Wheated bourbon fans should be rejoicing. On the horizon in that bourbon category are releases of Pappy, Maker’s Cellar Collection, Larceny Barrel Proof, maybe another Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, etc. And now, Bardstown Bourbon Company is adding another wheated bourbon to its Origin Series roster in the form of High Wheat.

What does this mean? Well, first, let’s start with legendary Master Distiller Steve Nally and his 30+ year career at Maker’s Mark. The man worked with wheat for 30 years, so it’s a safe bet the “Wheat King” knows what he’s doing. He worked along side Head Distiller Nick Smith for this one, and the two came up with a low barrel entry proof of 108 — which I’m also a big fan of.

“Once we perfected the distillate, we focused on the aging modifications that would make this whiskey best-in-class,” Smith said in a news release. “The lower barrel entry proof of 108 pulls more wood sugars in from the onset, leading to a drinking experience that is elegant and complex.”

The mash bill on this one is 53% corn, 39% wheat and 8% malted barley, and it’s aged for a respectable 6 years. The proof is 106, also in my preferred range. It retails for $49.99.

High Wheat is definitely one of the highest percentages of wheat in the category, but there are also some craft distillers doing some fun things with the secondary grain as well. Wilderness Trail’s wheated bourbon has 24% wheat in the mash bill, for instance.

This product joins BBCo’s Origin Series, which was launched in 2023 and includes a rye whiskey, wheated bourbon and rye bourbon.

So how does it taste?

What I noticed right away is the viscosity of this bourbon as compared to the other wheated bourbon in the Origin Series (68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley). The thicker texture likely due to the low entry proof and possibly the higher wheat content — but whatever the case, it’s a delicious sip.

The nose reminds me of a Werther’s Original with a little apricot mixed in. And on the palate, the bourbon oozes with Grandma hugs. I get layers of rich caramel drizzle atop vanilla bean ice cream, milk chocolate and even some almonds sprinkled on top. The finish lingers with a little maple and brown sugar action.

One of my favorite wheated bourbons is the Weller Antique, at 7 years and 107 proof. This is 6 years and 106 proof — so we’re really not too far off from that. This could possibly become my everyday wheated sipper.