Reviving the Tradition: Wheated Bourbons by Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill

Wheated bourbons have a rich history that dates back to the early days of American whiskey production. This article explores the origins, rise and fall, and the recent resurgence of wheated bourbons. We will also delve into the distinct approaches of two renowned distilleries, Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill, in crafting their wheated bourbons. Finally, we will uncover the key characteristics and blending techniques that make these wheated bourbons truly exceptional.

Key Takeaways

• Wheated bourbons have a long and storied history in American whiskey production.
• Buffalo Trace is known for its signature wheated bourbons, which undergo a unique aging process.
• Heaven Hill has a rich legacy in crafting wheated bourbons and excels in the art of blending.
• Wheated bourbons from both distilleries offer distinct characteristics that set them apart from other bourbons.
• The recent resurgence of wheated bourbons has led to increased interest and appreciation for this traditional style.

The History of Wheated Bourbons

The Origins of Wheated Bourbons

Wheated bourbons have a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Wheat, along with corn and barley, is one of the main ingredients used in the production of bourbon. However, it wasn't until the mid-1800s that distillers started experimenting with using a higher percentage of wheat in their mash bills.

This shift in grain composition resulted in a smoother and softer flavor profile compared to traditional bourbons. Wheat contributes to a mellow sweetness and creamy texture, making wheated bourbons highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts.

To better understand the impact of wheat in bourbon production, let's take a closer look at the mash bills of some popular wheated bourbons:

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s you can see, the higher percentage of wheat in the mash bill distinguishes wheated bourbons from their traditional counterparts. This unique grain composition contributes to the distinct flavor profile and character of wheated bourbons.

The Rise and Fall of Wheated Bourbons

During the early years of wheated bourbons, the innovation brought by William Larue Weller & Brother revolutionized the whiskey industry. By replacing rye with wheat in the mashbill, they created a smoother and richer flavor profile. However, it is important to note that at that time, W.L. Weller was a whiskey trading and bottling company and did not have their own distillery. This means that their contribution to wheated bourbons came from sourced bourbon, made-to-order to meet their specifications.

Today, the legacy of William Larue Weller lives on through Buffalo Trace's line of bourbons, including W.L. Weller 12 Year, W.L. Weller Special Reserve, and the Antique Collection W.L. Weller. These bourbons continue to uphold the tradition of wheated mashbills and are a testament to the enduring popularity of this style of bourbon.

The Resurgence of Wheated Bourbons

The resurgence of wheated bourbons in recent years has been driven by a growing appreciation for their unique flavor profile. Wheated bourbons are known for their smooth and mellow taste, thanks to the use of wheat as the secondary grain in the mash bill. This substitution of wheat for rye creates a softer and sweeter flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey.

• Wheated bourbons have gained popularity among whiskey enthusiasts who prefer a more approachable and less spicy bourbon.
• The resurgence of wheated bourbons has also been fueled by the success of distilleries like Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill, who have embraced this traditional style.
• The demand for wheated bourbons has led to limited releases and allocated bottles, creating a sense of exclusivity and excitement among collectors and enthusiasts.

Tip: When exploring wheated bourbons, look for expressions that highlight the unique characteristics of this style, such as the use of older barrels or innovative aging techniques.

Buffalo Trace's Wheated Bourbons

The Distillery's Approach to Wheated Bourbons

Buffalo Trace takes a meticulous approach to crafting their wheated bourbons. They start by selecting the finest grains, including corn, malted barley, and wheat. The use of wheat instead of rye in the mash bill gives their bourbons a softer, smoother flavor profile. The distillery carefully mills and cooks the grains to extract the maximum flavor and sugars. The fermentation process is closely monitored to ensure optimal yeast activity and flavor development. Finally, the bourbon is distilled and aged in charred oak barrels, allowing it to develop rich flavors and aromas over time.

• The distillery selects the finest grains, including corn, malted barley, and wheat.
• Wheat is used instead of rye in the mash bill for a softer, smoother flavor profile.
• Meticulous milling and cooking of the grains to extract maximum flavor and sugars.
• Careful monitoring of the fermentation process for optimal yeast activity and flavor development.
• Distillation and aging in charred oak barrels to develop rich flavors and aromas.

The Signature Wheated Bourbons of Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace's wheated bourbons have gained significant recognition in the whiskey world. These bourbons, including the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle and Weller expressions, have become synonymous with exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The scarcity of Pappy Van Winkle has contributed to the increased demand for Weller bourbons, making them a prized find for whiskey enthusiasts. Despite their popularity, some expressions of Weller bourbons are more readily available in general distribution. However, they are often difficult to come by due to their high demand. Whiskey connoisseurs have reported finding Weller bourbons at select liquor stores, but they are quickly snatched up by eager buyers. The allure of Buffalo Trace's wheated bourbons lies in their rich history and the legacy of William Larue Weller, whose family's whiskey-making tradition paved the way for these exceptional spirits.

• Pappy Van Winkle is mostly made from Buffalo Trace's wheated bourbon
• Weller bourbons are hunted to death due to their popularity
• Some expressions of Weller bourbons are more readily available in general distribution
• Finding Weller bourbons can be challenging due to their high demand
• The legacy of William Larue Weller and his family's whiskey-making tradition

Tip: Keep an eye out for Weller bourbons at select liquor stores, as they may occasionally have limited quantities available.

The Aging Process of Buffalo Trace's Wheated Bourbons

The aging process plays a crucial role in the development of Buffalo Trace's wheated bourbons. Barrels are carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and consistency. The bourbons are aged in charred oak barrels, allowing them to interact with the wood and extract flavors and aromas. This process imparts rich caramel and vanilla notes, as well as subtle hints of oak and spice.

To achieve the desired flavor profile, Buffalo Trace employs a combination of warehouse locations and aging techniques. The bourbons are aged in different parts of the warehouse, where variations in temperature and humidity contribute to the maturation process. Some barrels are aged on higher floors, where the temperature is hotter, resulting in a more intense flavor profile. Others are aged on lower floors, where the temperature is cooler, producing a smoother and more mellow character.

The aging process for Buffalo Trace's wheated bourbons typically ranges from 6 to 12 years. During this time, the bourbons undergo significant changes in flavor and complexity. The longer the aging period, the more time the bourbons have to develop and mature, resulting in a more refined and nuanced final product.

In summary, the aging process of Buffalo Trace's wheated bourbons is a meticulous and carefully controlled process. It involves the selection of high-quality barrels, the interaction with charred oak, and the utilization of different warehouse locations and aging techniques. The result is a range of bourbons with rich flavors, complexity, and a distinct character.

Heaven Hill's Wheated Bourbons

The Distillery's Legacy in Wheated Bourbons

The legacy of the distillery in wheated bourbons is rooted in the innovation of William Larue Weller & Brother. They are credited with inventing wheated bourbon, where wheat replaces rye in the mashbill, resulting in a smoother and richer flavor profile. Despite not owning their own distillery at the time, they sourced bourbon to create their famous wheated bourbon. This demonstrates their commitment to providing honest whiskey at an honest price. The distillery's legacy in wheated bourbons showcases their dedication to craftsmanship and their contribution to the American whiskey-making tradition.

• William Larue Weller & Brother invented wheated bourbon, replacing rye with wheat in the mashbill.
• Wheated bourbon offers a smoother and richer flavor profile.
• The distillery sourced bourbon to create their wheated bourbon.
• The legacy highlights their commitment to providing honest whiskey at an honest price.
• The distillery's contribution to American whiskey-making is significant and enduring.

The Unique Characteristics of Heaven Hill's Wheated Bourbons

Heaven Hill's wheated bourbons are known for their distinct characteristics that set them apart from other brands. These bourbons offer a rich and smooth flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The use of wheat in the mash bill gives these bourbons a softer and sweeter taste compared to traditional corn-based bourbons.

Additionally, Heaven Hill's wheated bourbons are aged for a significant amount of time, allowing the flavors to develop and mature. This aging process imparts a deep complexity and richness to the bourbons, resulting in a smooth and well-balanced finish.

To fully appreciate the unique characteristics of Heaven Hill's wheated bourbons, it is recommended to enjoy them neat or on the rocks. This allows the flavors to shine and provides a true representation of the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.

In summary, Heaven Hill's wheated bourbons offer a delightful combination of rich flavors, smoothness, and complexity. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or as a daily indulgence, these bourbons are sure to satisfy even the most discerning whiskey enthusiasts.

The Art of Blending in Heaven Hill's Wheated Bourbons

Blending is a crucial aspect of creating the unique flavor profiles found in Heaven Hill's wheated bourbons. The master blenders at Heaven Hill carefully select and combine different barrels to achieve the desired taste and character.

Blending allows the distillery to balance the flavors and characteristics of various aged bourbons, resulting in a harmonious and complex final product. It is through this art of blending that Heaven Hill is able to create wheated bourbons that are smooth, rich, and full-bodied.

To ensure consistency in their wheated bourbons, Heaven Hill maintains a vast inventory of aged barrels. This allows the master blenders to draw from a wide range of flavors and aromas when creating their blends.

In addition to selecting barrels, the blending process also involves determining the optimal ratio of different bourbons. This careful balancing act ensures that each batch of wheated bourbon maintains the desired flavor profile.

Blending is a skill that requires experience, expertise, and a deep understanding of the characteristics of each bourbon. It is this attention to detail and commitment to the art of blending that sets Heaven Hill's wheated bourbons apart.

Heaven Hill's Wheated Bourbons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the revival of wheated bourbons by Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill has brought back a long-standing tradition in the whiskey industry. The history of wheated bourbons, from their origins to their decline and eventual resurgence, showcases the enduring appeal of this unique style. Buffalo Trace's approach to wheated bourbons, with their signature offerings and meticulous aging process, has solidified their position as a leader in the market. Similarly, Heaven Hill's legacy in wheated bourbons and their focus on blending have resulted in distinct and exceptional expressions. The future of wheated bourbons looks promising, as more distilleries explore this style and consumers continue to appreciate its rich and smooth flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wheated bourbon?

A wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey that uses wheat as the secondary grain in its mash bill, along with corn and malted barley.

What is the difference between wheated bourbon and traditional bourbon?

The main difference between wheated bourbon and traditional bourbon is the use of wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill. This gives wheated bourbons a softer, smoother flavor profile.

Which distilleries produce wheated bourbons?

Two well-known distilleries that produce wheated bourbons are Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill.

What are some popular wheated bourbons from Buffalo Trace?

Some popular wheated bourbons from Buffalo Trace include W.L. Weller and Pappy Van Winkle.

What are some unique characteristics of wheated bourbons?

Wheated bourbons are known for their rich, sweet flavors and smooth mouthfeel. They often have notes of caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch.

Can wheated bourbons be aged for a long time?

Yes, wheated bourbons can be aged for a long time, similar to traditional bourbons. The aging process helps to develop complex flavors and smooth out the spirit.