Even if you know little to nothing about bourbon, you likely at least know that it’s a corn-based whiskey. One sip would probably reveal that fact as it’s sweeter and more caramel and vanilla-centric than many other whisk(e)ys. While this has a bit to do with the aging process and the fact that the charred wood imparts sweet rich flavors, it also has a lot to do with the use of corn in the mash bill. Especially if it’s a high percentage of corn.
But if you want to learn a few more simple, basic bourbon facts, you should know that (along with a handful of other rules and regulations) in order to be referred to as bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the US (not just Kentucky as some purists would have you believe) and must have a mash bill recipe of a minimum of 51 percent corn. But the rest of the ingredients are up to the distiller although malted barley and rye are the most common. A slightly less common ingredient is wheat.
For those who’ve never imbibed a wheated bourbon (this means that some wheat is found in the mash bill) before, while rye gives the whiskey a spicy, peppery kick and malted barley imparts the nutty, cereal-like flavor, the addition of wheat gives the whiskey a softer, more mellow, sweeter, easy-to-drink flavor profile. This is why it’s included in many well-known, sought-after whiskeys like Pappy Van Winkle and many of Buffalo Trace’s stable of whiskeys.
And while its use is less common than the other two, it can be found in a wide variety of high-quality, well-made bourbons. Keep reading to see twelve of the best wheated bourbons on the market. Some are from big names and others are lesser-known underrated brands. All are worthy of being added to your liquor cabinet or home bar cart.
Old Elk Wheated Bourbon
This blended whiskey is definitely a homage to wheat. The folks at Old Elk literally took their flagship bourbon and changed around the recipe. And, they didn’t just add a little wheat. This bad boy clocks in at 51 percent corn, 45 percent wheat, and only four percent malted barley. This highly sought-after expression is known for its rich, creamy flavor highlighted by notes of toasted vanilla beans, almonds, buttery caramel, and gentle spices.
- Origin: Indiana, New York, and Colorado
- Proof: 92
- Price Range: $65-75
Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
Garrison Brothers is one of the distilleries proving that high-quality, flavorful bourbon can be made in places besides Kentucky. This Hye, Texas-based distillery seems to crank out nothing but award winners and its flagship expression is no different. With a mash bill of 74 percent Texas-sourced corn, 15 percent red winter wheat, and 11 percent malted barley, it’s known for its mellow, easy-drinking flavor of rich oak, butterscotch, vanilla, and dried fruits. It’s a slow-sipping whiskey that deserves to be enjoyed on a back porch or deck on a cool evening.
- Origin: Texas
- Proof: 94
- Price Range: $79-99
Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon
If you’ve paid attention to the craft whiskey world in the last few years, you’ve probably heard the name Wyoming Whiskey. A common addition to any list of well-made, non-Kentucky bourbons, its flagship expression has a mash bill of 68 percent corn, 20 percent wheat, and 12 percent malted barley. This award-winning bourbon is known for its velvety smooth mouthfeel and flavors of vanilla, spicy cinnamon, sticky toffee, and gentle, warming spice at the very end.
- Origin: Wyoming
- Proof: 88
- Price Range: $39-49
1792 Sweet Wheat Bourbon
With a name like Sweet Wheat you should have a pretty good idea of what you’re in store for when you crack open a bottle of this expression. This award-winning bourbon swaps out the usual spicy, peppery rye for the soft, sweet, mellow wheat. The result is a smooth sipper loaded with notes of toasted vanilla beans, dried fruits, brown sugar, butterscotch, and rich, bold, oaky wood. It’s the soft, sweet slow-sipping bourbon for drinkers who have time to sit back and just watch the world go by.
- Origin: Kentucky
- Proof: 91.2
- Price Range: $99-150
Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon
Another state not well-known for its bourbon prowess, Nevada is becoming a hot spot for whiskey production thanks in large part to Frey Ranch. Its award-winning straight bourbon has a highly complex recipe including 66.6 percent corn, 11.4 percent winter rye, 10 percent red winter wheat, and 10 percent two-row barley. This non-chill filtered, four-grain whiskey carries notes of candied orange peel, vanilla, buttery caramel, dried hay, rich oak, and a slight, gentle, spicy, warming finish that brings everything together nicely.
- Origin: Nevada
- Proof: 90
- Price Range: $39-49
Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Formerly called “Rebel Yell”, this 100-proof bourbon is referred to as a “defiantly smooth wheated bourbon”, according to the brand. It’s not just a slug line as this expression is made using a mash bill containing 20 percent wheat (as well as corn and malted barley). Even with its high alcohol content, the addition of wheat gives this bourbon a mellow, easy-drinking flavor profile of raisins, vanilla beans, butterscotch, and a dry, warming, memorable finish. It’s also one of the best bargain bourbons on the market.
- Origin: Kentucky
- Proof: 100
- Price Range: $19.99-29.99
New Riff Red Turkey Wheated Bourbon
Long name aside, if you’re a fan of wheated bourbons, you can’t go wrong with this expression from New Riff. This bottled-in-bond is a different take on the whiskey style than the usual rye-centric offerings from New Riff. Even though the mash bill consists of 70 percent corn and 5 percent malted barley, 25 percent of the recipe is red turkey wheat. It’s matured in new, charred American oak barrels for a minimum of five years. The result is a soft, sweet whiskey with flavors like raisins, dried cherries, oak, and vanilla.
- Origin: Kentucky
- Proof: 100
- Price Range: $40-60
WL Weller Special Reserve Bourbon
Like all Buffalo Trace bourbons, WL Weller Special Reserve’s mash bill isn’t listed. But it is known that it’s a wheated mash bill consisting of corn, wheat, and malted barley. While all Weller expressions can be sometimes difficult to find, it’s known that Special Reserve, with its notes of dried fruits, clover honey, oaky wood, vanilla, and sweet caramel, is slightly easier to find than the others. It’s still the kind of expression that you savor slowly and share with friends and family.
- Origin: Kentucky
- Proof: 90
- Price Range: $59-99
Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Another expression with “wheated” in its name, Redemption Wheated Bourbon isn’t messing around. Its mash bill consists of 45 percent winter wheat. The result is a highly complex, award-winning whiskey with notable flavors like espresso beans, vanilla, butterscotch, dried fruits, a gentle nutty sweetness, and a gentle, warming spice at the very end. It’s a well-balanced, multi-dimensional sipping whiskey that deserves a permanent spot on your home bar.
- Origin: Indiana
- Proof: 96
- Price Range: $39-49
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon
There are few names in the bourbon world more well-known than Maker’s Mark. And while you can’t go wrong with the bargain sipper that is its original Maker’s Mark Bourbon, if you really want to crank it up to eleven, you’ll grab a bottle of its Cask Strength version. With a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 16 percent wheat, and 14 percent malted barley, it carries notable flavors of bold oak, vanilla beans, sticky toffee, dried fruits, and light, gentle smoke swirling throughout.
- Origin: Kentucky
- Proof: 108-114 (depending on the batch)
- Price Range: $39-49
McKenzie Bottled In Bond Bourbon
This New York-produced bottled-in-bond bourbon carries a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 20 percent red winter wheat, and 10 percent malted barley. This award-winning whiskey is non-chilled filtered and aged between four and five years in new, charred American oak barrels. It’s a potent 100 proof (as bottled-in-bond guidelines dictate), but even with this high alcohol content, it’s surprisingly mellow, creamy, and filled with flavors like candied orange peels, caramel, vanilla, and rich oak.
- Origin: New York
- Proof: 100
- Price Range: $45-65
Larceny Small Batch Bourbon
Larceny makes no secret that all of its whiskeys are heavily wheated. Its flagship Small Batch bourbon has a mash bill of 68 percent corn, 20 percent wheat, and 12 percent malted barley. This surprisingly reasonably priced expression from Heaven Hill is known for its notes of sweet honey, dried fruits, cinnamon, caramel, and charred wood. It’s a soft, mellow sipper that you’ll go back to again and again.
- Origin: Kentucky
- Proof: 92
- Price Range: $29-39
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