Maker’s Mark has announced the return of Star Hill Farm Whisky with a 2026 release, the second edition of the brand’s first new mash bill and first wheat whisky in 70 years. Named World’s Best Wheat Whisky 2026, the expression will be available in the UK from May 18 with a recommended retail price of £100 in the UK and $100 in the US at selected luxury and specialist retailers.
The annual release is crafted at Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Kentucky. It is designed to evolve year by year, shaped by the grains, the land, and the natural environment behind every bottle.
“My grandparents built Maker’s Mark on the belief that when we invest in the land, it gives back in flavor,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark. “Star Hill Farm Whisky extends that vision by embracing ingredients sourced from regenerative agriculture.”
Samuels added: “As a proud B Corp and Regenified-certified distillery, we’re helping to define leadership in sustainability for the industry, while working to make Star Hill Farm the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world.”
The 2025 inaugural release put soft red winter wheat in the spotlight. For 2026, Maker’s Mark has expanded the flavor profile by introducing hard red and hard white wheat varietals.
Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 is crafted from two mash bills: one made entirely from malted wheat, and another from 70% wheat and 30% malted barley. The final blend comprises 27% wheat, 62% malted wheat, and 11% malted barley.
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“The first release of Star Hill Farm Whisky was bright, approachable and straightforward; this year we’ve dialed up the complexity,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark. “The 2026 release is a balanced blend of seven and eight-year whiskies bottled at cask strength, evolving from first sip to finish.”
Layfield added: “It opens with aromas of molasses, fig and delicate baking spices, followed by notes of zesty citrus, ripe pear and buttery shortbread, and lingers with a soft cinnamon finish.”
The expression is bottled at 58.2% ABV. It continues Maker’s Mark’s wider commitment to regenerative agriculture, championing farming practices that support healthier soil.
First launched in 2025, Star Hill Farm Whisky was the first whisky to earn Estate Whiskey certification from the Estate Whiskey Alliance, recognizing whiskey produced entirely on the distillery estate using grains grown on estate-owned or controlled land.
UK stockists include The Whisky Shop, Harrods, Selfridges, Berry Bros & Rudd, Master of Malt, and The Whisky Exchange. In the US, the whisky will be available from select retailers nationwide and at the Maker’s Mark Distillery.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe aromas of dark molasses, fig, and delicate spice. The palate offers vibrant citrus, ripe pear, and shortbread. The finish is lingering with rich sweetness and soft cinnamon.
