In the ever-evolving world of bourbon, heritage brands are finding innovative ways to honor tradition while blazing new trails. Maker’s Mark, a name synonymous with craftsmanship and consistency, has quietly introduced something entirely new under its banner—Star Hill Farm, a new line of bourbon whisky born directly from the fertile grounds of its Loretto, Kentucky home.
A Farm, A Vision, A Bourbon
Star Hill Farm Whisky isn’t just a brand—it’s the name of the actual property that Maker’s Mark has called home since the 1950s. For years, the distillery has been tending this 1,100-acre estate with a deeper purpose in mind: sustainability, transparency, and grain-to-glass bourbon production. What began as an environmental stewardship initiative has blossomed into a full-blown bourbon experiment—and now, a bold new product line.
The Star Hill Farm Whisky project represents Maker’s Mark’s idea that the land itself can influence the taste of whiskey. Over the last decade, Maker’s Mark has been growing its own heirloom grains, experimenting with different types of corn, wheat, and barley, and mapping how each parcel of soil affects the outcome in the barrel. With this unique approach and the aging in barrels made from Star Hill’s own sustainably harvested white oak trees, this bourbon is both a statement and a celebration the distillery is treating bourbon more like wine—complex, expressive, and deeply rooted in the
At 110 proof, the whiskey is uncut and non-chill filtered, showcasing the raw depth and complexity of the farm’s influence. The mash bill is familiar in feel but unique in its origin—soft red winter wheat (a Maker’s signature) remains the star, but it’s the subtle nuances in the grain and wood that set this apart. Don’t let the 110 proof scare you, it is as smooth as any 90 proof bourbon you will taste.
Appearance
In the glass, Star Hill Bourbon reveals a deep mahogany hue with rich amber undertones and ruby glints when held to the light. This is a visually stunning bourbon, and the depth of color reflects thoughtful aging and well-integrated oak.
Nose
The nose is immediately warm and rich. It opens with classic wheated bourbon tones—brown sugar, vanilla bean, and light caramel—but quickly evolves into something more distinctive. Toasted grain and warm sourdough bread remind you of its estate-grown wheat origins and a delicate floral lift (think honeysuckle and dried chamomile) adds freshness.
The oak profile is gentle yet present—sweet wood spice, cedar, and a faint note of damp forest floor, adding complexity and a touch of earthiness from the Star Hill barrels.
Taste
The first sip hits with buttery richness and immediate flavor impact. The mouthfeel is well rounded, and warm, coating the tongue without overwhelming it. Up front is burnt sugar, butter toffee, and sweet cornbread—layered and luscious. Mid-palate brings a delightful surprise: walnut brittle, cinnamon stick, crème brûlée, and an underlying mineral saltiness that’s rare in wheated bourbon and clearly influenced by the limestone-rich soil of the farm.
A slight herbal character (mint leaf, clove, and thyme) shows up as it opens, giving it depth and balance, especially at 110 proof. The integration of grain, oak, and spirit is seamless—nothing feels out of place, and the bourbon feels like it’s telling a complete story from start to finish.
Finish
The finish is long, clean, and confident, with flavor echoes that linger beautifully. Notes of leather, dark chocolate, and toasted oak come forward. There’s a dry elegance in the finish, balanced by a final whisper of stone fruit (dried cherry and apricot) and nutmeg.
Star Hill Farm Whisky is not just a new bourbon; it’s a new expression of what Kentucky bourbon can be when you let the land lead. It reflects a growing movement in the bourbon industry that values provenance, sustainability, and flavor experimentation.
This is Maker’s Mark stepping outside the bottle shape and red wax that made it famous, and saying: “Let us show you what else we can do.” An elegant evolution of the Maker’s Mark legacy—grounded in the past, but forward-thinking in every sip.
With deep respect for the past and an eye toward the future, Maker’s Mark has proven once again that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning tradition—it means expanding it. It’s clear this bourbon wasn’t just crafted—it was grown.
Cheers!
Sidebar: Did You Know?
- The oak trees used for the Star Hill barrels are seasoned on-site for over a year before coopering.
- Maker’s Mark uses a specially designed “flavor map” of its farm fields to track how different plots impact taste profiles.
- Star Hill Farm also produces honey, grows cover crops, and raises bees as part of its regenerative agriculture mission.
This bourbon rates 5 out of 5 barrels!
Stay tuned to The Bourbon Flight for more exclusive coverage on new releases from both heritage and craft distilleries.
