Wheated bourbon has carved a niche for itself in the world of whiskey lovers. By replacing rye with wheat as the secondary grain, these bourbons offer a smoother, sweeter flavor profile, making them an excellent choice for both whiskey connoisseurs and newcomers. Wheated bourbons are known for their mellow character, with hints of caramel, vanilla, and honey. This subtle sweetness sets them apart from their more traditional rye-heavy counterparts. If you’re looking to explore this side of bourbon, here are the four best wheated bourbons you should try.
In this guide, we will walk through the standout characteristics of each wheated bourbon, from their history to their taste profiles. Each brand offers a unique take on the art of wheated bourbon-making, ensuring you get a variety of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or sharing a glass with friends, these bourbons are sure to impress.
1. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year
A Bourbon with Legacy
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year is often considered the gold standard in wheated bourbons. Produced by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, this bourbon has achieved near-mythical status due to its limited production and high demand. The brand dates back to the early 20th century and has been synonymous with quality ever since. The 15-year expression is particularly beloved by bourbon enthusiasts for its rich, deep flavors and long aging process.
This wheated bourbon is known for its luxurious flavor profile. Notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and caramel dominate the palate, while the oak barrels used in its aging add a layer of complexity. The wheat adds smoothness, giving the bourbon a velvety texture that lingers on the tongue. With a proof of 107, it offers a perfect balance of warmth and flavor without being overpowering. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the game, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year is an unforgettable experience.
Taste and Profile
On the nose, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year greets you with a rich aroma of caramel, honey, and a hint of oak. The palate reveals a complex interplay of flavors, from dried fruits like apricot to creamy vanilla and toffee. The wheat adds a softness that rounds out the spice and wood notes, creating a well-balanced bourbon. The long aging process gives it a strong oak influence, with a finish that is warm, lingering, and slightly smoky.
This bourbon is highly sought after, and for good reason. Its rarity and the meticulous process that goes into making it elevate it to the top tier of wheated bourbons. However, it can be difficult to find due to its limited availability, and it often comes with a hefty price tag. But for those who manage to secure a bottle, the experience is unparalleled.
2. W.L. Weller 12 Year
A Hidden Gem in the Bourbon World
W.L. Weller 12 Year, often referred to as “Poor Man’s Pappy,” is a fantastic wheated bourbon that shares much of its DNA with the legendary Pappy Van Winkle line. Produced by Buffalo Trace, Weller 12 Year offers a similar smoothness and richness but at a more accessible price point. It has become a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate a well-crafted whiskey without breaking the bank.
Weller 12 Year is aged for 12 years, allowing the whiskey to develop a deep, robust flavor. The wheat in the mash bill contributes to its gentle, approachable nature, while the extended aging brings out rich notes of oak, leather, and dark fruits. This bourbon strikes a wonderful balance between sweetness and complexity, making it a versatile choice for sipping neat or mixing in a high-end cocktail.
Taste and Profile
W.L. Weller 12 Year greets the nose with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and soft oak. On the palate, the wheat comes through with a smooth, creamy texture that is complemented by flavors of butterscotch, toffee, and toasted oak. There’s a slight hint of spice, but it is well-integrated with the sweetness from the wheat, making for a harmonious drinking experience.
The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of vanilla and a touch of warmth from the alcohol. While Weller 12 Year doesn’t have the same cachet as Pappy Van Winkle, it holds its own as a high-quality wheated bourbon. Its growing popularity has made it harder to find in recent years, but it remains one of the best values in the wheated bourbon category.
3. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Bold Flavor in a Wheated Bourbon
Maker’s Mark is one of the most recognizable names in bourbon, and its Cask Strength expression takes the brand’s smooth, wheated bourbon to another level. Unlike traditional Maker’s Mark, which is bottled at 90 proof, the Cask Strength version is bottled at its natural proof, ranging between 108 and 114. This higher alcohol content amplifies the flavors and gives the bourbon a bold, robust profile while maintaining the soft, sweet character that Maker’s Mark is known for.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is aged for around six years, which allows the wheat to fully develop its smooth, sweet qualities. The result is a bourbon with a full-bodied flavor that is both rich and complex. This whiskey is ideal for those who enjoy the sweeter side of bourbon but are looking for a little more intensity.
Taste and Profile
The nose on Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is inviting, with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon spice. On the palate, the higher proof brings out bold flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts, while the wheat keeps everything smooth and balanced. There’s a noticeable warmth from the alcohol, but it is tempered by the bourbon’s natural sweetness.
The finish is long and warming, with a lingering sweetness that makes it a great sipping whiskey. Despite the higher proof, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is surprisingly easy to drink, thanks to its well-balanced flavor profile. This bourbon is a fantastic option for those who love the classic Maker’s Mark but want to experience a more intense version of the same wheated goodness.
See Also: Is Old Crow a Good Bourbon? A Detailed Exploration
4. Larceny Barrel Proof
A New Favorite in Wheated Bourbons
Larceny Barrel Proof is a relatively new addition to the world of wheated bourbons, but it has quickly made a name for itself. Produced by Heaven Hill, this bourbon offers a rich, full-bodied flavor that stands out in the crowded bourbon market. Unlike the standard Larceny, which is bottled at 92 proof, the Barrel Proof version is uncut and unfiltered, meaning it goes straight from the barrel to the bottle, often clocking in between 120 and 130 proof.
Despite its high proof, Larceny Barrel Proof is surprisingly smooth and drinkable, thanks to the wheat in its mash bill. It offers a complex flavor profile, with layers of caramel, vanilla, and spice. This bourbon is a fantastic option for those who enjoy bold flavors and a higher alcohol content without sacrificing the smoothness that wheated bourbons are known for.
Taste and Profile
On the nose, Larceny Barrel Proof offers rich aromas of caramel, honey, and toasted oak. The palate is where this bourbon really shines, with a full-bodied flavor that combines sweet notes of butterscotch and brown sugar with a hint of cinnamon spice. The wheat provides a smooth, velvety texture that balances out the boldness of the alcohol.
The finish is long and warming, with a touch of oak and spice that lingers on the tongue. Larceny Barrel Proof is a bold, flavorful bourbon that doesn’t compromise on smoothness. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to experience a high-proof bourbon with the softness that only wheat can provide.
Conclusion
Wheated bourbons offer a unique and delightful drinking experience, combining the smoothness of wheat with the richness of well-aged whiskey. Whether you’re enjoying a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle or savoring the accessible yet complex flavors of W.L. Weller, there’s a wheated bourbon for every palate and occasion. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Larceny Barrel Proof cater to those who want bolder flavors, making them ideal choices for those who prefer high-proof bourbons.
These four bourbons represent the best that wheated whiskey has to offer, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile. Whether you’re new to bourbon or a seasoned connoisseur, these whiskies are sure to impress and elevate your bourbon collection.
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