Pouring whiskey from bottle into glass on wooden barrel against black background, closeup
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One of the more interesting developments in the American whiskey landscape is the slow rise of “Wheated Whiskeys/Bourbons.” Known for delivering a softer and rounder flavor, they are starting to get attention. While certainly not a new style of whiskey, distillers have been producing whiskey with wheat in Kentucky since the early 1800s, and it is gaining popularity as drinkers seek innovation and flavor. Much like its cousin, the fledgling American Single Malt category, wheated whiskeys can become the next hot bottle.
First, a quick primer for the uninitiated: What exactly is a wheated whiskey? In the simplest terms, it’s a bourbon or American whiskey where wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill. That might sound like a minor tweak, but it has a profound impact on the final product. While rye typically delivers a spicier, peppery kick, wheat tends to impart a softer, sweeter, and often creamier mouthfeel, bringing forward notes of caramel, vanilla, and sometimes fruit or baked goods.
The 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) just announced the results in their Wheated Bourbon Whiskey category, and it’s clear these aren’t just easy drinkers; they’re top-tier bottles helping to shape the future of American whiskey. One bottle landed on top, bringing home a Gold Outstanding medal by scoring 98 points, and five others were awarded Gold Medals for scoring 95 points or higher. All highlight the fantastic possibilities for the Wheated Whiskey category moving forward. Here is a brief recap of all six bottles and the judges’ tasting notes for each.
Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whisky
Look, Maker’s Mark built its empire on wheated bourbon, so for them to drop their first pure wheat whisky is a big deal. This 2025 inaugural release technically isn’t a bourbon, as it does not contain corn in the mash. Still, the IWSC decided to categorize all wheated whiskeys together this year as bourbons. That being said, this is a bold bottle from Maker’s Mark that any bourbon lover should grab. It shows that Makers Mark is not afraid to strip it down and explore new territory in grain flavor, even utilizing regenerative farming. It scored 98 points, and it is the Gold Outstanding winner in the category and, as such, the champ. It is also in the running for the IWSC’s Whisky Trophy that will be awarded in November to the overall best bottle in the competition.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: Attractive brown sugar, floral, and chocolate-covered papaya aromas, leading to a palate of cooked apple, cinnamon, and black tea. Warming with a long finish.
Rock Town Distillery Bourbon Y’all Whiskey
Rock Town Distillery, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been focused on producing affordable products using local ingredients since 2010. They use grains sourced from nearby farms and barrels from a local cooperage. They keep winning awards, so they must be doing something right. Their Bourbon Y’all Whiskey is a test product that is not yet available to the public. Still, after seeing how well it performed at the IWSC, hopefully, they will put it into production soon.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: A delightful aromatic display of vanilla and blood orange oil, underpinned by roasted coffee and a hint of earthiness. The rich palate reveals complex layers of marzipan, cedar, and baking spices, culminating in a lingering, sweetly spiced finish. Devine.
Frank August Case Study: 05 Wheated Reserve 5 Barrel Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
If you haven’t heard of Frank August, don’t feel bad; it’s a smaller distillery launched in 2022 with the express purpose of producing high-quality bourbon that pays homage to the past while pushing boundaries. Their Case Study release line has garnered immense interest in the industry and has been raking in awards. Each one delves deeply into a specific aspect of the bourbon landscape and strives to produce the finest expression possible. Past bottlings have experimented with double oaking, rye, and cask finishing. Their latest, Frank August Case Study: 05 Wheated Reserve 5 Barrel Batch, already took home a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition to sit alongside its Gold medal from the IWSC. It’s a prime example of where Wheated Bourbons could be heading.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: Scents of maraschino cherry, orange, and vanilla give way to flavors of white peach and hay.
Heaven Hill Distillery Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Now to a big player, Heaven Hill Distillery Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. Heaven Hill is a powerhouse, a family-owned legacy since 1935, known for surviving infernos and stocking the world’s second-largest bourbon inventory. Their “Grain to Glass” series, launched in 2024, which includes this wheated bourbon, is all about transparency, tracing grains back to local farms and showcasing a higher wheat content. Each bottle lays out the story of the liquid contained inside in clear language, allowing drinkers to delve into the effect that terroir can have on finely crafted whiskeys. It’s yet another bottle that highlights the possibilities of this emerging category.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: Rich leather mingles with black cherry sweetness and orange peel on the nose. The palate unfolds with a delightful balance of cooked pineapple, Brazil nut, and toffee. A robust, textured, and warming bourbon.
O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey has leaned into an unusual method for crafting its whiskeys. Drawing on their family’s five-generation history of operating barges and tugboats on the Mississippi River, they age their whiskeys on a floating rickhouse on the Mississippi River. The constant motion and unique climate exposure accelerate maturation, enabling more interaction between the barrel and the juice. Their Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is not yet available to the public and appears to be a test project. Let’s hope it is in the market soon. The judges loved it.
Here is what they had to say about it: The bouquet sings with juicy jam aromas interlaced with floral honey, maple, and oak spice. A mouthwatering palate reveals a harmonious blend of marzipan, cinnamon, and vanilla, finishing with a creamy, chocolatey warmth that lingers delightfully.
Wilderness Trail Distillery Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Finally, Wilderness Trail Distillery Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. These guys in Danville, Kentucky, are bona fide pioneers. They’re famous for their “sweet mash” process and boast one of the highest wheat-to-corn ratios in the state. And get this: they were the first to release a Bottled-in-Bond wheated sweet mash bourbon after Prohibition. That tells you everything about their dedication to quality and adherence to strict standards while pushing boundaries. It’s no surprise this bottle brought home a Gold Medal from the IWSC.
Here is what the judges had to say about it: A vibrant aromatic display of orange skin, nectarine, and peach Melba. The palate reveals rich sultanas and apricot fruit, alongside creamy vanilla. Earthy roasted coffee, cedar, and hints of nutmeg lead to a delightful finish of warm spice and cherry.
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