Sips & Sites & Bites

In the rolling hills of Loretto, Kentucky, something quietly revolutionary is happening at Maker’s Mark. Known for its iconic red wax and generations of bourbon tradition, the distillery is shaking things up … just a little. This May, Maker’s Mark released Star Hill Farm Whisky, the first new mashbill in its 70-year history and its first-ever wheat whisky.

This isn’t just about flavor (though there’s plenty of that); it’s about a vision, one rooted in sustainability, soil health, and a better future for the land that gives us our spirits.

A Decade in the Making

Crafted after 10 years of experimentation, Star Hill Farm Whisky shines a spotlight on soft red winter wheat, the same grain that’s long been part of Maker’s original mashbill, now taking center stage. The 2025 release blends two mashbills: one with 70% wheat and 30% malted barley, and another that’s 100% malted wheat. What you get is a wheat-forward whisky that’s complex, rich, and distinctly Maker’s.

Bottled uncut at 57.35% ABV (114.7 proof), it’s a cask strength stunner. On the nose: buttery caramel, golden raisins, and warm gingerbread. The palate? Think honeyed toffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and a touch of apple pie spice. It finishes long and smooth with toasted pecans and cinnamon … a cozy sipper for serious whisky lovers.

Rooted in Regeneration

But what really sets Star Hill Farm Whisky apart isn’t just what’s in the bottle … it’s how it came to be. Named after the 1,100-acre farm that Maker’s Mark calls home, this whisky is a love letter to regenerative agriculture. That means working with nature, not against it—using practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and capture carbon.

With the launch, Maker’s Mark is going bigger than ever on sustainability. They’ve founded The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, a new initiative aimed at converting 1 million acres of conventional farmland to regenerative methods in the next three years. The Alliance is teaming up with partners like Regenified and Understanding Ag to bring education and real impact to farmers, restaurants, and bars … from Kentucky to New York to London.

Estate-Grown, B Corp-Certified, Regenified-Approved

Star Hill Farm Whisky is also the first to carry the Estate Whiskey certification, meaning it’s made entirely on the Maker’s estate using grains grown on-site. It’s a rare level of transparency and locality, and another reason this bottle is worth tracking down.

The whisky will be available in the U.S. and U.K. starting mid-May, with Australia to follow later this year. Stateside, you’ll find it in select retailers or by booking a tasting experience at the Maker’s Mark distillery itself. At $100, it’s a thoughtful pour for both the palate and the planet.