Maker's Mark USA 250th Anniversary Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky 750ml

2026 Maker's Mark USA 250th Anniversary is the limited-edition commemorative bottling from Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky — released on June 1, 2026 to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States and to support the Farmer Veteran Coalition, a national nonprofit that has helped more than 58,000 U.S. veterans build careers in agriculture. The release was announced May 13, 2026 by Maker's Mark and parent company Suntory Global Spirits, and was distributed through select retailers nationwide for the 2026 commemorative summer.

The bottling carries the standard Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky at 90 proof (45% ABV) — the same recipe and same hand-crafted wheated bourbon that the Samuels family has produced at Star Hill Farm in Loretto since 1954. The mash bill is a soft-wheat recipe of approximately 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley — wheat replaces the traditional rye as the secondary grain, producing the brand's signature soft, mellow, sweet character. Maker's Mark is aged in Maker's rotated rickhouse program for approximately five to seven years, with barrels physically rotated through different warehouse positions to ensure even maturation across the entire batch.

Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto was founded by Bill Samuels Sr. in 1953 and first bottled in 1958. The distillery has been continuously operated by the Samuels family across multiple generations — Bill Samuels Jr. (fourth-generation), Rob Samuels (eighth-generation, current managing director), and several generations between — and is a designated National Historic Landmark, one of the few American distilleries to hold that designation. The brand is owned today by Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory) and remains one of the most recognized American wheated bourbons on the market.

The 250th Anniversary bottle is hand-dipped in the brand's signature red wax, accented with a white wax dip, and finished with a blue rendition of the iconic Maker's Mark seal. The bottle stamp carries the "S IV" designation in blue — a nod to William Samuels Jr., the fourth-generation distiller and the long-time face of the company who now serves as Chairman Emeritus. The combined red, white, and blue tri-color wax presentation marks the first time Maker's Mark has departed from its standard solid red wax for a major nationwide release, making the 2026 USA 250th Anniversary bottle a collectible visual departure from the brand's iconic look.

A portion of proceeds from every bottle benefits the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), continuing Maker's Mark's tradition of community-focused giving. Rob Samuels, the eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director at Maker's Mark, framed the partnership as "honor[ing] those who have served our country twice — first in uniform and now in the fields."

• Size: 750ml
• Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
• Category: Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whisky
• Age: Approximately 5–7 Years - Maker's Mark Rotated Rickhouse Aging Program
• Edition: USA 250th Anniversary Limited Edition - Tri-Color Red, White, and Blue Hand-Dipped Wax Seal
• Bottle Stamp: "S IV" in blue - tribute to William Samuels Jr., fourth-generation distiller and Chairman Emeritus
• Charitable Partner: Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) - portion of proceeds to support veteran farmers
• Mash Bill: 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, 14% malted barley
• Released: June 1, 2026
• Origin: Loretto, Kentucky
• Distillery: Maker's Mark Distillery (DSP-KY-44) - Star Hill Farm