#USA #Loretto #Makers Mark Distillery #Star Hill Farm #Wheat Whisky

Introducing Star Hill Farm Whisky by Maker's Mark

In a groundbreaking announcement, Maker's Mark® revealed the launch of its latest creation—Star Hill Farm Whisky. This exciting new addition marks the distillery's first exploration into wheat whisky, and it's built on a new mashbill that is set to redefine their legacy that has flourished for over 70 years in the bourbon industry.

Created with the ethos of sustainability in mind, Star Hill Farm Whisky embodies the distillery's commitment to regenerative agriculture, focusing on cultivating healthier soil to produce superior whisky. As part of its continuous effort to promote environmentally friendly production techniques, Maker's Mark is actively transitioning one million acres of traditional farmland into regenerative practices over the next three years.

A History of Innovation

Since its founding, Maker's Mark has been known for crafting high-quality bourbon using a unique mashbill that has remained unchanged since its inception. However, with the introduction of Star Hill Farm Whisky, the distillery aims to innovate by exploring various flavor profiles derived from the soil, water, and components integral to whisky production. Each annual release is anticipated to offer a distinct experience, allowing whisky enthusiasts to observe how environmental factors influence taste.

The inaugural release will be particularly intriguing; utilizing 70% soft red winter wheat and 30% malted barley, it completely omits corn, giving prominence to the rich characteristics of wheat. This strategic departure signifies a bold exploration of flavor dynamics—something that traditional bourbon production tends to overlook.

Masterfully Crafted

Rob Samuels, the eighth-generation whisky maker and Managing Director of Maker's Mark, stated, "We are proud to share Star Hill Farm Whisky with the world—a result of our 10-year journey to unveil nature's depth of flavor. This launch signifies our expansion of regenerative agriculture practices beyond our operations, encouraging a sustainable future for our community and our planet."

Dr. Blake Layfield, the Master Distiller at Maker's Mark, elaborated on the sensory aspects of this wheat whisky, revealing that it is a thoughtfully crafted blend of seven- and eight-year whiskies, bottled at cask strength (unmixed), with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 57.35% (114.7 proof). The tasting notes promise an enticing experience, with aromas of buttery caramel, golden raisins, and gingerbread, leading to a palate that features honeyed toffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and subtle spices reminiscent of apple pie.

Emphasizing a Community Approach

Named after the 1,100-acre farm that hosts Maker's Mark Distillery, the new whisky is not merely a product; it represents the core values of its founders, Margie and Bill Samuels Sr. Established in 1953, the distillery has cultivated its own unique ecosystem, now taking proactive steps to protect and enhance its natural resources. Maker's Mark proudly stands as the first and only bourbon distillery to secure B Corp Certification in Kentucky, alongside being the world's first distillery to achieve certification from Regenified™, a leading body in regenerative agriculture validation.

The distillery has also entered into alliances with organizations like Understanding Ag and Regenified that provide training and support for farmers looking to build sustainable practices. Moreover, the Maker's Mark Regenerative Alliance encourages farms, restaurants, and bars to integrate these practices into their operations—beginning in locales such as New York and Kentucky, and expanding to greater London.

Estate Whiskey Certification

As a testament to its commitment, Star Hill Farm Whisky will be the pioneering whisky to carry an Estate Whiskey certification, a label introduced by The Estate Whiskey Alliance™ to signify production rooted in local sourcing and sustainable practices. This distinction emphasizes the distillery's dedication not just to making great whisky but to doing so while supporting the communities and ecosystems around it.

With a retail price recommendation of $100, the first release of Star Hill Farm Whisky will be available in the United States and the United Kingdom starting in mid-May 2025, with Australia to follow later in the year.

The Maker's Mark Distillery will showcase this new whisky as part of their exclusive Star Hill Farm Whisky experience, featuring guided tastings and insights into the distillation process. For more details, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Maker's Mark official website.

Maker's Mark continues to not just produce whisky but to shape a more sustainable and flavor-driven future for the industry. By investing in the land and its communities, they set a precedent for the future of bourbon and whisky production.

Enjoy responsibly.