Maker’s Mark has announced that it is bringing back its renowned Star Hill Farm Whisky for a 2026 run, an especially timely release after its recent recognition as the “World’s Best Wheat Whisky 2026” at the World Whiskies Awards.

The announcement also marks the second annual release of the brand’s first new mashbill in more than 70 years since the first edition launched last year.

While Maker's Mark's core lineup has traditionally included a single wheated bourbon mashbill, Star Hill Farm Whisky is not a bourbon.

Designed to evolve year to year. The project explores how grain diversity and farming practices influence flavor rather than adhering to the strict requirements that define bourbon.

In particular, the 2026 edition evolves from the inaugural release by adding hard red and hard white wheat to the brand's signature soft red winter wheat base. It is a blend of 7- and 8-year-old whiskeys built from two mashbills: one made entirely of malted wheat and another combining wheat and malted barley.

The Star Hill Farm project continues to be tied to Maker’s Mark’s broader sustainability efforts, including its work with the Estate Whiskey Alliance, which certifies whiskeys produced entirely on distillery-owned land using locally grown grains.

This release also furthers the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, an initiative that has already transitioned tens of thousands of acres to certified regenerative farming. The program continues to scale these sustainable practices across the global spirits supply chain.

Star Hill Farm Whisky will be released in limited quantities across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and global travel retail channels. The release will also be available at the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, featuring an on-site experience at Star Hill Farm.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team