The 10 Best Wheated Bourbons
To Try
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Updated May 2025
Love bourbon? Then wheated bourbons should be next on your tasting list. This type of bourbon is known for their softer, sweeter flavor profiles compared to rye-based bourbons, they’re perfect for sipping or gifting.
This curated list highlights the 10 best wheated bourbons that our experts at Taster’s Club have chosen.
Whether you're looking for that perfect whiskey gift or are new to bourbon and want some guidance, these selections are bound to elevate your wheated bourbon experience.
The Top 10 Wheated Bourbons to Try This Year
Here’s our carefully curated list of outstanding wheated bourbons, each chosen for its unique story, flavor profile, and craft.
1. Penelope Wheated Bourbon
Penelope crafts their bourbon with deep attention to detail, producing a whiskey that is both inviting and sophisticated. This expression is approachable enough for newcomers, offering a smooth and easy-drinking profile, yet layered with complexity to engage seasoned whiskey enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and subtle spices greet the nose. The palate is smooth and balanced, with creamy vanilla, warm cinnamon, honey, and a touch of orange zest. It finishes with lingering sweet spice, oak char, and gentle warmth.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 47.5% | 750ml
Purchase Penelope Wheated Bourbon
2. Ben Holladay Soft Red Winter Wheat Bourbon
Ben Holladay’s Soft Red Winter Wheat Bourbon is expertly crafted in Weston, Missouri from the 160+ year old Holladay Distillery. This wheated bourbon is made with soft red winter wheat as a key grain in its mash bill. It’s then aged in Missouri-seasoned white oak barrels, every bottle reflects the rich local terroir.
Tasting Notes: The nose opens with notes of toasted oak, apple pie, and cinnamon. On the palate, you'll experience sweet maple syrup, dark fruit, and creamy vanilla. The finish is warm with the perfect hint of spice.
Region: Missouri, USA | ABV: 47.50% | 750ml
Purchase Ben Holladay Soft Red Winter Wheat Bourbon
3. Redwood Empire Screaming Titan
Redwood Empire Screaming Titan is a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation, crafted in the heart of Sonoma County. This bourbon features a wheated mash bill, replacing rye with wheat. It’s then aged in American oak barrels. What makes this bottle and brand unique is the inspiration it takes from the towering redwoods trees, it embodies balance and strength.
Tasting Notes: This bourbon features bold aromas of chocolate, fresh-cut wood hints directly on the nose. From there, the palate offers beautiful notes of butterscotch and dried cherries. It finishes smoothly with notes of oak.
Region: California, USA | ABV: 48.0% | 750ml
Purchase Redwood Empire Screaming Titan
4. W.L. Weller Antique 107
W.L. Weller Antique 107 is a widely celebrated wheated bourbon that’s often referred to as a pioneer of the wheated bourbon category. It’s delicately created by the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. This bourbon was originally introduced in the mid-20th century to honor William Larue Weller, a bourbon innovator. Its 107 proof adds boldness for a complex yet approachable experience.
Tasting Notes: This opens on the nose with aromas of fresh-baked bread and subtle floral undertones. On the palate, you'll taste toffee, vanilla, and hints of dried apricots. The finish is medium-long and pleasant.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 53.50% | 750ml
Purchase W.L. Weller Antique 107
5. Larceny Barrel Proof
Perfect for fans of unfiltered, high-proof bourbon, Larceny Barrel Proof stands out for its balance of bold flavors and smooth texture. Larceny Barrel Proof offers a new opportunity to experience our acclaimed wheated bourbon whiskey mashbill in its purest form: non-chill filtered and bottled at full barrel proof. Released three times per year in January, May, and September, each offering is a bold yet balanced special Small Batch bourbon whiskey rich with depth and distinction.
Tasting Notes: Larceny Barrel Proof delivers a rich flavor profile bourbon lovers will enjoy. Sweet aromas of toasted bread, caramel, and baking spices lead to a palate of honey, oak, vanilla, and dark fruits with a smooth wheated character. The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice, oak, and nuttiness.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 62.7% | 750ml
Purchase Larceny Barrel Proof
6. Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength
Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength builds on the original Maker’s Mark recipe. The bottle is crafted by finishing fully matured Maker’s Mark with 10 French oak staves in the barrel. The staves enhance the flavor while maintaining its signature smoothness. It’s then bottled at cask strength for that full and bold flavor that sets it apart.
Tasting Notes: Get ready as the nose opens with aromas of sweet red fruits, toasted oak, and caramel. On the palate, you'll indulge in bold vanilla, creamy toffee, and a touch of oak. It finishes with lingering notes of dark chocolate and a hint of smokiness.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 55.15% | 750ml
Purchase Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength
7. Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Redemption Wheated Bourbon is crafted with a mash bill featuring a high percentage of wheat alongside corn and malted barley. This bourbon pays homage to traditional wheated recipes while offering a modern twist. It’s aged in charred oak barrels for an approachable character, making it a top choice for bourbon enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes: The nose opens with features of roasted coffee, soft herbs, and candied nuts. On the palate, you'll dive into flavors of smoked hazelnuts and rich vanilla. The finish is smooth and nutty with a light hint of mocha.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 48.0% | 750ml
Purchase Redemption Wheated Bourbon
8. Old Louisville Whiskey Co. 7-Year Wheated Bourbon
Old Louisville Whiskey Co. pays homage to tradition as it’s carefully aged for seven years. This bourbon uses premium grains and charred oak barrels to develop that rich, sought-after flavor. What sets it apart is the dedication to small-batch production that creates a distinguished quality in every bottle while celebrating Louisville's deep whiskey heritage.
Tasting Notes: The nose offers warm caramel, orange zest, and soft oak. On the palate you’ll find creamy toffee with hints of baked apples. The finish is gentle and warm with hints of sweet spice.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 60.50% | 750ml
Purchase Old Louisville Whiskey Co. 7-Year Wheated Bourbon
9. Old Elk Wheated Bourbon
Old Elk Wheated Bourbon stands out as they blend tradition with innovation, using a mash bill of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley. This bottle is crafted under the guidance of Greg Metze, Master Distiller, and reflects a meticulous creation process with a slow cut proofing method to build flavors.
Tasting Notes: The nose fills you with bright citrus, vanilla, and toasted almonds. On the palate you’ll taste soft toffee, honey, and fresh pastry. The finish is light with a subtle nutty overtone.
Region: Colorado, USA | ABV: 46.0% | 750ml
Purchase Old Elk Wheated Bourbon
10. Green River Straight Wheated Bourbon
Green River Straight Wheated Bourbon is originally rooted in the historic Green River Distillery which was founded in 1885. This bourbon is made with a wheated mash bill for a sweeter profile than traditional rye-based bourbons. It’s then aged to perfection in charred oak barrels, ideal for sipping or celebrating.
Tasting Notes: The nose offers notes of peach, caramel, and cinnamon. On the palate, you'll find creamy toffee, juicy apricot, and buttery pastry. The finish is smooth with hints of honey.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml
Purchase Green River Straight Wheated BourbonHow We Select the Best Wheated Bourbon
Choosing the best wheated bourbon involves focusing on specific factors that set it apart from other bourbon and whiskey styles.
At Taster’s Club, we evaluate these key elements to curate a top 10 wheated bourbon list that guarantees exceptional quality:
Quality of Ingredients and Distillation Methods
Wheated bourbon replaces rye in the mash bill with wheat, creating a softer, sweeter flavor profile. High-quality grains, water, and yeast are essential in crafting premium wheated bourbon. The distilleries we feature prioritize high-quality ingredients and traditional distillation methods to capture smoothness and consistency.
Aging and Barrel Selection
The aging process is another important factor. By law, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels, and for wheated bourbons, the barrels often emphasize caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak notes. The bourbons we choose strike a perfect balance between aging time and barrel influence to provide complex and smooth flavors unique to wheated bourbons in particular.
Flavor Complexity and Balance
Wheated bourbons are known for their approachable, mellow profiles, but the best ones also deliver depth and complexity. We look for bourbons where the sweetness of wheat is balanced by layers of caramel, vanilla, fruit, and spice, offering a satisfying journey from the first sip to the finish.
Brand Reputation and Consistency
The reputation of a wheated bourbon brand is a direct result of its craftsmanship. We select brands that have earned trust through consistent excellence. Whether it’s a classic like Maker’s Mark or a sought-after release like Pappy Van Winkle. Each bottle on our list meets rigorous standards for flavor, balance, and quality, ensuring a consistently exceptional experience.
How to Find the Perfect Whiskey For You or a Gift
Discovering the perfect wheated bourbon is an exciting journey, and the Bourbon Subscription from Taster's Club makes it easier than ever. This subscription service focuses on exceptional bourbons, including wheated varieties celebrated for their smooth, soft flavors.
Choose from popular 3-month or 6-month pre-paid Bourbon of the Month options, and receive a hand-selected bottle each month.
Each delivery includes detailed tasting notes and insights into the distillery’s craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to wheated bourbons in general, the Bourbon Club lets you explore and enjoy at your own pace. Start your bourbon journey today!
Bourbon Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected bourbons you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Bourbon Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected bourbons you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Elevate Your Bourbon Journey
If you’re ready to elevate your tasting experience, head over to Taster’s Club to discover our curated Bourbon selections. Explore the finest bottles and bring a slice of USA to your glass today!
Or check out our other bourbon and whiskey resources:
- How to Drink Bourbon: A Beginner’s Guide
- Types of Bourbon and the Best Ways to Enjoy Them
- Bourbon vs Whiskey
- Scotch vs Bourbon
Commonly Asked Questions
What is Wheated Bourbon Best for?
Wheated bourbon is perfect for anyone who is looking for a smooth and sweet whiskey. The spice and complexity is somewhat dialed back with wheat in the mash bill instead of rye. Basically, it’s an easy-drinking bourbon that works for any occasion—sip it neat, enjoy it on the rocks, or mix it into a classic Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
If you're new to bourbon, the wheated category is a great place to start!
How Does Wheated Bourbons Compare to Others?
Compared to small-batch bourbons, which are crafted by blending a limited number of barrels for a more complex flavor, wheated bourbons often have a simpler, more approachable palate that's great for new bourbon drinkers or those looking for a less intense experience.
Wheated bourbons offer a gentler sip with a focus on balance and drinkability. In contrast to cask-strength bourbons, which are bottled at a higher proof for bold, intense flavors.
When compared to high-corn bourbons, which emphasize sweetness and lightness, wheated bourbons add more depth with richer wheat-like notes. Meanwhile, high-rye bourbons sit on the opposite end of the flavor spectrum with more spice and kick.
How to Choose Wheated Bourbon as a Gift?
If you’re gifting to someone new to bourbon, consider gifting one of the smooth and approachable wheated bourbons from our top 10 list above.
For seasoned bourbon enthusiasts, surprise them with a unique, higher-end bottle from the list, like Old Louisville Whiskey Co. 7-Year Wheated Bourbon.
Want to go the extra mile? The Whiskey of the Month Club or Bourbon of the Month Club is an unforgettable gift. With popular 3-month or 6-month prepaid options. It’s the perfect way to delight bourbon lovers with a curated selection delivered straight to their door.
Discover Other Amazing Bourbons
Make Every Month a Bourbon Adventure
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best bourbon whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, check out our extensive bottle shop, or if you want a more personalized bourbon whiskey experience, join our Bourbon Club!
Make Every Month a Bourbon Adventure
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best bourbon whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, check out our extensive bottle shop, or if you want a more personalized bourbon whiskey experience, join our Bourbon Club!
