A Rising Star Emerges at Maker's Mark Distillery
In a groundbreaking move, Maker's Mark Distillery, the first and only bourbon distillery in Kentucky to achieve B Corp Certification, has unveiled its first non-bourbon spirit - Star Hill Farm Whisky. This wheat whisky marks the distillery's first foray into a new spirit category, reflecting a decade-long commitment to aligning craftsmanship with ecological responsibility.
Star Hill Farm, a 1,100-acre property where Maker's Mark bourbon has been made for generations, is at the heart of this new venture. The farm has been transformed through regenerative farming practices, a shift away from conventional methods that often involve heavy tilling, monoculture, and chemical inputs.
Regenerative farming plays a pivotal role in the production of Star Hill Farm Whisky. By preserving topsoil, promoting long-term land stewardship, benefiting farmers economically, and enhancing the depth and complexity of flavors in the whisky, this approach is essential for creating a more sustainable and flavor-rich product.
The new whisky is crafted from two mashbills: one with 70% soft red winter wheat and 30% malted barley, and the other with 100% malted soft red winter wheat. The spirit is a blend of seven- and eight-year whiskies, offering a unique flavor profile with notes of toasted pecans, soft cinnamon, buttery caramel, golden raisins, gingerbread on the nose, and soft and bright flavors of honeyed toffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and apple pie spice.
The launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky is part of a broader initiative, The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, aiming to convert one million acres of farmland to regenerative agriculture within three years. The goal is to start in the greater regions of New York, Kentucky, and London.
Maker's Mark is partnering with Regenified and Understanding Ag to cultivate whisky that betters the world. The distillery is also working with the University of Kentucky to map the genome of American White Oak, the oak species critical for bourbon barrels.
Visitors to Kentucky can now include Star Hill Farm as a necessary stop on the state's Bourbon Trail. The new spirit is not just about blending a complex and balanced whisky; it's also about creating conversations about terroir, agricultural ecosystems, and sustainability.
With the introduction of Star Hill Farm Whisky, Maker's Mark is setting a new standard for sustainable distilling. The whisky, which is the first to carry an Estate Whisky certification, is a testament to the distillery's dedication to local sourcing, regenerative agriculture, and creating a whisky that is both environmentally sustainable and flavorfully superior.
References:
- https://www.regenified.com/blog/star-hill-farm-whisky-makers-mark-distillery-regenerative-agriculture
- https://www.makersthesite.com/news/star-hill-farm-whisky
- https://www.makersthesite.com/about/sustainability
- https://www.bcorporation.net/community/maker-s-mark
- https://www.makersthesite.com/news/regenified-certification-maker-s-mark-distillery
- Maker's Mark Distillery, with its B Corp Certification, demonstrates a commitment to both craftsmanship and ecological responsibility, as shown by their new spirit, Star Hill Farm Whisky.
- The 1,100-acre Star Hill Farm, home to Maker's Mark bourbon for generations, is now embracing regenerative farming practices to enhance the flavors of Star Hill Farm Whisky and promote sustainability.
- The new whisky, Star Hill Farm Whisky, carries an Estate Whisky certification, reflecting Maker's Mark's dedication to local sourcing and regenerative agriculture, leading to a more flavorful and sustainable product.
- In addition to launching Star Hill Farm Whisky, Maker's Mark is part of The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, targeting the conversion of one million acres of farmland to regenerative agriculture within three years.
- Beyond the blending of complex flavors, Star Hill Farm Whisky fosters conversations about terroir, agricultural ecosystems, and sustainability, aligning with the distillery's mission in environmental-science and education-and-self-development.
