Star Hill Farm Blended American Whiskey 2026 Release 6 Yr 116.4

Star Hill Farm Blended American Whiskey 2026 Release is the second annual expression in Maker’s Mark’s groundbreaking Star Hill Farm series, a project that explores the influence of grain, agriculture, and terroir on American whiskey. Unlike Maker’s Mark’s traditional wheated bourbon, Star Hill Farm is a corn-free whiskey designed to highlight the character of wheat itself. Each annual release is intentionally unique, with changing grain varieties and blending decisions reflecting the harvest rather than a fixed house style. The 2026 edition expands upon the inaugural release by incorporating soft red winter wheat alongside hard red and hard white wheat, creating a richer and more layered whiskey while maintaining the brand’s commitment to regenerative agriculture. Like its predecessor, it carries the Estate Whiskey certification, recognizing that the whiskey is produced entirely from locally sourced grains under strict sustainability standards.

The cask program consists of a masterful blend of seven- and eight-year-old whiskeys matured in new, charred American oak barrels and bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration. The blend is composed of two distinct mash bills—one made entirely from malted wheat and another consisting of 70% wheat and 30% malted barley—resulting in a final grain composition of 62% malted wheat, 27% wheat, and 11% malted barley. Bottled at a robust 116.4 proof (58.2% ABV), the whiskey showcases remarkable depth while remaining balanced and expressive.

On the nose, expect inviting aromas of molasses, mission fig, toasted cinnamon, orange peel, ripe pear, buttery shortbread, and warm baking spices. The palate is rich and creamy with layers of candied citrus, honey, vanilla, chocolate-covered cherries, orchard fruit, ginger, and toasted grain, all supported by a silky wheat sweetness and vibrant spice. The finish is long and warming, revealing dark chocolate, pecan, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lingering fig with elegant oak.

Characteristics

• Producer: Maker's Mark
• Expression: Star Hill Farm Blended American Whiskey 2026 Release
• Classification: American Wheat Whiskey
• Release: Annual Limited Edition (2026)
• Age: Blend of 7- and 8-year-old whiskeys
• Cask Program: Matured in new charred American oak; blend of 100% malted wheat whiskey and 70% wheat/30% malted barley whiskey
• Grain Composition: 62% malted wheat, 27% wheat, 11% malted barley
• ABV: 58.2%
• Proof: 116.4
• Bottle Size: 700 mL
• Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
• Estate Whiskey Certified: Yes 
• Availability: Limited annual release nationwide.