Makers Mark Star Hill Farm American Whisky (700ml)

Named after the company’s 1100-acre farm that surrounds the distillery, Star Hill Farm marks a shift in focus for the brand, being Maker’s first ever wheat whiskey, composed of 51% Soft Red Winter Wheat, 27% Malted Soft Red Winter Wheat and 22% Malted Barley. Zero corn is used. There's no age statement, however the label indicates it was distilled around 7-8 years ago, so expect something within that range. It's also high-proof and priced as an artisan product. Eric Hasman at breakingbourbon.com got a chance to taste the new premium release, summing up his thoughts as follows: "While it shares some similarities with the standard Maker’s Mark Bourbon, it is also refreshingly adventurous and contemporary... The majority of the sip is an invigorating change of pace, offering robust flavors, but using so much wheat in its mashbill has its drawbacks. That is evident in the whiskey’s finish, which features much more astringent oak than desired despite including so much malted wheat grain in its mashbill. Though it hampers what is otherwise a great pour, it’s not detrimental to the point of derailing the whole sip." 57.4% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Maker’s newest annual release blends wheat whiskey made from a mash of 70% wheat and 30% malted barley with 100% malted wheat whiskey, creating a fruity, rustic, and peppery pour. On the nose there’s brown sugar, chocolate chip cookies, lemon- ade, and a campfire-like hint of burnt wood. The palate is fruitier, with fruit tarts and bright citrus. A pepperiness shines with a prickle that fades slowly into toasted oak. (Release date: 5/25) 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

"A very nice endeavor by Maker’s! Sweet, floral, rich and nuanced. There’s a bitter, tannic side to the pour that works in tandem with the sweetness to spectacular effect at times but at other moments takes a bit too much focus off the sweet, rich notes. The tannic profile adds some complexity; I just wish it were dialed down a notch or two — minor complaint about an altogether spectacular whiskey. Make no mistake: Maker’s Mark’s first wheat whiskey is a roaring success." - The Daily Pour

"The palate doesn’t surprise: It’s sweet, with brown sugar, then maple syrup becoming dominant. Again it’s quite toasty — like well-grilled wheat bread, not barrel char — which pairs well with the syrup quality to create a Sunday morning breakfast character. Pancakes are not out of the question here." - drinkhacker.com