Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 Brings Hard Wheat to Estate Whiskey

Maker’s Mark’s first new mash bill in seventy years is already on chapter two. Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 returns April 22 as the brand’s annual wheat-whisky experiment — this year pushing hard red and hard white wheat into a darker, fruitier blend after 2025’s soft-red winter wheat debut.

Master Distiller Dr. Blake Layfield describes a cask-strength blend of seven- and eight-year whiskies at 116.4 proof (58.2% ABV). Official notes open on molasses, fig, and baking spice, then citrus, ripe pear, and shortbread, finishing soft cinnamon. The final grain blend is 27% wheat, 62% malted wheat, and 11% malted barley — built from an all-malted-wheat mash bill and a 70/30 wheat-and-malted-barley mash bill.

Suggested retail is $100. Distribution expands to Japan and Duty Free alongside the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The release again carries Estate Whiskey Alliance certification, tying the bottle to grains grown on estate-owned or controlled land at Star Hill Farm in Loretto. Bookable farm tours and “flavor from nature” cocktails at the distillery ride along for visitors who want the story with the pour.

Source: Suntory Global Spirits / Maker’s Mark press release. Photo credit: Maker’s Mark / Suntory Global Spirits.