Discover the Best Wheated Bourbons | A List of High and Low-Priced Options
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Discover the Best Wheated Bourbons | A List of High and Low-Priced Options

What is a Wheated Bourbon?


If you're a bourbon fan, you may have heard the term "wheated bourbon" pop up in conversation occasionally. But what exactly does that mean? A wheated bourbon is one that uses wheat as the secondary grain in its mash bill, instead of the more common rye. This results in a smoother, sweeter flavor profile compared to the spicier, more robust taste of rye-heavy bourbons. In fact, some of the most famous and beloved bourbons in the world are wheated, like Maker's Mark and Pappy Van Winkle. The exact mash bill for a wheated bourbon can vary from distillery to distillery, but in general, it contains at least 51% corn and a combination of wheat and malted barley to round out the mixture. So next time you're sipping on a wheated bourbon, you'll know exactly what makes it so good.


The Best Wheated Bourbons | Hard to Find, Allocated Options


If you're into bourbon, you know that finding a rare bottle of allocated wheated bourbon is like striking gold. And believe me, the hunt is totally worth it. As someone who has searched high and low, I can assure you that the five wheated bourbons on my list, while hard to find are well worth the effort. When you sip on a glass of one of these bottles, you'll understand why people will do just about anything to get their hands on them. Whether you're a collector or just a bourbon lover, trust me when I say these allocated wheated bourbons are an experience you won't forget. So, if you are lucky and happen to spot one of these rare bottles in a liquor store, at a good price, don't think twice - snatch it up and savor every last drop.


Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, and Affiliate Partner of other products discussed on my website I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not cost you anything extra and helps me keep this website running. All of my reviews and recommendations are my own and not influenced by any sponsorships or collaborations.


William Larue Weller Bourbon



William Larue Weller is uncut, unfiltered, and hand-bottled, as were the previous vintages. Distilled from Kentucky corn North Dakota wheat and malted barley, it's a sour-mash wheated bourbon whiskey that was bottled at a cask strength after spending more than 12 years in #4 char American oak casks. Creamy with cherry, cocoa, herbal, and oak notes, it's a well-aged, powerful, yet perfectly balanced whiskey. William Larue Weller is my personal favorite and in my opinion, is one of the best wheated bourbons available. I would purchase William Larue Weller over any of the Pappy Van Winkle products. Even though they are from the same mash bill the high/barrel proof really makes this whiskey shine.


Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 Year Bourbon



If you're a whiskey connoisseur, you've likely heard of the famous "Pappy". And if you haven't tried their 15-year-old yet, you're missing out. This particular bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon packs a punch with its 107-proof and has a bolder flavor profile than the 20 and 23-year-old iterations. I think it's the perfect balance of sweetness, oak, and spice, making it my favorite of the Pappy Van Winkle line. And while the Pappy Van Winkle 20 year and the Pappy Van Winkle 23 year old varieties may be more coveted, there's something to be said about the complexity and intensity of the 15 year old.


If you need some great whiskey glasses I highly recommend this Glencairn Set and the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail set below. These are my go-to glasses for whiskey tasting.


Glencairn Glasses

Libbey Glasses with wooden paddle


Weller 12 Year Bourbon



Crafted at the Buffalo Trace distillery, W.L. Weller is a wheated bourbon brand beloved by its numerous fans, it's made in homage to one of bourbon's original aristocrats. The 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey continues to be crafted using Weller's wheated bourbon recipe. Aged for a minimum of 12 years, the spirit features an expertly balanced classic bourbon profile. It has garnered several of the most prestigious awards, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. If you like a smooth and easy drinker this is the one for you.

Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.

*$100 or more

Weller Antique 107

Crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Weller Antique Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a wheated bourbon from the W. L. Weller Collection. This bourbon, aged for seven years, is bottled at at107 proof. It features a medium-amber hue and a delicious aroma of creamy vanilla and roasted nuts. With its full-bodied and balanced profile, this bourbon has notes of honeyed fruits, vanilla, and caramel flavors. The finish is long, slightly spicy, and it has been acclaimed by Wine Enthusiast as a "very well-crafted whiskey."




Old Fitzgerald 15 Year


Every spring and fall, a new edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond series gets released. It takes inspiration from an original 1950's Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter, honoring both the brand's history and the Bottled-in-Bond designation. This bourbon has a rich distilling pedigree, dating back to 1884 when it was first registered. During Prohibition, it was sold to "Pappy" Van Winkle, and in 1999, Heaven Hill acquired the brand and started distilling it at Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, KY. Apart from the Decanter Series, they also offer other wheated Bourbons like Larceny Small Batch and Larceny Barrel Proof, carrying on the legacy of Old Fitzgerald. Old Fitzgerald has many other releases the 9-year-old, 11-year-old, 13-year-old, 15-year-old, 17-year-old, and 19-year-old are also great bottles.



Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon

Just like how Heaven Hill handles its Elijah Craig Barrel Proof line, Larceny Barrel Proof will have limited releases three times a year - January, May, and September. Each release will feature different proofs and bourbon aged six to eight years. The batch name's first character indicates the batch of the year, followed by the numeral representing the release month, and the last two digits refer to the release year. Another great release from the Heaven Hill Distillery

Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.

*$100 or more

The Best Wheated Bourbons | Easy To Find, Budget Friendly Options


Are you on the hunt for a delicious wheated bourbon that won't break the bank? Look no further than these top 5 picks that are not only easy to find, but also easier on your wallet. Don't be fooled by their budget-friendly price tags, these bourbons pack a punch of flavor that's sure to impress even the most refined bourbon drinker. So grab a glass, sit back, and enjoy a smooth sip of one of these affordable options that prove high quality doesn't have to come with a high cost.


Weller Special Reserve


The Original Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, from Buffalo Trace, is known for its incredibly smooth taste as it swaps rye grain with wheat. Bottled at 90 proof, the W.L. Weller Special Reserve stands out with its striking burnt orange color. With its softer flavor notes, this bourbon is perfect for sipping or creating delicious cocktails. Notably, this special bourbon was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Silver Medal at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards.


Looking for Weller Special Reserve can be a challenge, but the satisfaction of finding a diamond in the rough is unbeatable. With a little bit of persistence and some insider knowledge, you can track it down. I recommend checking behind the counter or politely asking if it's in stock. And if you happen to be in Ohio, lucky you - a trip to Krogers might just be the solution you've been searching for!




Aged & Charred Smoker Kit


Maker's Mark 46


Maker's 46 is Made from a mash of corn, wheat, and malted barley, and is aged in limestone cellars and handcrafted in small batches. Maker's Mark is one of the few distilleries that rotate their barrels from the upper to the lower levels of the aging warehouses during the aging process. This ensures that the barrels get equal treatment, evening out the differences in temperature fluctuation that occurs during the maturation process. This is the first new Makers Mark recipe in at least five decades. Makers 46 is Makers Mark with a French Twist.


Maker's 46 is the original Maker's Mark but aged for an extended period in seared French oak staves. The staves were sourced from the Independent Stave Company, which experimented with 10 virgin French oak staves, testing several different levels of sear to caramelize the wood sugars and seal in the bitter tannins of the oak. The final staves, labeled Profile 46, were then added to the barrels of the original Maker's Mark, and aged in Makers limestone bourbon cellars.


The French oak staves create a smoother, bolder, more complex flavor profile, imparting more spice, sweetness, and vanilla onto the spirit. Bottled at a solid 47% ABV. This bourbon has a similar flavor profile to the sought-after Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, and Weller 12 year.

Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.

*$100 or more


Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength


Maker's Mark 46 cask strength bourbon whiskey is a newer addition to the world of bourbons, utilizing the established recipe of Maker's 46 but with the added boost of a higher proof. The result is a delicious and complex flavor profile that truly raises the bar. The cask strength gives this spirit a smooth and warming finish, with notes of vanilla and caramel that linger long after the last sip. If you love Maker's 46, be sure to try the cask strength variation for a truly elevated experience.


Larceny Very Special Small Batch Bourbon

Larceny Small Batch Bourbon is a tribute to the exquisite palate of John E. Fitzgerald, Julian Pappy Winkle, and Old Fitzgerald; crafted from corn, wheat, malted barley, and rye. Distilled with limestone water and an exclusive yeast strain, it boasts a rare flavor profile of citrus notes, stone fruits, and butterscotch candy. Master Distillers handpicked the spirit to resemble a six-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey -- distinguished by its use of wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye. At 46% ABV, Larceny Very Special Small Batch makes for a smoother drinking experience.


Old Elk Wheated Bourbon


Old Elk Distillery is a family-owned distillery founded in 2013 in Fort Collins, Colorado. The label is a collaboration with Master Distiller Greg Metze of MGP, who has over 40 years of experience in whiskey development. They were named Colorado “Distillery of the Year” by the New York International Spirits Competition for two consecutive years (2016-2017). Their Slow Cut proofing process produces a smoother and more balanced bourbon by allowing the flavors to mingle over multiple weeks. Their Straight Wheated Bourbon expression has a mash bill of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley and is aged for at least 5 years before being bottled at 92 proof. It has won a Gold Medal at both the New York International Spirits Competition as well as from the Beverage Testing Institute.


Jefferson's Ocean Wheated Mashbill Voyage 29


This bourbon starts its journey in the Port of Savannah, enduring turbulent sea storms and extreme temperature fluctuations. As a result, the bourbon acquires unique flavors influenced by its rocking voyage. The torrid heat caramelizes the sugar, enhancing the sweetness, while the salty sea air imparts a briny undertone to the barrel. The end product is a deeper and more complex bourbon, clocking in at 90 proof. By replacing rye with wheat, the savory and briny taste of bourbon is allowed to flourish, resulting in a softer and more subtle flavor profile. Delicate hints of vanilla from the wood, along with the natural sweetness from the corn, further contribute to the complexity and richness of this bourbon. This is a little gimmicky but still results in a solid bourbon.

Start Your Home Bar


Starting a home collection of Bourbon can seem intimidating, but with this great list of wheated bourbons, anyone will be able to find one that suits their taste. Crafted for multidimensional flavors and versatility, each pick is sure to provide an enjoyable experience and leave a memorable, long-lasting impression that only bourbon can impart. With bold and warm notes from oak barrels, these Bourbons are certain to kick start any evening. Whether you’re looking for a personal favorite or one to share, these selections are all great and won't disappoint.


Check out my article on The Best Rye Whiskies.

Check out my article on the best bourbon under $50.

Check out my review of Van Winkle 12 year, another great wheated bourbon.


Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.

*$100 or more
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Tags: Bottled in bond, malted barley, sweet honey, candied ginger, black pepper, dried cherries, cinnamon sugar, caramel apples, maple candy, candied pecans, malted barley, candied orange peel, clover honey, candied nuts, Candied orange peels, vanilla beans, dried fruits, poor man's pappy, straight bourbon, special reserve, old elk, American oak, larceny small batch bourbon, wheated mash bill, award winning bourbon, sweet vanilla, mellow mouthfeel

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