Maker’s Mark Releases Its First Non-Bourbon Whiskey

For the first time since its founding more than 70 years ago, Maker’s Mark is releasing a wheat whiskey, marking the first non-bourbon release in the company’s history.

The new, annual release is dubbed Star Hill Farm Whisky, named after the 1,100-acre Kentucky farm that’s been home to the Maker’s Mark distillery since 1953. Of course, Maker’s Mark is no stranger to wheat. Its wheated bourbon has long featured a recipe (or mash bill) of 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. 

But Star Hill Farm Whisky is in another category entirely, and while the exact blend will shift from year to year, the inaugural release is a blend of two mash bills: one distilled from 70% wheat and 30% malted barley, the other from 100 malted wheat. 

The blend’s derived mash bill is 61% wheat, 20% malted wheat, and 19% malted barley. (As with its iconic bourbon, Maker’s Mark is using soft red winter wheat.) The blend components were aged between seven and eight years, with all liquid distilled and barreled in the falls of 2016 and 2017. This first release is bottled at a cask strength of 57.35% ABV, or 114.7 proof.

Design-curious consumers will be surprised to learn that in addition to Star Hill Farm Whisky's unique bottle shape, it forgoes the signature red wax seal so many of us associate with Maker’s Mark.

Federal regulations dictate that American wheat whiskey must be made from a mash of at least 51% wheat. While this isn’t a new class of spirit, wheat whiskey has become more common recently as producers big and small look to explore options beyond the crowded bourbon market.

According to Maker's Mark master distiller Dr. Blake Layfield, developing and perfecting Star Hill Farm Whisky called for ongoing experimentation by the brand. 

“We kept our distillation parameters consistent — same mill, mash, yeast, fermentation time, and entry proof — our tried-and-true foundation,” Layfield says, speaking exclusively to Food & Wine. “But then, we took a leap. We decided to let nature lead the way, forgoing our usual barrel rotation, a practice we've honed for Maker's Mark.”

Layfield notes that the result is a whiskey that stands apart from the hallmark bourbon profile of Maker’s Mark.

Per the distiller, as you taste the wheat whiskey you’ll find “aromas of buttery caramel and golden raisins lead to a palate that diverges from traditional bourbon, delivering honeyed toffee and apple pie spice. The finish of toasted pecans and soft cinnamon lends to a very approachable and enjoyable whiskey that showcases the gentle, inherent softness of wheat.”

While the brand isn’t divulging too many details yet, a Maker’s Mark press release implies that a number of factors could change for future releases, from age to cask type, mash bill, and perhaps even grain variety. As with all new whiskies, only time can reveal the true impact of maturation, and Layfield says experiments will continue as the distillery tastes more of its aging wheat whiskey stocks.

“We also dove deep into our wood science expertise, experimenting with different barrel types. We saw how specific oaks could coax out layers of unique flavor, while others revealed more familiar traits. How the flavor has continued to evolve past seven to eight years has been a real ‘wow' moment for all of us.”

Along with the release of Star Hill Farm Whisky, Maker’s Mark announced a new goal to transition one million acres of its farmland to become regenerative-designated land over the next three years. Regenerative agriculture benefits land by restoring soil health, supporting biodiversity, and minimizing carbon emissions, among other environmental benefits.

The new spirit is the first product to carry the Estate Whiskey Certification, a designation awarded by the Estate Whiskey Alliance, a consortium organized through the University of Kentucky. According to a press release, the new designation is meant to highlight spirits produced fully on a distillery’s estate, “using grains sourced from estate-owned or controlled land.”

Star Hill Farm Whisky carries a suggested retail price of $100 for a 750-milliliter bottle and will be available at select retailers in the United States and the United Kingdom starting in May 2025. The whiskey will be released to the Australian market later this year, and bottles can be purchased by booking a Star Hill Farm Whisky experience at the brand’s Loretto, Kentucky home.