Wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey that uses wheat instead of rye in its mash bill. The use of wheat in place of rye results in a softer, smoother, and sweeter flavor profile. Wheated bourbons have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique taste and the relative scarcity of some of the most sought-after brands.

What is Wheated Bourbon?

Wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey that is made using a mash bill that includes wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye. While the majority of bourbons use rye as the secondary grain, wheated bourbons use wheat, which gives them a smoother and sweeter taste.

The use of wheat in the mash bill results in a softer and more mellow flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. This makes wheated bourbon a more approachable bourbon, especially for those who prefer a milder and sweeter taste with less harshness.

To be called wheated bourbon, the whiskey must contain at least 51% corn, with wheat making up the rest of the mash bill. It must also be aged in new, charred oak containers, not exceed 62.5% ABV (125 proof) when entering the barrel, and be bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) or higher.

Some of the most famous and expensive wheated bourbons include Pappy Van Winkle, W.L. Weller, and Maker’s Mark. However, there are also many other brands that offer excellent wheated bourbons, with unique flavor profiles and characteristics.

History of Wheated Bourbon

Wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon that uses wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill. The history of wheated bourbon dates back to the 19th century when distillers began experimenting with different grain combinations to create unique flavors.

One of the earliest and most famous examples of wheated bourbon is the Old Fitzgerald brand, which was first produced in the late 1800s. The brand was created by S.C. Herbst, who was a partner in the distillery that produced it. Herbst believed that using wheat instead of rye in the mash bill would create a smoother, more mellow bourbon.

Another early example of wheated bourbon is the W.L. Weller brand, which was created by William Larue Weller in the mid-1800s. Weller was one of the first distillers to use wheat in place of rye, and his wheated bourbon quickly gained a reputation for its smooth, easy-drinking flavor.

Over the years, wheated bourbon has become increasingly popular among bourbon enthusiasts. Today, many of the most sought-after bourbons on the market are wheated bourbons, including the famous Pappy Van Winkle line of bourbons, which are made using the same mash bill as the W.L. Weller brand.

Despite its popularity, wheated bourbon remains a relatively niche product compared to traditional rye bourbons. However, its unique flavor profile and rich history continue to make it a favorite among bourbon aficionados.

photo credit: www.makersmark.com

Production Process of Wheated Bourbon

Selection of Grains

To make wheated bourbon, the selection of grains is crucial. The mash bill must contain at least 51% corn, with wheat replacing the traditional rye grain. The remaining percentage is usually made up of malted barley. The use of wheat instead of rye gives wheated bourbon a softer, sweeter flavor profile.

Distillation

After the grains have been selected, the distillation process begins. The mash is cooked and then fermented with yeast to create a beer-like liquid called the “wash.” The wash is then distilled in copper stills, with the resulting liquid known as “white dog” or “new make” whiskey.

For wheated bourbon, the distillation process is typically done twice, resulting in a higher-proof spirit. The spirit is then diluted with water to the desired proof before being placed in barrels for aging.

Aging

The final step in the production process of wheated bourbon is aging. The spirit is placed in charred oak barrels and left to age for a minimum of two years. During this time, the spirit takes on the flavors and characteristics of the barrel, including notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.

The longer the spirit is aged, the more complex and nuanced the flavors become. Wheated bourbons, like other bourbons, must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. After aging, the spirit is bottled and ready for consumption.

Characteristics of Wheated Bourbon

Wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon that uses wheat as the secondary grain in its mash bill, as opposed to rye. This gives it a unique flavor profile and set of characteristics that distinguish it from other types of bourbon. Here are some of the key characteristics of wheated bourbon:

Flavor Profile

Wheated bourbon has a sweeter flavor profile than other types of bourbon, which is due to the use of wheat in the mash bill. This sweetness can be described as a caramel or vanilla flavor, and it can be more pronounced in some brands than in others. Overall, wheated bourbon is known for being smooth and easy to drink, with a mellow finish.

Color

Like all bourbons, wheated bourbon has a rich, amber color that comes from aging in charred oak barrels. The exact shade of the color can vary depending on the brand and the length of aging, but it is generally a deep, warm hue that is visually pleasing.

Aroma

Wheated bourbon has a distinct aroma that is often described as sweet and nutty. This aroma comes from the wheat in the mash bill, which gives it a unique scent that sets it apart from other types of bourbon. When you smell a glass of wheated bourbon, you may detect notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted nuts, among other aromas.

Popular Brands of Wheated Bourbon

There are several popular brands of wheated bourbon available on the market. These brands are known for their smooth and sweet flavor profile, which is a result of using wheat instead of rye in the mash bill. Here are some of the most popular wheated bourbon brands:

Pappy Van Winkle

Pappy Van Winkle is one of the most famous and coveted wheated bourbons on the market. It is known for its rich and complex flavor profile, which includes notes of maple, vanilla, and oak. Pappy Van Winkle is aged for at least 15 years, which contributes to its smooth and mellow taste.

W.L. Weller

W.L. Weller is another popular wheated bourbon brand. It is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery and is known for its smooth and easy-drinking flavor profile. W.L. Weller is available in several different varieties, including a 12-year and a 107-proof expression.

Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark is a classic wheated bourbon that has been around since the 1950s. It is known for its smooth and approachable flavor profile, which includes notes of vanilla, bright fruit, and oak. Maker’s Mark is aged for at least six years, which contributes to its mellow and well-rounded taste.

Old Fitzgerald

Old Fitzgerald is a wheated bourbon brand that has been around for over 100 years. It is known for its rich and complex flavor profile, which includes notes of butterscotch, baking spices, and oak. Old Fitzgerald is aged for at least eight years, which contributes to its smooth and well-balanced taste.

Larceny

Larceny is a wheated bourbon brand that is produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery. It is known for its smooth and easy-drinking flavor profile, which includes notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Larceny is aged for at least six years, which contributes to its mellow and approachable taste.

How to Enjoy Wheated Bourbon

Wheated bourbon is a delicious and versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are two popular ways to enjoy wheated bourbon:

Straight

One of the best ways to enjoy wheated bourbon is straight or neat. This means that the bourbon is served at room temperature without any mixers or ice. This allows you to fully appreciate the flavors and aromas of the bourbon.

To properly enjoy wheated bourbon straight, it is important to use the right glassware. A Glencairn glass or a tulip-shaped glass is ideal, as it allows you to fully appreciate the aroma of the bourbon. When pouring the bourbon, aim for a 1.5-2 oz pour. Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. This allows you to fully appreciate the flavors of the bourbon.

In Cocktails

Wheated bourbon is also a great spirit to use in cocktails. Its smooth and sweet flavor profile pairs well with a variety of mixers. Here are a few popular cocktails that use wheated bourbon:

• Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail is made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel. The sweetness of the wheated bourbon pairs well with the sugar, while the bitters add a nice balance to the drink.
• Manhattan: This cocktail is made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The sweet vermouth complements the sweetness of the wheated bourbon, while the bitters add complexity to the drink.
• Mint Julep: This refreshing cocktail is made with bourbon, sugar, water, and fresh mint. The sweetness of the wheated bourbon pairs well with the sugar and mint, while the water helps to dilute the drink and make it more refreshing.

When using wheated bourbon in cocktails, it is important to use a high-quality bourbon. This will ensure that the flavors of the bourbon are not overpowered by the mixers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular wheated bourbons?

Some popular wheated bourbons include W.L. Weller, Maker’s Mark, Pappy Van Winkle, Old Fitzgerald, and Larceny Bourbon. Each of these bourbons has a unique taste and profile, but they all share the use of wheat in their mash bill.

What is the difference between wheated bourbon and straight bourbon?

Wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon that uses wheat as a substitute for rye in the mash bill. Straight bourbon, on the other hand, must be made from a mash bill that contains at least 51% corn and is aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels. While all wheated bourbons are technically straight bourbons, not all straight bourbons are wheated bourbons.

How does wheat affect the taste of bourbon?

Wheat has a softer, sweeter flavor profile than rye, which is why many people prefer wheated bourbons. This sweetness can make the bourbon taste smoother and less spicy than bourbons made with rye in the mash bill. Wheated bourbons may also have notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey.

Can you recommend any good wheated bourbons under $50?

Yes, some good wheated bourbons under $50 include Larceny Bourbon, Rebel Yell Wheated Bourbon, and W.L. Weller Special Reserve. These bourbons offer great value for their price and are a good introduction to the world of wheated bourbons.

Is Maker’s Mark considered a wheated bourbon?

Yes, Maker’s Mark is considered a wheated bourbon. It uses a mash bill that contains corn, wheat, and malted barley, with no rye. This gives Maker’s Mark its signature smooth and mellow taste.

Conclusion

Wheated bourbon is a unique type of bourbon that uses wheat instead of rye in its mash bill. This substitution results in a smoother and sweeter taste compared to traditional bourbons. It is a fascinating and delicious type of whiskey that is well worth exploring. Whether you are a seasoned whiskey drinker or a newcomer to the world of bourbon, wheated bourbon is definitely worth a try.

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