Sustainability
And also as Maker’s tends to do, it is scaling its sustainability efforts by establishing The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance and has committed to transitioning a million acres of conventional farmland to regenerative over the next three years. Some background info (I may have had to look this up, love you Wiki) Regenerative Farming per Wikipedia is a holistic approach to farming that focuses on restoring and improving soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, while also mitigating climate change and enhancing food production.
“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 flavor, resulting in something new from the Maker’s Mark Distillery,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark. “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.”
Star Hill Farm Whisky is named after the 1,100-acre farm that is home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, chosen by its founders, Margie and Bill Samuels Sr., in 1953 for its unique water source and proximity to grain growers. Maker’s Mark still owns, protects and enriches its watershed and land. MM is the first and only bourbon distillery to achieve B Corp Certification in Kentucky and the first distillery globally to achieve certification from Regenified
, the leading regenerative certification company.
With the launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky, MM has formed an alliance with Regenified and Understanding Ag, which provides education and technical support to build healthy farm ecosystems. The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance will invite farms, bars and restaurants — starting in New York, Kentucky and greater London — to join its mission: pledging to adopt regenerative practices in sourcing and operations, while promoting its benefits through menu storytelling and consumer engagement.
Star Hill Farm Whisky will be the first to carry an Estate Whiskey certification — a new designation by The Estate Whiskey Alliance group established by the University of Kentucky to highlight the advantages of local sourcing and sustainable production in the whiskey industry. Estate whiskey refers to a category that is produced entirely on the distillery estate, using grains sourced from estate owned or controlled land.
With an ABV of 57.35% (114.7 proof), the Star Hill Farm Whisky 2025 Release will have a suggested retail price of USD $100. In the United States, the limited release will be available at select retailers nationwide and available for purchase at the Maker’s Mark Distillery by booking a Star Hill Farm Whisky experience at https://www.makersmark.com//distillery/visit-us.
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