What is a Wheated Bourbon?
At its core, a wheated bourbon is defined by its grain recipe, known as the mash bill. While the law dictates that a bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, the choice of the secondary grain—the flavoring grain—is left to the distiller. In most traditional bourbons, this grain is rye, which imparts spicy, peppery notes. However, in a wheated bourbon, wheat takes the place of rye. This substitution produces a significant shift in the final product's flavor and mouthfeel, creating a softer, sweeter, and more approachable spirit.
The Impact of Wheat on Flavor
The inclusion of wheat in the mash bill is a deliberate choice made by master distillers to create a specific flavor profile. Instead of the sharp, spicy "bite" of rye, wheat introduces a gentler, more delicate character. Common tasting notes found in wheated bourbons include:
- Sweetness: Reminiscent of honey, caramel, and butterscotch.
- Smoothness: The texture is often described as creamy or mellow on the palate, with less burn than a high-rye option.
- Fruity notes: Subtle hints of baked apples, cherries, or stone fruits can often be detected.
- Pastry or bready undertones: Evoking flavors of warm bread or baked goods.
Popular and Widely Available Wheated Bourbons
For those looking to explore this style, several brands offer accessible entry points into the world of wheated bourbon. These bourbons showcase the signature smooth character without requiring an exhaustive search.
- Maker's Mark: One of the most famous and widely available wheated bourbons. Its mash bill famously uses 16% wheat, resulting in a soft, sweet spirit with notes of vanilla and caramel.
- Larceny: Produced by Heaven Hill, Larceny is a small-batch wheated bourbon known for its rich, buttery character.
- W.L. Weller: Known as "the original wheated bourbon," this brand is associated with the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery and is now produced by Buffalo Trace. The Special Reserve is a popular option, though some expressions can be difficult to find.
- Rebel: Another brand with a long history in the wheated bourbon market, often noted for its approachable and smooth profile.
- Old Fitzgerald: This Heaven Hill brand offers both standard and highly sought-after Bottled-in-Bond decanter releases that feature a wheated mash bill.
Coveted and Hard-to-Find Wheated Bourbons
For enthusiasts, the world of wheated bourbon includes some of the most sought-after and collectible bottles in the spirits world. These are typically limited releases with high demand.
- Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve: Perhaps the most famous and elusive of all wheated bourbons, the Van Winkle line uses a wheated mash bill from the Buffalo Trace distillery.
- William Larue Weller: Part of the exclusive Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), this is a barrel-proof wheated bourbon with a powerful and complex flavor profile that is extremely difficult to acquire.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: The age-stated decanter series from Heaven Hill is highly allocated and prized by collectors.
Wheated vs. Rye Bourbon: A Comparison
To fully appreciate the characteristics of a wheated bourbon, it helps to understand how it contrasts with the more traditional, rye-forward bourbon style. The table below highlights the main differences in flavor and character.
| Characteristic | Wheated Bourbon | Rye Bourbon (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Mellow, sweet, and soft. Notes of caramel, honey, vanilla, and fruit. | Spicy, peppery, and robust. Notes of cinnamon, clove, and dill. |
| Mouthfeel | Creamy and smooth, with a gentle finish. | More of a drying, tingling sensation on the palate. |
| Dominant Grain Flavor | Wheat provides a soft, bready sweetness that complements the corn. | Rye offers a prominent spiciness that cuts through the sweetness of the corn. |
| Best For | Those who prefer a smoother, less aggressive sipping experience. Often a good introduction for new bourbon drinkers. | Those who enjoy a bolder, spicier whiskey with a more assertive finish. |
| Common Brands | Maker's Mark, W.L. Weller, Larceny. | Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey. |
The Role of Grains in a Bourbon Mash Bill
Understanding the mash bill, or grain recipe, is key to appreciating different bourbon styles. The primary grain is corn, but the secondary flavoring grain determines if it's a wheated or a rye-forward bourbon. The typical breakdown is as follows:
- Corn: Must be at least 51% of the mash bill. Its high sugar content is responsible for bourbon's characteristic sweetness and rich body.
- Wheat or Rye: The secondary flavoring grain that provides the spirit's distinct personality. Wheat delivers smoothness and sweetness, while rye contributes spice.
- Malted Barley: A small percentage of malted barley is almost always included. It contains enzymes that are crucial for converting the starches from the other grains into fermentable sugars, which ultimately become alcohol.
The Resurgence of Wheated Bourbon
Once a niche category, wheated bourbons have surged in popularity over the last decade, driven by both enthusiasts and new drinkers seeking a more refined and less aggressive palate. The rise of sought-after brands like Pappy Van Winkle brought significant attention to the style, but more importantly, many readily available options have become staples for those who prefer its smoother profile. While rye offers a bold and traditional flavor, the creamy texture and sweet notes of a wheated bourbon provide a compelling alternative that showcases the diversity and innovation within American whiskey production.
For more in-depth information on mash bills and bourbon production, the Rabbit Hole Distillery blog is an excellent resource: How Bourbon Is Made - Rabbit Hole Distillery.
Conclusion
For bourbon drinkers exploring different flavor profiles, understanding what bourbons contain wheat is an excellent starting point. From the widely available Maker's Mark to the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, the use of wheat instead of rye fundamentally changes the bourbon's character, creating a smoother, sweeter, and more mellow spirit. Whether you prefer the classic spice of a rye-forward bourbon or the gentle embrace of a wheater, there are excellent options available for every palate and budget.
