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American Whiskey Review: Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky

Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky represents the first new mash bill and the first wheat whiskey from the brand in over 70 years. The project also places heavy emphasis on regenerative agriculture.

OVERALL RATING

9
N/A
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

The first new mash from Maker’s Mark in decades. Maker’s Mark is releasing a wheat whisky. This is not a high wheat or “wheater” bourbon, this whisky is a complete wheat mash aged 8-9 years before bottling. The mash make-up is 51% soft red winter wheat aged 8 years, combined with 27% malted soft red winter wheat and 22% malted barley aged 9 years.


Appearance:
The bottle is honestly stunning, a clear departure from the wax dipped bottles you are probably familiar with. The bottle topper is a heavy piece of either granite or lime stone. While the label is heavy with text but also tastefully adorned.

The color of the whiskey is stunning Old Oak, deep reddish hue.
Nose:
Intoxicating and dangerously sweet. Brown sugar, charred oak, clover, creme brulee, anise. It is warm and inviting. With fresh air there is charred plantains on the first bit of the nose. There is an iconic hint of Maker’s Mark woven throughout.
Palate:
An oak bomb. Surprisingly robust flavor and is a bit intimidating at the outset. There are a lot of flavors beautifully melded together, but can be hard to parse out at the outset.

While the whiskey opened up throughout the tasting these were the notes I found most prominent. Toasted oak, soda bread, salt, rich pipe tobacco, dark cherries, cardamum, white pepper. At the top of the pallet there is a burst of caramelized sugar which dances throughout the sip.

With each sip you’re invited to explore different depths of these flavors. There is a lot going on, all of it is good but it’s a heavy hitter at 57%.
Finish:
The finish is simultaneously a mercy and an unwelcome indicator we are one sip closer to the end of the glass. This is rich and warm, it holds across the mouth, throat, and chest. There is lingering oak, dried figs, hazelnuts, leather before it fades into soft wheat grain.
Comments:
At nearly 60% alcohol this packs a punch! I recommend taking a sip, let the whiskey hang on the tongue, let the whiskey sit in the glass, and come back after a few minutes. Then pour another glass.

In transparency I’m a fan of Maker’s Mark but this is not like any Maker’s you’ve likely had before. I came into this glass thinking “it’s just high proof Maker’s.” It is not. It is a totally new whiskey profile and that threw me. This is a welcome and stellar new offering from a storied brand.

This is not a whiskey for everyone. Not every drinker will embrace the dark earth notes and high proof of this whiskey. It is not as sweet as a traditional bourbon or even close to traditional Maker’s. This is dry, complex, fun, engaging, and all around worthy of a place on your shelf. However, before you pour a glass for your friend who ‘likes whiskey’ you’ll want ease them into this glass.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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