Maker's Mark Welcomes a Fresh Face to the Distillery's Leadership
Maker's Mark Introduces Star Hill Farm Whisky, Embracing Sustainability and Terroir
Maker's Mark Distillery, nestled in the heart of Kentucky, has made a significant stride in the spirits industry with the introduction of Star Hill Farm Whisky. This new spirit marks a 10-year journey to create a unique flavor profile inspired by the estate-grown winter wheat cultivated on the 1,100-acre Star Hill Farm, home to the distillery since 1953.
Star Hill Farm Whisky is more than just a new addition to Maker's Mark's portfolio. It symbolizes a tribute to the distillery's origins and a pioneering step towards environmental stewardship and regenerative agriculture.
The whisky is named after the farm where Maker's Mark was founded, renowned for its unique water source and proximity to grain growers. The distillery continues to protect and enrich this land and its watershed, extending this stewardship through the launch of The Maker's Mark Regenerative Alliance, aiming to transition a million acres of conventional farmland to regenerative agriculture over three years.
Key aspects of the regenerative farming practices implemented in Star Hill Farm Whisky production include the use of estate-grown soft red winter wheat and malted barley, excluding corn, which represents a new mashbill unique to this whisky. The grains are cultivated using regenerative agriculture principles that focus on enriching soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystem balance rather than conventional farming methods.
Maker's Mark has also partnered with regenerative farmers and local ambassadors, such as Australian chef and farmer Matt Moran, highlighting a commitment to sustainability beyond the distillery itself. The whisky is crafted from grains grown in soils nurtured by regenerative practices, aiming to unlock new depths of flavor and complexity derived from the health of the land itself.
Star Hill Farm Whisky is a complex blend of seven- and eight-year whiskies, bottled at cask strength (57.35% ABV), with a suggested retail price of around $380. The flavor profile is influenced by the regenerative farming practices, featuring notes of toasted pecans and soft cinnamon.
Rob Samuels, the founder's grandson who helms the business, believes the regenerative farming journey creates an opportunity to share knowledge, learn from others, and scale impact for a more sustainable future. He emphasizes that the flavor profile of Star Hill Farm Whisky is not better despite the efforts, but because of them, offering an approachable yet deep taste with a rounded finish.
The University of Kentucky has established a group to provide certifications for whiskies produced through regenerative and sustainable methods. Star Hill Farm Whisky is the first to carry an Estate Whisky certification, highlighting the advantages of local sourcing and sustainable production.
In addition to its commitment to sustainability, Maker's Mark Distillery is also home to the Samuels family, who have been making, barreling, aging, and bottling Maker's Mark bourbon for generations. The distillery, a necessary stop on the state's Bourbon Trail, is now setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in the spirits industry with Star Hill Farm Whisky.
Sources:
[1] Maker's Mark. (n.d.). Star Hill Farm Whisky. Retrieved from https://www.makersmark.com/star-hill-farm-whisky
[2] Regenified. (n.d.). Maker's Mark Distillery. Retrieved from https://www.regenified.com/makers-mark-distillery
- The new Star Hill Farm Whisky by Maker's Mark not only showcases a unique flavor profile but also embodies a commitment to environmental stewardship and regenerative agriculture, which has been applied in the growing process of the estate-grown grains.
- Beyond the distillery itself, Maker's Mark has partnered with regenerative farmers and local ambassadors like Australian chef Matt Moran, emphasizing a lifestyle and business philosophy that prioritizes sustainability.
- The launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky marks a significant step in the spirits industry, as it is the first whisky to carry an Estate Whisky certification from the University of Kentucky, acknowledging its focus on sustainable food-and-drink production and home-and-garden care.
