Tattersall Bottled-in-Bond Minnesota Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Review

Distillery: Tattersall Distilling—River Falls, WI

Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)

Age: Four+ years

Mashbill: 55% Yellow Corn, 35% Winter Wheat, 10% Malted Barley

MSRP: $50

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A Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Born of the Upper Midwest

Tattersall Distilling, based in River Falls, Wisconsin, draws on its roots in Minnesota agriculture to create its Bottled-in-Bond Minnesota Wheated Bourbon Whiskey.

All grains are sourced from the Upper Midwest. The use of winter wheat—planted in fall and harvested the following summer—is unique and worth taking notice.  Compared to spring wheat, winter wheat is higher in starch and lower in protein, which in theory produces a spirit that leans toward a softer mouthfeel, subtle sweetness, and a Nose of baked dough or cereal grain. It helps balance the corn’s sweetness and the rye’s spice with a rounder, more mellow grain presence.

Another important distinction is their use of Minnesota white oak barrels. Due to colder climates and shorter growing seasons, Minnesota oak trees develop a tight grain structure.  During aging the flavors extract more slowly and evenly than oak grown in faster-growing regions. That can mean less aggressive tannin and more nuanced vanilla and caramel notes.

Tattersall Bottled-in-Bond Minnesota Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.75/5

The Nose opens with warm bread, light caramel, and green apple. A subtle herbal notes of grass and orange zest. Sitting in the glass for a short time brings out vanilla bean and light butterscotch. It’s an inviting, layered aroma that shows off a good play between corn, wheat and oak.

Palate – 3.75/5

The first sip brings a medium-bodied texture with cinnamon, under-ripe cherry, and toasted wheat cereal. Compared to the sweetness that is often found with the use of summer wheat, the winter wheat difference is noticeable—not overly sweet.  Instead, it gives a grainy softness that attempts to soften the rye spice. A mild black pepper bite and a touch of sweet oak mid-Palate gives this bourbon an edginess that isn’t normally found in a wheated bourbon.  But the edge helps to keep it interesting.

Finish – 2.5/5

The Finish is short and somewhat dry, with lingering notes of clove, wood spice, and a faint note that reminds me of the mint notes of tea tree oil. It ends more on a clean, herbal note than a sweet one.

Value – 3.75/5

At $50, this bourbon lands comfortably in the mid-shelf segment.  It may not be a “crowd-pleasing” wheated bourbon in the traditional sense—it’s not soft or overly sweet—but that’s part of its charm.

Tattersall Bottled-in-Bond Minnesota Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict

I appreciate Tattersall’s approach to crafting whiskey with a thoughtful and distinctly Midwestern take on the wheated bourbon category. Their wheated expression leans more rustic than refined.

This wheated bourbon may not convert fans of sweet, soft wheated expressions, but it will win over those who appreciate a more balanced sweet-spice profile.  For enthusiasts who want to explore the effects of winter wheat or the subtleties of Minnesota oak, this is a pour worth seeking out.

Verdict – 3.4/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3