Tag: Wheat whiskey

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.

Whiskey production relies on fermented grains, and while many associate it with barley or corn, wheat plays a significant role in several popular varieties. Does whiskey use wheat? Absolutely, and understanding its contribution reveals the nuance behind many spirits.

Vodka is a prime example of liquor made out of wheat, with many major brands like Absolut and Grey Goose utilizing the grain for its smooth, crisp flavor profile. This versatile grain is a key ingredient in several popular spirits, contributing a distinctive character that distinguishes them from other grain-based liquors.

By legal definition, a wheat whiskey must be made from a mash bill containing at least 51% wheat. This is not the case for the standard Buffalo Trace bourbon, which is actually a low-rye bourbon.

By its own admission, Jameson is made from malted and unmalted barley, not wheat. This fact immediately disproves the common misconception that Jameson is a wheat whiskey and positions it firmly within the Irish whiskey tradition.

The simple answer is no, all whiskey is not made from wheat, with some spirits even using multiple grains in production. While wheat is a common ingredient valued for its soft, mellow flavor profile, whiskey can be made from a diverse range of cereal grains, including corn, rye, and barley.

According to its official mash bill, the flagship Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select is a high-rye bourbon, not a wheat bourbon. However, this is just part of the story, as the distillery also produces a separate Woodford Reserve Wheat expression that uses a different grain recipe.