Emerging Talent Ascends at Maker's Mark Distillery
Maker's Mark Distillery Introduces Star Hill Farm Whisky
Maker's Mark Distillery, based in Kentucky, has made a groundbreaking move by introducing Star Hill Farm Whisky, the distillery's first wheat whisky and first new mashbill in over 70 years. Named after the 1,100-acre Star Hill Farm where the distillery is situated, this pioneering spirit marks a new direction for Maker's Mark, venturing beyond bourbon to create a distinctly American wheat whisky.
A Wheat-Forward Mashbill
The whisky's mashbill consists of 51% soft red wheat, 27% soft red malted wheat, and 22% malted barley. This wheat-forward recipe sets it apart from traditional bourbons, which typically rely heavily on corn.
Regenerative Farming and Sustainability
Star Hill Farm Whisky is deeply connected to Maker's Mark's expanded sustainability efforts, particularly through the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance. This ambitious plan aims to convert one million acres of conventional farmland to regenerative agriculture over the next three years.
The project reflects a 10-year journey to "unlock nature’s depth of flavour" by integrating regenerative crop rotation and regenerative farming practices on the estate farm. This focus on soil health, the environment, and nature's processes, rather than yield, is evident in the whisky's taste.
Unique Flavor Profile
Tasting notes for Star Hill Farm Whisky include light and sweet aromas with caramel, sugar-coated ginger, butterscotch, mint leaves, and hints of cherries. The whisky is bottled at 57.4% ABV and has a flavor profile characterized by a balance of sweetness and fresh, herbaceous notes, reflective of its wheat-heavy mashbill.
Estate-Grown and Award-Winning
Star Hill Farm Whisky is recognized as Kentucky's inaugural estate-grown wheat whisky, emphasizing estate sourcing and production transparency. It has won awards and is notable for being the first to earn an Estate Whiskey certification, underscoring the link between provenance, regeneration, and product quality.
International Engagement
Maker’s Mark has partnered with chef and farmer Matt Moran to promote the whisky in Australia, showing a push for international engagement beyond the U.S.
Preserving the American White Oak
The distillery is also working with the University of Kentucky to map the genome of American White Oak, critical for bourbon barrels, to help preserve it for future generations.
In summary, Star Hill Farm Whisky is a pioneering product from Maker’s Mark that breaks from bourbon tradition with a unique wheat-focused mashbill, grounded in sustainable regenerative farming on their estate farm, and offering a distinctive sweet and aromatic flavor profile at a high proof. The distillery's commitment to sustainability, regenerative farming, and transparency is evident in every aspect of this new spirit.
- Maker's Mark's Star Hill Farm Whisky, a trailblazing American wheat whisky, aligns with the distillery's expanded focus on environmental science as they strive to convert conventional farmland to regenerative agriculture through the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance.
- While food-and-drink connoisseurs may appreciate the unique flavor profile of Star Hill Farm Whisky, with its intricate blend of caramel, ginger, and mint leaves, home-and-garden enthusiasts can also find inspiration in the project's commitment to soil health and regeneration.
- As Maker's Mark forays into the international market with partners like chef Matt Moran in Australia, their efforts in climate-change mitigation, such as preserving the American White Oak through genetic research, highlight a lifestyle that seamlessly blends business with scientific stewardship of the environment.
