Top Wheated Whiskeys to Try First
Top Wheated Whiskeys to Try First
Wheated whiskeys are known for their smooth, sweet flavors, making them an excellent choice for both new and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts. This gallery explores some entry-level wheated whiskeys that offer a delightful introduction to this unique style. From American classics to emerging favorites, these selections will guide you on your journey into the world of wheated whiskeys.
Bernheim Original Wheated American Whiskey
Born just outside Kippenheim, Germany, in 1848, Isaac Woolfe Bernheim arrived in the United States as a teenager with only $4. Originally planning to work in New York City, bankruptcy led him to become a traveling salesman on horseback, selling housewares in Pennsylvania. After his horse's demise, Isaac and his brother Bernard, a recent U.S. immigrant, moved to Kentucky, purchasing and renaming the Pleasure Ridge Park Distillery in 1896. During Prohibition, their distillery was one of the few permitted to operate for medicinal whiskey production. Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey, a pioneering post-Prohibition spirit, features a unique mashbill predominantly composed of winter wheat, resulting in a soft, sweet flavor with intricate complexity. Distilled in Louisville, Kentucky, the mash, including corn and malted barley, matures for five years in Heaven Hill's Nelson County rickhouses. This exceptional whiskey has earned accolades such as the Pioneer Whiskey of the Year Award and a Double Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, along with a "94 points" rating and "Exceptional" label from the Beverage Tasting Institute. Buy it now.
W.L. Weller Special Reserve
The W.L. Weller Special Reserve is an essential choice for bourbon enthusiasts, especially those embarking on a journey into the world of this exceptional spirit. With a remarkable, well-balanced, and velvety smooth character, this bourbon stands out in its price range. What distinguishes it is the unique mash bill incorporating wheat, providing a softer and sweeter flavor. Presented in a one-liter bottle, it's perfect for sharing with friends, family, or at bourbon-themed gatherings. Whether sipped solo or in cocktails, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 1L enhances any occasion, making it an excellent gift for whiskey aficionados, paired with fascinating facts about this award-winning spirit. Its versatility extends to Southern cuisine pairings, elevating the enjoyment of dishes like smoked pork, ribs, and spicy gumbo. With its ample size and attractive price point, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 1L is sure to leave a lasting impression at holiday parties and special events. Buy it now.
Spirit Works Distillery Straight Wheat Whiskey
Crafted from 100% organic red winter wheat cultivated in California's Sacramento Valley, our Straight Wheat Whiskey reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability. Every step of the production process, from milling and mashing to fermentation and distillation, occurs exclusively on-site at our distillery in Sonoma County. Maturing for a minimum of four years in 53-gallon charred American white oak barrels, this whiskey remains unaltered by chill filtration, preserving its full aromatic complexity. Careful distillation cuts contribute to the whiskey's refined and distinctive character upon emerging from the barrel. Offering a nose characterized by tobacco, butterscotch, and subtle minerality, the palate unfolds with a long, smooth journey featuring caramelized sugar, hints of sweet tea, toasted walnut, and juicy stone fruit. The finish leaves a lingering impression of graham crackers by the campfire, complemented by subtle smoke and bittersweet cocoa nibs, culminating in a touch of creamy vanilla. Awarded 87 points by Wine Enthusiast, this uniquely American spirit boasts an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.0%. Buy it now.
Heaven's Door Homesick Blues Minnesota Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Raise a toast to Bob Dylan's creative legacy with our exceptional 7-year-old Minnesota Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, aptly named Homesick Blues. Crafted in Minnesota, just 150 miles from Dylan's birthplace, this bourbon undergoes cultivation, distillation, and aging in the heart of the North Country. Maturing amidst temperature extremes, from scorching highs at 116°F to chilling lows at -80°F, it develops an unparalleled character. Homesick Blues is a tribute to Dylan's Minnesota heritage and his influential impact on the whiskey world. With a deep, intense hue reflecting a rich, smooth character, this bourbon offers a satisfying experience. The full-bodied, velvety palate, enriched by wheat for creamy smoothness, achieves a masterful balance of sweet and spicy elements, showcasing the whiskey's unique character shaped by diverse climates. Homesick Blues stands as an extraordinary addition to the spirits realm, commemorating Bob Dylan's enduring legacy. Buy it now.
Journeyman Buggy Whip Organic Wheat Whiskey
Affectionately dubbed "The Whip," our Buggy Whip Wheat Whiskey pays homage to the late 1800s when the historic Featherbone Factory produced items such as corsets and buggy whips, thanks to the innovative E.K. Warren. Recognizing Warren's legacy of hard work, ingenuity, and a daring spirit, we celebrate his adventurous ethos with our Buggy Whip Wheat. This single-grain whiskey is a testament to the exceptional quality and terroir of the organic Michigan wheat that defines its character. Comprising 100% wheat, the spirit imparts a gentle sweetness and smoothness, evoking the reminiscent qualities of an Irish whiskey on the palate. Distilled through a single process from organic Michigan wheat, each batch is meticulously blended to achieve a unique profile. Certified Organic, Gluten-Free, and Kosher, this light-bodied whiskey presents a summer-like, approachable nature with a well-balanced sweetness, complemented by woody nuances, subtle vanilla, orange, and caramel notes. Silky and easy-drinking, this exceptional whiskey boasts an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.0%. Buy now for $48.99.
Wilderness Trail Straight Wheated Bourbon
Wilderness Trail Wheated Bourbon stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, representing a small-batch, small-grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in Bond. Distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky, this Small Batch selection is crafted from 100% local grains and benefits from premium cooper select barrels utilizing 18-month-old air-dried staves. With a distinctive mash bill featuring 64% corn, 24% wheat, and 12% malted barley, utilizing Wilderness Trail's proprietary yeast strains, it boasts one of the highest wheat ratios in a Kentucky Bourbon. Aged for a minimum of four years in #4 char barrels at a low 110 proof upon entry, this results in a rich, non-chill filtered small batch Bourbon. Expect a flavor profile that includes vanilla, charred oak, cinnamon, and a long, sweet finish characterized by oak spices, toffee, and dark fruits. Buy it now.
Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey
Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey is a premium American whiskey crafted by the renowned Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky. Known for its commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and innovation, Woodford Reserve introduced this wheat whiskey to its portfolio, diverging from the traditional bourbon mash bill by incorporating a majority of winter wheat. This distinctive choice of grains imparts a softer, smoother character to the whiskey, highlighting notes of delicate sweetness, fruit, and subtle spice. Aged in new charred oak barrels, Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey showcases the brand's dedication to creating a well-balanced and refined spirit that captures the essence of Kentucky's rich whiskey heritage with a modern and sophisticated twist. Buy it now.
Old Elk Wheated Bourbon
Old Elk uses a slow fermentation process that apparently pulls out more sweetness from the grains, and you can taste it. Their wheated bourbon is soft, round, and packed with vanilla cream, honey, and sweet corn flavors. Wheat in bourbon generally makes things smoother and sweeter compared to rye, and Old Elk maximizes that characteristic. What's cool is that the master distiller has a background in spirits engineering, so there's real science behind why this tastes the way it does. It's not just randomly throwing grains together and hoping for the best. The result is consistent, sweet, and way more interesting than your typical wheated bourbon. Buy it now!
Ben Holladay Bottled in Bond Soft Red Wheat Bourbon
Soft red wheat makes this one silky smooth, with floral and apple spice vibes. It’s like a chill day in the orchard—easygoing but packed with flavor. Buy it now!
Bainbridge Battle Point Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey
Bainbridge Distillery, founded by Keith Barnes in 2009 on Bainbridge Island, produces organic spirits including gin, whiskey, and vodka, emphasizing quality in every batch. Their Platinum medal-winning Bainbridge Battle Point Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey, named after a small community on the island's western side, is distilled from a 100% wheat mash bill and aged for over six years in virgin American white oak barrels. While the standard expression is bottled at 43% ABV, the medal-winning variant is Barrel Proof, boasting 141.3 proof. Though the Barrel Proof expression may be elusive, the non-Barrel Proof version offers notes of caramel, orange peel, sherry, baking spice, and salty sea air. Buy it now!
1792 Sweet Wheat
This unique wheated expression lives up to its name with a demure, creamy profile that reveals gentle wheat funk alongside black pepper and lingering brown sugar on the short, sweet finish. It's mild-mannered and easy to enjoy without much fuss, letting notes of caramel and subtle fruit shine through – a solid pick for relaxed sipping when you crave that softer, sweeter side of bourbon without any rye bite getting in the way. Buy it now!
Larceny Barrel Proof Wheated Bourbon
Heaven Hill's barrel-strength wheater packs a punch but stays incredibly inviting, bursting with cinnamon, warm brown sugar, and toasted oak that builds into a thick, viscous mouthfeel full of honey and baking spices. The higher proof brings intensity without overwhelming the soft wheat sweetness, leading to a long finish of nutmeg and caramel cream – it's bold yet forgiving, ideal for when you want something with real depth on a cool night. Buy it now!
Green River Wheated Bourbon
This one's a newer player from Owensboro that shocked folks by taking Best Overall Bourbon at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition, even beating out pricier stuff. With wheat in the mash bill, it's softer and sweeter than your typical rye-spiced bourbons, loading up on vanilla, honey, caramel, and fresh bread notes that make it super easy-drinking. At a price that won't break the bank, it's a go-to for everyday pours or mixing in an old fashioned when company's over – real crowd-pleaser without any fuss. Buy it now!
Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Redemption Wheated Bourbon stands out as a hidden gem among bourbon brands, offering exceptional quality at a modest price point. While Redemption typically focuses on spicier rye whiskies, this expression, rich with 45% wheat, presents a smooth and delightful alternative. The nose captivates with prominent vanilla notes complemented by hints of burnt wood, pear, and subtle florals, setting the stage for a truly enjoyable tasting experience. Upon tasting, its sweetness unfolds gracefully, accompanied by a luxurious mouthfeel and a harmonious blend of chocolate, hazelnut, and warming spices like nutmeg and black pepper. With each sip, the finish leaves a lingering desire for more, showcasing the whiskey's depth and allure. While it may fall just short of claiming the top spot, Redemption Wheated Bourbon undoubtedly earns its place as a top-tier choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking something beyond the mainstream. Buy it now!
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