Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash is an intriguing spirit that has captured my attention, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on it. This unaged whiskey, hailing from the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, offers a unique experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With an alcohol content of 57% (114 proof), it provides an insight into the world of wheated bourbon in its most raw and unfiltered form.

I invite you to join me in this exploration of Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash. We’ll dive into its flavor profile, unique characteristics, and how it holds up against its aged counterparts. So, let’s get started and discover the magic of unaged whiskey.

Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash Overview

Product History

Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheated Mash involves the creative legacy of distilling pioneer William Larue Weller in its foundation. By substituting wheat in place of rye in a traditional bourbon recipe, Weller created an exemplary soft and mellow spirit perfect for sipping. Originating from the heart of Kentucky, this whiskey reflects the craft and quality of the Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Buffalo Trace Wheated Mash serves as the base for all their wheated bourbons, including the renowned Pappy Van Winkle line. As a reminder, a wheated bourbon denotes that the secondary grain is wheat, with corn as the predominant grain.

Price Range

In terms of the price range, Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheated Mash is reasonably priced between $10 to $20 to ensure its accessibility to whiskey aficionados and newcomers alike. Speaking of ABV, it’s worth mentioning that the White Dog Wheated Mash varies from the original White Dog Mash #1 in that the latter has a higher rye content. Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheated Mash, with its smooth and mellow character, has earned its place on the whiskey shelf for those who appreciate wheat-based spirits.

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Tasting Notes

Aroma

Upon nosing Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash, I’m greeted with a rather interesting bouquet. There’s a clear presence of sweet corn, coupled with a hint of grass and a touch of sour fruit. The aroma also exhibits a soft, cereal-like quality which complements the overall scent. As I dig deeper, I can also detect a floral note and a subtle hint of mint, adding to the complexity of this un-aged white whiskey.

Flavor

As I take my first sip, the dominant flavor I pick up on is the sweet corn, staying true to its mash #1 recipe. The sweetness of the corn is balanced by a nice pepperiness from the rye, along with a slight oak-like taste despite the lack of barrel aging. Caramel and spice notes also become apparent as the taste develops, but they are not overwhelming. There is a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that sets this white dog whiskey apart from other new make spirits.

Finish

The finish of Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash leaves me with a lingering aftertaste of honey, citrus, and a gentle spiciness. The flavors are well integrated, and I can still taste the sweet corn and rye combination. It ends on a rather mellow note but still leaves me appreciating the subtleties of this un-aged spirit.

Rating

I’d give this un-aged starter spirit a rating of 7.5/10. While it’s not as complex as aged whiskey, the pleasant aroma and delicate flavor combinations this Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash offers are an excellent way to see the potential of bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle before they undergo the barrel aging process. It’s a friendly and intriguing spirit, great for those who want to explore the world of whiskey from its infancy.

Mixing and Pairing

As a fan of Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash, I’ve tried various ways to enjoy this unaged whiskey. In this section, I’ll share some of my favorite mixers, cocktail suggestions, and food pairings to help you get the most out of this unique spirit.

Best Mixers

While the White Dog Wheat Mash can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, sometimes a little mixer can help bring out its delightful flavors. Here are some mixers I recommend:

• Ginger Ale: The spiciness of ginger ale complements the sweetness of the wheat mash, creating a refreshing drink with a nice kick.
• Club Soda: Enhance the whiskey’s natural flavors while adding some bubbly fizz with club soda.
• Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade balances the sweetness of the wheat-based mash bill, bringing out a new dimension to the spirit.

Cocktail Suggestions

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If you’re looking to get more creative with your White Dog Wheat Mash, these cocktail ideas might inspire your inner mixologist:

• White Dog Whiskey Sour: Mix 2 oz. of White Dog Wheat Mash with 0.75 oz. lemon juice, 0.75 oz. simple syrup, and a few dashes of bitters. Shake with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a cherry.
• Wheat Mash Mule: Pour 2 oz. of White Dog Wheat Mash and 0.5 oz. lime juice into a copper mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge.
• Unaged Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube, a splash of water, and a few dashes of bitters in a glass. Add 2 oz. of White Dog Wheat Mash and ice, then stir until chilled. Finish with an orange twist and a cherry.

Food Pairings

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Here are some of my recommendations:

• Charcuterie Board: Arrange a selection of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and crackers. The salty and savory flavors will contrast nicely with the sweet and smooth wheat mash.
• Grilled Vegetables: Pair the whiskey with a plate of grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini. The smoky, earthy flavors will harmonize with the spirit’s natural sweetness.
• Dark Chocolate: Treat yourself to a square of dark chocolate while sipping on White Dog Wheat Mash. The bitterness of the chocolate brings out the subtleties in the whiskey’s unaged character.

Experimenting with various mixers, cocktails, and food pairings can elevate your Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash experience.

Conclusion

The White Dog Wheat Mash is a new make spirit, capturing the essence of the grain before it’s aged in a barrel. You can taste the raw wheat, corn, and malted barley flavors without the influence of oak. This might not be for everyone, but it gives you a new appreciation for the foundations of whiskey.

Although it may not be an ideal choice for sipping alone, Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash certainly finds its place in the world of spirits. For those looking to explore whiskey in its purest form, this bottle can bring a new dimension to your tastings. It’s also an interesting ingredient for creating innovative cocktails, adding depth and richness to classics like the Old Fashioned or the Kentucky Coffee – a delightful mix of coffee, whiskey, and whipped cream.

So, if you’re looking for a unique and friendly approach to whiskey, give Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheat Mash a try. With its wheat-forward mash bill and raw, unaged qualities, it truly offers a different perspective on what bourbon can be.