There is a lot of legislation surrounding bourbon brewing (the long-time American classic drink), with the law stating that the mash bill needs to meet a minimum corn requirement of 51 percent. However, manufacturers have found a loophole with the other two ingredients to shake up the flavor and quality of bourbon.
While traditional bourbon is made from rye and barley, a sweeter and more refined version replaces rye with wheat. Often described by many bartenders as smooth and flavorful, “wheated bourbon” (the name given to the love child of the marriage of corn and wheat) is among the top recommendations for bartenders worldwide.
While the gold standard lies with Pappy Van Winkle, other less expensive options are as good or even better. Read on to familiarize yourself with 12 of the best wheat bourbons.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year:
Few can claim the brewing supremacy enjoyed by the Pappy Van Winkle family. Despite being a bit higher on the financial scale, the Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15-year aged wheated bourbon remains one of the most sought-after whiskey bottles owing to its superior taste and quality.
The recipe for this bourbon is an age-old secret, but you can rest assured that the palatable appeal of this copper-colored bourbon is not new to any whiskey lover. Aged in an oak barrel for 15 years, this whiskey acquires a rich woody taste perfectly accentuated by the spicy toffee flavors and intense caramel. Therefore, It is no surprise that the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon takes first place on this list.
It has an alcohol content of 45 percent by volume and is light enough to savor while being strong enough to get you drunk.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
Whether you enjoy it as whisky ginger or the old-fashioned way, Maker’s Mark Bourbon whiskey is a timeless and exquisite wheated bourbon. The brainchild of Bill Samuels, this whiskey was made easy to drink.
Unlike other whisky brands with a sharp taste, Maker’s Mark boasts a sweet taste perfectly balanced by oak and fruity essences.
It also doesn’t hurt that the manufacturing process is done entirely by hand. From rolling the barrels to dipping the bottle in its signature red wax, someone in Kentucky did it themselves. Distinct from Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky, the bottle is matured to taste and not to age.
W. L. Weller 12 year
If you’ve been in the world of wheated bourbon whiskey for a while, then you’ve probably heard of the “Poor Man’s Pappy.” The W. L. Weller, 12-year bourbon whisky, is associated with the signature Pappy because of their intertwined origin and mash bill. However, this doesn’t mean this whisky lacks its unique character.
Aged for 12 years, the W. L. Weller is the most sought-after of the W. L. Weller line, featuring other timeless classics such as the Weller Antique 107 and the Special Reserve. This whisky features a smooth and dark cherry taste with hints of orange and caramel.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Dipped in history, the Old Fitzgerald has passed hands between distillers from the 1800s (once sold to the Pappy Van Winkle distillery) but now sits squarely on the able shoulders of the Heaven Hill distillery.
Despite a new edition entering the market every spring and fall, the Old Fitzgerald line remains true to its packaging and brewery traditions with a diamond decanter and pedigree wheated bourbon.
Moreover, The Old Fitzgerald has a hint of pepper and baking spices on the nose with a smooth, rich butterscotch taste. Bottled in Bond never tasted better than in the Old Fitzgerald.
Larceny Barrel Proof
Brewed out of the Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky (home to the famous Old Fitzgerald), the Larceny Barrel proof bourbon whisky is a newer addition to the wheat whisky family. Still, it has quickly gained popularity as an excellent choice for those looking for a higher proof in their whiskey (it usually has a proof of 102-115 but may vary with each edition).
The Larceny Barrel Proof has a note of toasted bread on the nose with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a rich taste of molasses, fig, and hazelnut. It has won several coveted awards, including the Whisky of the Year award (the only heated whisky to do so).
Bernheim Original
Whether you drink it as is or add it to your favorite cocktail, this Bernheim original is bound to excite your taste buds. It shares a home with the Old Fitzgerald and the Larceny Barrel Proof, all from the Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky. However, the Bernheim original gets its name from the Bernheim distillery.
Often referred to as the first new-age American whiskey since the prohibition, the Bernheim original is aged to perfection for seven years in oak barrels until it acquires the sweet taste of berries and spice with a sweet honey and vanilla aroma.
Weller Full Proof
Robust is commonly associated with this Weller line wheated bourbon whisky. Coming from W. L. Weller’s famous whisky line, the Weller Proof had big shoes to fill, a task it excelled in.
The Weller Full Proof is released annually and is bottled at the exact proof that the distillate enters the maturing barrel (usually 114 -120 proof or 57 percent alcohol by volume), acquiring the robust signature taste associated with the bottle.
On the palate, you are welcomed to a flavorful experience of cinnamon caramel, sweet vanilla, and thick oak that hints at a tannin presence. The rich scent of bakery products, cinnamon, and vanilla linger heavily on the nose.
Jefferson’s Ocean Wheated Whisky
If you are looking for an exciting twist to traditional wheat whiskey, then Jefferson’s Ocean Wheated Whisky might be what you need. In addition to an excellent taste, almost black color (reminiscent of old rum), and flavorful aroma, Jefferson’s ocean whiskey boasts of an almost cinematic history and aging process, making it perfect for a toast or as a gift.
After four years of aging traditionally, Jefferson’s ocean whisky is loaded onto a ship to begin its life on the deck, intending to transfuse the salty sea air and spray into the taste of the whisky. In addition to the salty undertone, the effects of the elements and the gentle rocking of the sea positively impact the taste of the wheat whisky.
1792 Sweet Wheat
The first wheat bourbon produced by Barton’s 1792 distillery, the Sweet Wheat Whisky, was an experiment to improve the traditional rye flavor to a more mellow wheat taste.
Bottled in a beautiful glass decanter, the 1792 Sweet wheat has a distinct rust color and the warm flavor of vanilla and caramel bursting on your palate. A faint undertone of orange, spices, and cherry is evident once you take a swig.
On the nose, 1792 has an alluring aroma of sweet and dry wood notes, making the whisky delectable. If you are in the market for wheat whisky that is not too sweet, then the 1792 sweet wheat should be your go-to whisky.
Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Redemption whisky has produced exciting whiskeys for decades, and the wheated bourbon remains true to this commitment. Made from 51 percent corn, 45 percent wheat, and 4 percent malted barley, this wheated bourbon has a head start from the ingredients alone.
It boasts a 96-proof (46 percent ABV) that is attractive to those looking for the sweetness of wheat bourbon.
Redemption wheated bourbon has an exciting taste of smoked meats, roasted coffee beans, and hazelnut that make the drinking experience more than exciting. On the nose, it has a rich scent of vanilla, sage, lavender, and candied ginger.
Journeyman Buggy Whip Wheat
The Journeyman Buggy Whip Wheat makes its mark on the wheat whiskey scene. Coming out of Texas, the Journeyman Buggy whip wheat whisky rivals some of the best whiskeys from Kentucky. It excels in its superior taste (thanks to the heat of the Texas landscape that sweetens the red winter wheat and helps the whisky soak up flavors while it is aging in the barrel.
One of the biggest reasons you should try “the whip” (as it is popularly known) is the taste. It has a rich, smooth flavor thanks to the brewery process that entails a single distillation process with 100 percent Michigan wheat. It is bottled at 90 proof (45 percent ABV).
Garrison Brothers Small Batch
Last on the list is the Garrison Brothers Small Batch. Proudly representing Texas Bourbons, the Garrison Brothers Small Batch has won several accolades, including being crowned as the year’s spirit in the SD International Spirits Challenge 2021. Despite falling on the higher side of the price scale, this wheat whisky goes above and beyond the expectations of many enthusiasts.
You can experience a smooth and rich taste on the palate with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices. Despite having 94 proof (47 percent alcohol by volume), the Garrison Brothers Small Batch is surprisingly strong, probably because of the higher percentage of corn (71 percent) in the mash bill in addition to red winter wheat and malted barley.
On the nose, a robust scent of sugarcane, tobacco leaves, and barrel char greets your senses, followed by a long and intense caramel.
