Bardstown Bourbon High Wheat Review – Rich, Soft, and Complex at 106 Proof

Steve Coomes -

BOTTLE DETAILS

STEVE'S TASTING NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any bourbon fan, especially those who think wheated bourbons are too soft or lack flavor.

WORTH THE PRICE: By all means.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle.

OVERALL: I've never ridden the wheated bourbon-only hype train. Wheated bourbons–especially in the 90 proof range–were, for me, soft, lacked flavor and complexity, things toward which I skew. And then along came Maker's Mark Cask Strength. As a friend and I sampled our first bottle of that, he said appropriately, "This is what Maker's should have tasted like all along." I agreed.

The difference was proof, of course: Maker's flagship line was 90 proof, while its Cask Strength was 113. The flavor and complexity boosts were profound. I always thought Weller Special Reserve was fine and 12- year was elegant, but Weller Antique 107 proof was my favorite by far. Proof, I concluded years later, helped wheat shine on the palate, and this offering from Bardstown Bourbon Co. attests to that.

I'm going to guess that its oddball 106 proof is a sign that its R&D team let the whiskey dictate its proof. It's rich, soft, elegant and flavorful–basically, most of everything we all want from a good whiskey.

The nose starts off nutty (think cracked, toasted wheat) before a whiff of orange marmalade arrives. Caramel and campfire balance each other before sweet corn, golden raisin and honey join the party.

On the palate it drinks below 106, but there's plenty of spice to keep things lively. Lemon oil and charred oak play nicely together while baking spice, toasted bread and warm pastry set the mouth to watering.

A gold rush cocktail is a natural for this, but I'm trying a paper plane first.

BRAND NOTES

Honoring tradition and pushing boundaries of innovation, our High Wheat Bourbon is the first 39% wheated mashbill available on the market. This expression explodes with flavor imbued by the 39% wheat in the mashbill, and is presented at 106 proof. Estate-distilled, aged and bottle on-site; enjoy the unmatched character and elegance of High Wheat.

Tasting Notes

Ripe apricot and lemon rest on leather and crème brûlée. A bold palate of oak and pastry leads to a lightly spiced, full-bodied finish.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.