Taster’s Club Best Wheated Bourbon in 2023
Written by Emma C | Updated July 2023
You might be familiar with bourbon’s makeup of at least 51% corn and the rest usually barley and rye, but there are some amazing wheated bourbons, too. This unofficial spirit category is becoming more and more popular and is worth checking out. In it, the rye is swapped for wheat, giving wheated bourbon a softer, milder, sweeter profile than other types. Wheated bourbons like Maker’s Mark and Larceny (two of our favorites) make the perfect companion in cocktails but are also great on the rocks, thanks to their smooth quality. To help you quest, we’ve tasted many bourbons and created Taster’s Club guide to 2023’s best wheated bourbon bottles you can get in our bottle shop.. There’s something here for every taste, style, mood, and budget.
Best Wheated Bourbon Available in our Bottle Shop
1. Larceny Barrel Proof
Enjoy this wheated bourbon with a punch! Larceny Barrel Proof unleashes the full force of our celebrated wheated Bourbon mashbill, delivering an unfiltered and barrel-proof expression that captivates Bourbon enthusiasts. Released in January, May, and September, each batch represents a meticulously crafted Small Batch Bourbon, showcasing an unparalleled depth and character. This bold iteration, akin to its counterparts Larceny Small Batch and Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, stands as a testament to the exceptional quality achievable with wheated Bourbons, offering a robust and distinctive tasting experience. Embrace the untamed spirit of Larceny Barrel Proof, a true celebration of the craft.
Region Kentucky | Tasting Notes Rich molasses, fig, hazelnut | ABV:Varies by Release
2. Makers Mark Private Selection "Chocolate Sundae"
Maker's Mark Private Collection offerings are always a treat. Each one is different but always delicious. No difference here! Maker's Mark Private Selection Chocolate Sundae Bourbon is a distinct addition to our wood-finishing series. Originating as fully matured Maker's Mark at cask strength, each barrel undergoes a transformative journey with the infusion of 10 custom wood finishing staves. Aged in our limestone cellar for a nuanced flavor extraction, participants wield influence over stave selection. Boasting 1,001 possible stave combinations, this bourbon unveils a personalized finish and taste profile that is both unique and unmistakably Maker's. Embrace the artistry behind Private Selection, a refined expression shaped by your preferences.
Region: North Carolina | Tasting Notes: Chocolate, vanilla, oak | ABV: 54.75%
3. Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Wheated Bourbon
Take to the high seas of flavor with Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea wheated bourbon. This expression is fully matured for at least four years, then placed in rickhouses on ships to travel the world. This hyper-ages the bourbon. The constant agitation, weather conditions, and sea-salt air impart a flavor like no other. Wheat is a softer grain than rye and will not compete with flavors as the spice of the rye does. This allows the flavors intrinsic to ocean voyages to be amplified.
Region: Kentucky | Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, Toasted caramel, slight sea salt | ABV: 45%
4. W.L. Weller Full Proof
A legendary bourbon at a higher proof? Count us in! This stellar whiskey is available in limited quantities so act fast. Weller Full Proof Bourbon pays homage to the legendary William Larue Weller, who crafted a unique bourbon recipe with wheat instead of rye. Bottled at the original 114 proof, this non-chill filtered wheated bourbon retains natural oils and flavors, potentially exhibiting a slight cloudiness at lower temperatures. Embracing a rich mouthfeel, it delivers robust notes of vanilla and oak. A whiskey tailored for enthusiasts seeking the unfiltered essence, it stands as a tribute to the man who elevated wheated bourbon to iconic status.
Region: Kentucky | Tasting Notes: vanilla, dark cherries, caramel | ABV: 57%
5. Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Redemption has been doing some great things and we had to share this great bourbon with you. Redemption Wheated Bourbon, boasting 45% winter wheat and a bold 96 proof, is a captivating exploration of the nuanced character wheat brings to the mash bill. A testament to our unwavering commitment to crafting distinctive and compelling whiskeys, this expression has garnered numerous awards and garnered the admiration of whiskey enthusiast.
Region: Indiana | Tasting Notes: Roasted coffee, smoked meats, hazelnut | ABV: 48%
6. Old Elk Wheated Bourbon
Old Elk has been making waves with their regular bourbon and this expression is no different. It is no wonder we featured Old Elk in our club previously. Old Elk Straight Wheated Bourbon is a delectable and harmoniously balanced tribute to wheated bourbon enthusiasts. With our expertise honed in crafting our renowned flagship bourbon, we've elevated the wheat content to 45%, minimized corn to 51%, and added four percent malted barley. This meticulous recipe showcases each ingredient, allowing them to shine individually while harmonizing into a liquid masterpiece. It's not just bourbon; it's a testament to the exquisite fusion of success and craftsmanship.
Region: Indiana | Tasting Notes: Toffee, vanilla, toasted almonds | ABV 46%
7. Green River Wheated Bourbon
Indulge in the exquisite symphony of flavors with Green River's Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon. This exceptional bourbon boasts a delightful fragrance of peach, caramel, apricot, and cinnamon. As it dances across the palate, revel in the rich notes of toffee, pastry, and hazelnut, leading to a smooth, honeyed finish. Crafted from a classic Kentucky mashbill of 70% locally grown corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted barley, this wheated expression offers an effortlessly enjoyable drinking experience while maintaining its unique character.
Region: Kentucky | Tasting Notes: Toffee, pastry, caramel | ABV 45%
8. Southern Star Paragon Wheated Bourbon
This has been one of our favorite features in the bourbon club this past year. We invite you to enjoy this great bourbon today! Southern Star Paragon Wheated Straight Bourbon beckons with a rich, amber allure. Delight in its sweet, fruity-floral bouquet with hints of ripe apple. Each sip unfolds a complex symphony of vanilla, honey, and subtle walnut notes, guided by a lush texture. The meticulously crafted mash bill, comprising 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley, results in a 46% ABV marvel. An embodiment of precision, this bourbon delivers sophistication with a nuanced bite. Let Southern Star Paragon Wheated Straight Bourbon redefine your tasting experience—one sip at a time.
Region: North Carolina | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, honey, subtle hints of walnut | ABV: 46%
With this ultimate guide to the best wheated bourbon for Valentine's Day, you’ll be more than ready the next time friends or family come by, or you just want a bit of downtime to yourself. With so many amazing choices, though, we understand if you’re not sure where to start. Good news, we’ve got the perfect solution for that – a membership to our Bourbon Club. It takes just moments to sign up, and then all you have to do is sit back, relax, and await a brand-new bottle sent directly to you every month.
