What's in a Mash Bill? The Fundamentals
The mash bill, or grain recipe, is one of the most critical elements defining a whiskey's style and flavor profile. By law, different types of whiskey must adhere to specific mash bill requirements. For instance, to be called a bourbon, a whiskey must have a mash bill of at least 51% corn. The remaining percentage can consist of other grains, most commonly rye, wheat, or malted barley. A traditional bourbon often uses corn as the majority grain, with rye as the secondary grain for spice and complexity. In contrast, a wheated bourbon swaps the rye for wheat, resulting in a softer, sweeter flavor profile. A true wheat whiskey, however, is a separate classification entirely.
The Mash Bill that Defines Buffalo Trace Bourbon
The flagship Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an exemplary bourbon, but it is not a wheat whiskey. It is crafted using the distillery's secret "Mash Bill #1," which is a low-rye mash bill. While the exact proportions are undisclosed by the parent company, Sazerac, it is widely believed that the mash bill contains approximately 89.5% corn, 7% rye, and 3.5% malted barley. The result is a whiskey celebrated for its rich and complex taste, with notes of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit. The use of rye provides a subtle spiciness that balances the sweetness of the corn, a distinctly different character than a wheated product.
The Truth About Buffalo Trace's Wheated Whiskeys
While the flagship Buffalo Trace isn't a wheater, the Buffalo Trace distillery is undeniably famous for its wheated products. In fact, the distillery uses a separate wheated mash bill for some of its most sought-after brands. This recipe replaces the rye with wheat as the secondary grain, which imparts a smooth, creamy, and softer character to the whiskey.
The wheated mash bill is the backbone for the highly popular and often allocated W.L. Weller line. It is also used for the ultra-rare and legendary Pappy Van Winkle bourbons. The availability and secondary market prices of these whiskies are a testament to the high demand for Buffalo Trace's wheated expressions. The distillery even releases a limited annual expression after Passover, the Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat Recipe Bourbon, which is another example of a product using their signature wheated recipe.
Understanding Wheated Bourbon vs. Wheat Whiskey
It is important to distinguish between a wheated bourbon and a wheat whiskey. The terms are not interchangeable and are defined by legal standards in the United States:
- Wheated Bourbon: A type of bourbon, meaning it contains at least 51% corn, in which wheat is the secondary grain, replacing the more traditional rye. This gives it a smoother, sweeter profile compared to a rye-forward bourbon.
- Wheat Whiskey: A distinct category of American whiskey where the mash bill must contain a minimum of 51% wheat. This high proportion of wheat results in a very soft, gentle, and sweet spirit.
As the following table demonstrates, the subtle change in the mash bill has a significant impact on the resulting spirit's flavor profile and classification. The flagship Buffalo Trace is a rye bourbon, not a wheat whiskey, but the distillery's other expressions, like Weller, are wheated bourbons.
Comparison of Mash Bill Types
| Feature | Buffalo Trace Bourbon (Low-Rye Bourbon) | Weller/Pappy (Wheated Bourbon) | Wheat Whiskey (e.g., Bernheim Original) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mash Bill % | >51% Corn, Low Rye, Barley | >51% Corn, High Wheat, Barley | >51% Wheat, Other Grains |
| Primary Flavor | Vanilla, caramel, spicy rye notes | Soft, smooth, sweet, creamy, less spice | Mellow, gentle sweetness, honey, fruit |
| Example | Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare | W.L. Weller, Pappy Van Winkle | Bernheim Original, Woodford Reserve Wheat |
| Classification | Kentucky Straight Bourbon | Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon | Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey |
Key Takeaways: How to Tell the Difference
- The classic Buffalo Trace bourbon uses a low-rye mash bill and is not a wheat whiskey. This is its distinguishing feature from its sister products.
- A true wheat whiskey must contain a minimum of 51% wheat in its mash bill, a requirement not met by the standard Buffalo Trace.
- The Buffalo Trace Distillery, however, is a major producer of wheated bourbons, using a separate mash bill for brands like W.L. Weller and Pappy Van Winkle.
- The presence of wheat instead of rye gives bourbons a softer, sweeter, and creamier flavor profile with less spice.
- Knowing the difference between these mash bills is essential for navigating the distillery's vast portfolio and understanding the distinct characteristics of each product.
Conclusion
The answer to the question "is Buffalo Trace a wheat whiskey?" is a clear no, but the story is more complex and interesting than a simple yes or no. The flagship Buffalo Trace bourbon is defined by its low-rye mash bill, giving it a balanced, spicy sweetness. The distillery is also responsible for some of the most sought-after wheated bourbons on the market, such as W.L. Weller and Pappy Van Winkle, which are made with a separate, distinct mash bill. This distinction highlights the skill of the distillers at Buffalo Trace, showcasing how different grain recipes can produce entirely different, and equally celebrated, whiskies from the same facility. Exploring these different mash bills is a rewarding endeavor for any whiskey enthusiast.
For more in-depth information on the various mash bills produced at the distillery, refer to this detailed guide from an industry expert: The Mashbills of Buffalo Trace.
