Decoding the Woodford Reserve Mash Bills
Many whiskey enthusiasts wonder, "is there wheat in Woodford Reserve?" The simple answer is that it depends on the product. While the flagship Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey does not contain wheat, the brand also produces a specific Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey that does. This critical distinction comes down to the mash bill, or the specific grain recipe used to create the spirit.
The Standard Bourbon Mash Bill
The most widely recognized expression from the distillery, the Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, is a high-rye bourbon, not a wheated one. Its recipe is composed of:
- 72% Corn
- 18% Rye
- 10% Malted Barley
This blend of grains gives the bourbon its distinctive, complex flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of corn with the spiciness of rye and the nutty notes of malt. The absence of wheat is what gives it a drier, more robust character compared to other whiskeys that use wheat as a softening agent.
The Dedicated Wheat Whiskey
For those who prefer a softer, fruitier spirit, Woodford Reserve offers a specific Wheat Whiskey expression. This product, introduced in 2019, has a very different mash bill that emphasizes wheat.
- 52% Wheat
- 20% Malted Barley
- 20% Corn
- 8% Rye
This grain-forward recipe is a significant departure from the brand's classic bourbon, and it's this product that leads to the confusion regarding wheat. The high percentage of wheat lends the whiskey a floral and fruity character with notes of toasted coconut and apple peel.
Comparing Woodford Reserve Grain Bills
To better understand the differences, here is a breakdown of the two most common expressions' mash bills. This comparison highlights how a change in grain composition dramatically alters the final product's flavor profile.
| Feature | Woodford Reserve Bourbon | Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Grain | Corn (72%) | Wheat (52%) |
| Secondary Grain | Rye (18%) | Malted Barley (20%) |
| Tertiary Grain | Malted Barley (10%) | Corn (20%) |
| Additional Grain | N/A | Rye (8%) |
| Flavor Profile | Spicy, sweet, nutty | Floral, fruity, soft |
| Common Notes | Espresso, vanilla, winter spice | Apple, toasted coconut, mint |
| Best For | Classic cocktails, sipping neat | Smooth sipping, modern cocktails |
How Mash Bills Affect Flavor
The selection and ratio of grains in a mash bill are central to defining a whiskey's character, falling under what Woodford Reserve refers to as one of its "Five Sources of Flavor".
- Corn: The foundation for all bourbon, it provides sweetness and body.
- Rye: Adds spicy, peppery, and sometimes fruity notes.
- Malted Barley: Contributes nutty, caramel, and malty characteristics, while also providing essential enzymes for fermentation.
- Wheat: Offers a softer, smoother, and often fruitier flavor than rye, making for a mellow whiskey.
Understanding Whiskey Types at Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve's product range goes beyond its standard bourbon and wheat whiskey. The distillery also offers a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, a Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, and special releases. Each product features a different grain focus. For example, their rye whiskey's mash bill is predominantly rye, delivering a spicier profile. The availability of these different expressions allows the brand to appeal to a wider range of palates. If you're looking for a smooth, wheated whiskey, you'll reach for the wheat expression, but if you want the classic high-rye bourbon experience, you'll choose the Distiller's Select.
Conclusion
In summary, whether or not there is wheat in Woodford Reserve depends entirely on the specific bottle. The classic Woodford Reserve bourbon does not contain wheat, relying on a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. However, the distinct Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey is intentionally crafted with a mash bill dominated by wheat. The brand's lineup includes multiple spirits, each designed with a unique grain recipe to deliver a specific flavor profile. Therefore, always check the label to know exactly what is in your Woodford Reserve whiskey.
Woodford Reserve's official grain recipe clearly details the ingredients for its flagship bourbon on its website.
