Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026: Maker's Mark Three-Wheat Release
Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 is the newest annual release from Maker's Mark: a cask-strength American wheat whisky made at the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, and bottled at 116.4 proof. The headline change this year is the grain. Instead of relying on one wheat variety, the 2026 release is built from three: soft red winter wheat, hard red wheat, and hard white wheat.
That focus on grain diversity is what has whiskey fans paying attention. Below, we cover what the release is, why it is labeled wheat whisky rather than bourbon, the confirmed bottle details, the distillery's official tasting notes, and where to buy it.
You can find Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 Release on our product page, which always carries current pricing and availability.
Product at a Glance
- Product: Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 Release
- Brand: Maker's Mark
- Category: American Wheat Whisky
- Proof / ABV: 116.4 proof / 58.2% ABV (cask strength)
- Grains: Soft red winter wheat, hard red wheat, and hard white wheat
- Certification: Estate Whiskey certified
- Distillery: Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky
- Price: Available for $149.99 (compare at $249.99)
- Availability: In stock
What Is Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026?
Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 is a limited, annual American wheat whisky from Maker's Mark that explores how land, grain, and regenerative agriculture shape flavor. The Star Hill Farm name ties the release to the farm-driven side of the distillery's work and its emphasis on locally grown grain.
Maker's Mark has long been associated with soft red winter wheat. For 2026, the distillery keeps that signature grain and layers in hard red wheat and hard white wheat. According to the brand, the goal is to show how grain diversity influences flavor through distillation, maturation, and blending. Background on the distillery and its farm program is available on the official Maker's Mark website.
Is Star Hill Farm Whisky a Bourbon?
No. The 2026 release is labeled American Wheat Whisky, not bourbon. That classification follows from the recipe: the whisky is built around wheat rather than the corn-majority mash that defines bourbon. If you are new to those rules, our guide What Is Bourbon? The 5 Rules That Make It Unique explains the difference.
For Maker's Mark drinkers, that makes this bottle a useful counterpoint to the flagship. It comes from the same distillery and shares the brand's long attachment to wheat, but the release puts wheat at the center of the recipe.
What Makes the 2026 Release Special?
Three things stand out: the three-wheat recipe, the cask-strength bottling, and the Estate Whiskey certification.
The grain recipe is the core of the story. Each wheat variety brings different characteristics, and the release is designed to show how they work together once the spirit is distilled, aged, and blended. The Estate Whiskey certification reinforces the farm-to-bottle angle. Bottling at 58.2% ABV keeps the whisky close to its full strength, so the grain and oak character come through with more concentration than a standard-proof pour.
The presentation stays minimal, with a clean label that lets the farm and grain story lead. Fans who follow Maker's Mark limited editions, including our coverage of Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2026, will recognize the brand's habit of using special releases to test one idea at a time.
Official Tasting Notes
The distillery's tasting notes describe a dark, dense nose and a vibrant, layered palate:
- Nose: Molasses, fig, delicate spice, wheat sweetness, and warm grain character.
- Palate: Zesty citrus, ripe pear, shortbread, honeyed wheat, soft oak, and layered spice.
- Finish: Lingering rich sweetness, soft cinnamon, and a rounded wheat character.
Because this is a cask-strength whisky, the brand's serving suggestions start with a neat pour in a tasting glass, then a few drops of water to open the fruit, wheat, spice, and molasses notes.
Price and Bottle Details
Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 is available at Main Street Liquor for $149.99, below its $249.99 compare-at price. Prices can change, so see the product page for current pricing and availability.
Who Should Consider Buying It?
This release suits a few kinds of buyers:
- Maker's Mark collectors who follow the brand's annual and limited releases.
- Drinkers curious about American wheat whisky as a category of its own.
- Anyone interested in how grain choice and farming practices affect flavor.
- Gift buyers looking for a cask-strength Kentucky bottle with a clear story behind it.
It also works well in a side-by-side tasting with other Maker's Mark expressions. Comparing it with the flagship is an easy way to taste what the extra wheat varieties change. Browse more of our bourbon and American whiskey selection for comparison bottles.
Where to Buy Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026
You can buy Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 directly from Main Street Liquor. Orders ship insured with tracking, and an adult signature is required at delivery. The product page is the best place to check current pricing and stock.
FAQ
What proof is Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026?
It is bottled at 116.4 proof, or 58.2% ABV. That is cask strength, so many drinkers add a few drops of water.
What grains are in the 2026 release?
Maker's Mark made the 2026 release with three types of wheat: soft red winter wheat, hard red wheat, and hard white wheat.
Is Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 a bourbon?
No. It is labeled American Wheat Whisky rather than bourbon.
How much does Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 cost?
It is currently available at Main Street Liquor for $149.99. See the product page for current pricing and availability.
Who makes Star Hill Farm Whisky?
It is distilled and produced by the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, and it is Estate Whiskey certified.
The Bottom Line
Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 takes one idea, what three types of wheat can do together, and bottles it at full strength. With a 116.4-proof bottling, Estate Whiskey certification, and official notes of molasses, fig, pear, and cinnamon, it is a natural pick for Maker's Mark collectors and for drinkers curious about wheat whisky.
Notice: Purchasers must be 21 or older. An adult signature may be required at delivery.