Maker’s Mark launches first wheat whisky, Star Hill Farm

Maker’s Mark has announced the debut of Star Hill Farm Whisky, the distillery’s first new mashbill and first wheat whisky in its 70-year history.

With the launch, the Kentucky distillery is also scaling its sustainability efforts by establishing The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance and has committed to transitioning a million acres of conventional farmland to regenerative over the next three years.

In line with its commitment to sustainability and regenerative farming, Maker’s Mark is partnering with acclaimed chef and fourth-generation New South Wales farmer, Matt Moran as a local brand ambassador.

Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark, expressed his pride in the new product that reflects the distillery’s values and aims to resonate with whisky lovers.

“Guided by our founders’ pursuit of excellence and a higher purpose, we are proud to share Star Hill Farm Whisky with the world — a 10-year journey to unlock nature’s depth of flavour, resulting in something new from the Maker’s Mark Distillery,” he said.

“We know that Star Hill Farm Whisky will resonate with both Maker’s Mark fans and new whisky drinkers in Australia, and it will expand our platform to advance regenerative agriculture beyond our business, fostering a more sustainable future for our industry, people and planet.”

Star Hill Farm Whisky will evolve each year, exploring flavours that soil, wheat, water and wood impart to quality ingredients when expertly blended, aged and grown regeneratively.

The inaugural release highlights soft red winter wheat — the distinctive grain in Maker’s Mark’s mashbill — and will remove corn entirely, allowing the wheat to shine.

The 2025 release of Star Hill Farm Whisky is crafted from two mashbills: one with 70 per cent soft red winter wheat and 30 per cent malted barley, and the other with 100 per cent malted soft red winter wheat.

Dr. Blake Layfield, Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark expressed his pride in the innovative new release and explored it’s unique flavour profile of mixed spices and caramel notes.

“We’re proud to introduce the first wheat whisky in our distillery’s history, one that showcases our vision and innovation and honors the land that makes it all possible. This release is a complex yet balanced blend of seven and eight-year whiskies, bottled uncut at cask strength.

“The nose captivates with notes of buttery caramel, golden raisins and gingerbread. On the palate, you’ll find a soft, bright mix of honeyed toffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and a hint of apple pie spice. The finish is smooth and inviting, with toasted pecans and soft cinnamon bringing it all together.”

Matt Moran and a regenerative farming ethos

The launch celebrates the role regenerative agriculture plays in creating healthier soil, better flavour and a more sustainable future.

As ambassador for the year, Moran will support the launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky in Australia and spotlight the shared values between the brand and Australian farming practices.

The collaboration draws a connection between Moran’s 1,000-acre family property in the Central Tablelands, and Maker’s Mark’s own regenerative agriculture initiatives. 

The bond between land and table continues to inspire Moran’s work and through these partnerships, he will continue to raise awareness on the critical role Australian farmers play in the food and drinks ecosystem, echoing Maker’s Mark belief that better flavour begins with respect for the land. 

Star Hill Farm Whisky is named after the 1,100-acre farm that is home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, chosen by its founders, Margie and Bill Samuels Sr., in 1953 for its unique water source and proximity to grain growers. Maker’s Mark still owns, protects and enriches its watershed and land.

Today, it is the first and only bourbon distillery to achieve B Corp Certification in Kentucky and the first distillery globally to achieve certification from Regenified – a leading regenerative certification company. 

With the latest product, Maker’s Mark has formed an alliance with Regenified and Understanding Ag, which provides education and technical support to build healthy farm ecosystems.

The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance will invite farms, bars and restaurants —starting in New York, Kentucky and greater London — to join its mission: pledging to adopt regenerative practices in sourcing and operations, while promoting its benefits through menu storytelling and consumer engagement.  

Star Hill Farm Whisky will be the first to carry an Estate Whiskey certification — a new designation by The Estate Whiskey Alliance group established by the University of Kentucky to highlight the advantages of local sourcing and sustainable production in the whiskey industry.

Estate whiskey refers to a category that is produced entirely on the distillery estate, using grains sourced from estate owned or controlled land.