Wheated Bourbon: The Smooth Sip You’ll Regret Missing

Noah Kurz

Apr 2, 2025 — 2 min read

Wheated Bourbon: The Soft Side You Can’t Ignore

"Wheated Bourbon" sounds gentle, and it is—if you’re not wise to this term, you’re skipping bourbon’s smoothest player. This twist swaps rye for wheat, changing the game entirely. Here’s the clear scoop on Wheated Bourbon, from law to glass, and why it’s your 2025 must-try.

What Is Wheated Bourbon?

Wheated Bourbon follows all standard bourbon rules, requiring a mash with at least 51% corn, distillation to no more than 160 proof, barreling at 125 proof or less, aging in new charred oak barrels, and bottling at a minimum of 80 proof, per U.S. law. What makes it unique is the use of wheat as the secondary grain instead of the more typical rye, though there’s no legal minimum for wheat—just enough to influence the flavor while keeping corn dominant.

How Wheated Bourbon Is Crafted

The journey begins with blending a mash of at least 51% corn with wheat and a small amount of barley, which ferments over three to five days into an 8-10% ABV liquid. This mash then distills to 160 proof or less, enters new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof, and ages for two years or longer—often four to eight—absorbing oak flavors like vanilla and caramel. After aging, it’s bottled at 80 proof or higher, often with water to adjust the strength, delivering a softer profile shaped by wheat’s gentle touch.

What Wheated Bourbon Brings to Your Sip

Wheat softens bourbon’s edge, tempering the corn’s sweetness with a creamy, mellow texture and subtle notes of bread or honey, while oak aging adds layers of vanilla and caramel over time. At 80 proof or above, it offers a smooth, approachable sip—less spicy than rye-based bourbons—making it a refined choice that balances richness with ease, appealing to those who prefer a gentler whiskey experience.

Why Wheated Bourbon Shines in 2025

Wheated Bourbon’s smooth charm sets it apart—by 2025, understanding this term could lead you to pours that glide across your palate with effortless grace, a quiet standout in the bourbon lineup. It’s the soft side of whiskey you won’t want to overlook—embrace its mellow magic. Want to taste the wheat? Check out NEAT: Whiskey Finder—it’ll help you track down bourbon and whiskey near you.

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