Tag: Bourbon ingredients

The classic Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select bourbon does not contain wheat, utilizing a grain recipe of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The perception that there is wheat in Woodford Reserve is likely due to the distillery's separate, popular Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey, which has wheat as its dominant grain. This distinction highlights the importance of checking the specific product label, as Woodford Reserve produces multiple types of whiskey.

By law, all bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, but the other grains in the mash bill can vary widely. This leads many to ask, "Does bourbon contain wheat?" and the answer is that it entirely depends on the distiller's specific recipe.

According to federal regulations for distilled spirits, straight bourbon like Woodford Reserve legally cannot contain any added sugar. This means that while many perceive a distinct sweetness, it is not from sugar or any other additives.

By law, all bourbon must be made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn. While corn is the primary grain, the answer to the question, "Is Maker's Mark corn or wheat?" reveals a unique approach that sets it apart: it is a wheated bourbon that uses soft red winter wheat as its flavoring grain instead of the more traditional rye.