If you’re a fan of bourbon, then you’ve likely heard of wheated bourbon. It has gained a lot of attention and popularity over the years, with several brands entering the market.
And my guess is, you’ve probably indulged once or twice and loved it without realizing it’s wheated bourbon you’re sipping.
So, what exactly is wheated bourbon? And how is it different from other types of bourbon?
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about wheated bourbon, as well as share our recommendations for the best wheated bourbons for you to try this 2023.
What Is Wheated Bourbon?
To properly understand wheated bourbon, it’s important to know what bourbon is – as it has a strict and legal requirement.
According to regulations, bourbon must contain at least 51% corn and be aged in newly charred American oak barrels. The remaining 49% of the mashbill typically includes rye and malted barley.
Now, if you substitute wheat for rye as your secondary grain, you create a subcategory of bourbon with its own unique flavor profile and identity – wheated bourbon.
Sounds easy, right? Well, not exactly.
Although wheat is a commonly harvested crop worldwide, it presents a challenge when it comes to malting.
Its elastic properties, while ideal for making dough, make it difficult to malt, as the resulting mash can clog up stills.
Nevertheless, malted barley can be added to the mash bill to break down the starches in wheat, allowing it to be used in whiskey production despite its inherent challenges.
Wheated Bourbon vs Rye Bourbon: Is There A Difference?
Wheated bourbon and rye bourbon are two sides of the same coin, essentially. They’re both delectable and highly sough-after, with each one having a loyal following.
The more obvious difference would be in their mashbills– rye bourbon uses rye as its secondary grain, while wheated bourbon utilizes wheat.
But if we talk about their flavor profiles and overall drinking experience, both bourbons are polar opposites.
Rye is responsible for the robust spicy flavors such as clove, nutmeg, and pepper found in bourbon–giving it a slightly sharp finish.
Wheated bourbons, on the other hand, are softer and sweeter in taste with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, that makes up their smooth and mellow profile.
Overall, wheated bourbon is the more approachable bourbon between the two. If you enjoy a milder and sweeter taste with less harshness, wheated bourbon is the perfect choice.
Wheated bourbon allows you to appreciate the distinctive characteristics, flavor profile, and finish of bourbon while also expanding your palate – thanks to its sweeter taste.
Top 10 Wheated Bourbons To Try For Every Palate
1. Weller Special Reserve
MSRP: $30
Proof: 90
Profile: Sweet and smooth
Weller is a popular wheated bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Distillery and has been around for over a century.
It is made using the same mashbill recipe as Pappy Van Winkle, so you know it’s going to be excellent.
The Special Reserve boasts a smooth, approachable flavor with hints of honey and cinnamon, making it an excellent choice for individuals who are new to wheated bourbon.
The finish has a woody flavor with hints of honey and butterscotch. Despite being well-aged, it has a light body and is free from harshness. Its crisp and desirable flavors make it a great choice for sipping.
It’s also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for the money.
2. Maker’s Mark
MSRP: $30
Proof: 90
Profile: Caramel and vanilla
Maker’s Mark is another classic wheated bourbon that’s been around since the 1950s.
Known for its signature red wax seal, Maker’s Mark is a great introduction not just to wheated bourbon, but to bourbon in generel.
It is one of my favorite easy sippers on the list, boasting a smooth, caramel flavor with hints of vanilla and oak. It is also one of the most versatile as you can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or as a mixer– perfect for old fashioneds.
It’s fairly priced and wildly available, so you’re guaranteed to spot one at any liquor store.
3. Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond
MSRP: $110
Proof: 100
Profile: Balanced and refined
The Old Fitzgerald bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery twice annually and ages for around four years.
One of the standout features of this bourbon is its antique-looking decanter, which makes it an attractive collectible and display piece for vintage liquor enthusiasts.
Not only is it aestheticaly pleasing, but the bourbon itself is exceptional!
The nose offers a sweet aroma of brown sugar and butterscotch, while the palate is coated in notes of salted caramel, white pepper, clove, and cinnamon. The finish is long and smooth, with hints of leather, vanilla, and oak.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, this top-shelf wheated bourbon is a must-try.
4. Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Family Reserve
MSRP: $199.99 (real price is in the $1,000s)
Proof: 90.4
Profile: Full-bodied and complex
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year is a rare and expensive wheated bourbon whiskey that is sure to delight any bourbon connoisseur.
The nose is full of stewed fruits, sweet spices, oiliness, white chocolate, and walnut, making for a complex and inviting aroma.
On the palate, the whiskey is rich, soft, and sweet, with a silky mouthfeel that is reminiscent of a classic Cognac. The oak is well-integrated with notes of custard, and the musty fruitiness adds to the overall maturity of the drink.
The finish is long and satisfying, with hints of honeycomb, peppery spices, and prune.
It’s an exquisite wheated bourbon that is truly “heavenly” (but just like angels in heaven, they’re hard to come by).
5. Larceny Barrel Proof
MSRP: $60
Proof: 110
Profile: Bold but gold
Larceny Barrel Proof is another wheated bourbon produced by Heaven Hill and shares the same mashbill recipe as the higher-end, Old Fitzgerald BiB.
Known for its bold and complex notes, this wheated bourbon delivers a well-balanced flavor profile that you are sure to love.
The wheated mash bill contributes to a creamy and smooth mouthfeel with notes of caramel and vanilla, while the high-proof adds depth and intensity with flavors ofoak and spice, with a long warm finish.
6. Redemption Wheated Bourbon
MSRP: $45
Proof: 96
Profile: Hazelnut and coffee
The Redemption Wheated Bourbon has a wonderfully delicate and smooth flavor thanks to its special blend of high-wheat mashbill (45%), which makes it the perfect choice for newcomers.
Redemption delivers a sweet and robust character– showcasing flavors of espresso beans, vanilla, pepper, and dried fruits that rounds out a complex yet versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cocktail.
Every taste is richly pleasant thanks to the flavors of coffee and hazelnut.The black pepper adds a soft, peppery finish that lingers on the palate.
This underrated spirit truly deserves a space in your home bar.
7. Rebel Yell Single Barrel
MSRP: $60
Proof: 100
Profile: Fruity and floral
Rebel Yell is a wheated bourbon that’s aged for 10 years and bottled at a higher proof (100 proof). This gives it a more robust, complex flavor with notes of cherry, vanilla, and oak.
This wheated bourbon has a complex flavor profile featuring prominent notes of cherry and orange zest, followed by a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, dark brown sugar, and dark chocolate.
It starts off sweet, but rapidly turns powerful with an emphasis on oak and wheat grain with a dry finish.
It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a more potent wheated bourbon taste.
8. 1792 Sweet Wheat
MSRP: $32.99
Proof: 91.2
Profile: Mild and mellow
The 1792 Sweet Wheat is the first wheated offering from Barton, and has a more subtle and nuanced sweetness as a wheated bourbon.
The sweetness is surprisingly mellow, and doesn’t overpower the quality of the spirit– showcasing notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
It has a smooth and slightly sweet aftertaste that quickly fades into an oaky, leathery, and a short finish.
It’s pretty reasonable for it’s price point, making it a good option for those looking for a milder everyday sipper.
9. Garrison Brothers Small Batch
MSRP: $75
Proof: 94
Profile: Woody and smoky
Crafted from a wheated mash bill, Garrison Brothers Small Batch bourbon delivers a rich, deep palate that’s truly the highlight of this spirit.
The hot Texas weather, which is punctuated with colder days, is one factor that truly distinguishes this bourbon.This unique weather pattern allows the bourbon to soak up flavors from the oak barrels, resulting in a flavor profile that’s both complex and delicious.
The flavors are bold and robust, with notes of vanilla, caramel, tobacco, and toasted oak coming through on every sip. It has a long finish that fades into hints of cinnamon which ties up everything in this bourbon.
10. Weller Antique 107
MSRP: $50
Proof: 107
Profile: Rich and flavorful
Weller Antique 107 is a wheated bourbon that is aged in white oak barrels for 7 years. Its higher proof gives it a richer, fuller flavor, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
This wheated bourbon is surprisingly easy on the palate despite its high proof, with flavors of dark fruit, cinnamon, oak, and brown sugar, all culminating and creating a rich and heavy mouthfeel.
It has a long and spicy finish, followed by sweet undertones of vanilla and caramel. It’s a fantastic choice for folks who like strong, rich, yet perfectly balanced spirit.
Satisfy Your Wheat Tooth Now
If you like a smoother, more mellow flavor in your whiskey, wheated bourbon is a fantastic alternative. And if you’re new to wheated bourbon, these 10 bourbons are a wonderful place to start.
Don’t forget to give Weller Special Reserve a try, as it is going to be your best choice.
The world of bourbon is vast and diverse– filled with amazing flavors to be discovered. Never be afraid to explore and find what you love.
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.