What’s a Wheated Bourbon?
Wheated bourbons are bourbons that contain wheat as their flavoring grain instead of rye. Generally speaking, when comparing a wheated bourbon vs. a rye bourbon, wheated bourbons have a softer, sweeter flavor than the spicier and drier rye bourbons.
Wheated bourbon is typically made from a mash consisting of at least 51 percent corn, with wheat making up the remainder. Examples of wheated bourbon include Maker’s Mark, W.L. Weller, Larceny, and Pappy Van Winkle. The classic Van Winkle “Lot B” is a wheated bourbon, for example.
It’s believed that wheated bourbons were developed to bridge the flavor gap between corn and rye in the production of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Generally, wheated bourbons don’t have the bold and bracingly spicy flavor of rye, so they can be enjoyed neat or sipped on the rocks.
What’s a Rye Bourbon?
Rye bourbons are bourbons that contain rye as their flavoring grain instead of wheat. Generally, when comparing a rye bourbon vs a wheated bourbon, rye bourbons have a spicier, drier flavor than the sweeter wheated bourbons.
Rye bourbons are typically made from a mash consisting of at least 51 percent corn, with rye making up the remainder. Examples of rye bourbon include Bulleit, Old Forester, Four Roses Small Batch, and Wild Turkey 81.
Rye is the traditional flavoring grain for American bourbons, with wheat, corn and other grains being introduced later on. Rye lends a spicy and more complex flavor to the whiskey than wheat or other grains. As such, it can be an acquired taste and preferred by connoisseurs. Rye bourbons are great for cocktails, where their complex flavor can be used to great effect.
In Conclusion
So there you have it: a brief guide to the difference between a wheated bourbon and a rye bourbon. Wheated bourbons are generally softer and sweeter than their rye counterparts, while rye bourbons are spicier and drier. When choosing between the two, simply consider what flavor profile you prefer. Both wheated and rye bourbons can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails; which you choose is completely up to you.
No matter what type of bourbon you prefer, though, it’s always important to enjoy your favorite spirits responsibly. Cheers!
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