Want Alternatives To Pappy And Weller? 10 Top-Ranked Wheated Bourbons

forbes | joseph v micallef | September 7, 2024

[Excerpt]

Wheated bourbons have surged in popularity recently, partly because of the cult status afforded to the various Pappy Van Winkle and W.L Weller wheated bourbon expressions. Here are ten notable wheated bourbon alternatives. All ten have won gold or higher awards or scored over 90/100 points in at least five international spirit competitions. No, they are not quite the same as Pappy or Weller, but they are very good bourbons, are generally more affordable, and are easier to find.

Traditionally, the bourbon industry has used soft red winter wheat in wheated bourbon mash bills. The practice is closely associated with Julian Van Winkle and the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

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Old Elk Wheated Bourbon, Old Elk Distillery, $79.

Old Elk is another high-wheat mash bill, with 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley. The distillery, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is renowned for its innovative whiskey-making approach, blending traditional methods with creative mash bills.

Focusing on producing high-quality, aged bourbons and ryes, Old Elk has quickly gained recognition for its smooth, flavorful spirits, including its signature slow-cut process. The bourbon features sweet vanilla, caramel, and toasted almond notes.

Competitions: San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Whiskies Awards: Gold, Spirits Business Whisky Masters: Gold, Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 91 Points.

These wheated bourbons consistently rank highly in international competitions. They showcase the unique qualities of using wheat instead of rye in a mash bill, which produces softer, rounder flavor profiles. While their aroma and flavor profiles differ from Pappy and Weller, they are all excellent wheated bourbons and worth trying.

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