I was not expecting to find this bottle in 2026 and was quite surprised when we walked into one of our local stores and this was on the regular shelf. Although I am not the biggest fan of Maker’s Mark, I have enjoyed their less typical releases, such as this bottle. Today’s review comes from the Maker’s Mark Distillery and is the 2026 release of Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whiskey.

Bottle Information

From the Maker’s Mark website: Our 2026 release builds upon our soft red winter wheat — the signature grain of the Maker’s Mark mash bill — and layers in hard red and hard white wheat, revealing how diversity in the grain deepens flavor as it unfolds through distillation, maturation, and blending.

And the result? A darker, denser aroma, a more complex flavor profile with amplified fruit, and proof that whisky simply tastes better when you treat nature well. Crafted from three different types of wheat and masterfully blended to create a complex but rounded whisky.

• Distiller: Distilled, Aged, and Bottled by The Maker’s Mark Distillery
• Mash Bill: 62% Malted Wheat, 27% Wheat, and 11% Malted Barley (Derived from the blend)
• Proof: 116.4
• Age: 7-8 Years Old
• Year: 2026
• MSRP: $100
• Official Website

Although I expected this year’s release to be a bit more available, this is the only bottle we saw in the NoCo area. Overall, this was another solid release from Maker’s Mark; though quite different from their inaugural release, missing those fruity chocolate notes I loved. This year’s release noted a strong fruit-forward presence, yet balanced with a lot of baking and cinnamon spices throughout. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Raspberry, Cherry, Toasted Oak, Brown Sugar, Baking Spice, and Vanilla
• Palate: Cherry, Raspberry, Baking Spice, Cinnamon Red Hots, Honey, Vanilla, and Toasted Oak
• Finish: Medium to Long with Toasted Oak and Cinnamon Red Hots
• My Rating: Drink It! (Another very solid release from Maker’s Mark. I will definitely purchase this next year as well… if they release it)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman®