For decades Maker’s Mark has built its reputation on a single wheated bourbon recipe. The brand is now branching out with the second release of its Star Hill Farm Whisky, a whiskey bottled from grains grown and distilled at its own Kentucky estate.

The 2026 edition is Maker’s first new mash bill in seven decades, blending two unusual grain bills: one built around whole kernel hard‑red winter wheat and another dominated by malted wheat with a touch of malted barley. The result is a whiskey bottled at a robust 58.2 percent ABV and one that carries the Estate Certified seal.

Fermented in small batches and matured in charred American oak, the spirit reveals aromas of toasted almond, candied orange peel and dried fruit. On the palate the high proportion of wheat translates into honeyed crackers, vanilla and cinnamon, while the finish lingers with subtle spice and roasted nuts. Maker’s describes the release as a demonstration of regenerative agriculture: all grains are grown using soil‑building practices at Star Hill Farm, and the program supports local seed breeders and farmers. Only a limited quantity will be available, with bottles priced around $100.

Given that Maker’s last introduced a new mash bill in the 1950s, this bottle is more than just a limited release – it signals an openness to experimentation that could shape the brand’s future. For drinkers, Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 offers a wheat‑driven profile that stands apart from traditional bourbons while still echoing the sweetness and spice that fans expect.