With an extra day in February we are going to celebrate with the launch of Frey Ranch Distillery’s 100% Wheat Whiskey and the newly launched Bernheim Barrel Proof A224. While wheat bourbons have become overwhelming popular thanks to Maker’s Mark, Weller, Pappy Van Winkle and Old Fitzgerald, there aren’t a ton of wheat whiskies that get a lot of shine. In this latest blind flight, we turn our attention to several whiskies where wheat is the primary grain. And to ensure some any bias was removed, I searched high and low to find Old Elk’s Straight Wheat Whiskey and have included it in the blind lineup as well. Let’s dive into these unique pours!
Glass 1
- Nose: hint of cinnamon, almost monkey bread and a little punch of malt
- Palate: light on the palate. Nutty, vanilla, almost a nutty buddy bar with waves of cinnamon and clove.
- Finish: Medium to long finish with notes of nuttiness
Glass 2
- Nose: Fresh bouquet that is very floral. Light on the nose and had a difficult time identifying much else.
- Palate: This is the pop of wheat flavor you are looking for. Cinnamon sugar, vanilla, monkey bread in a glass and a thick mouthfeel.
- Finish: Nutty finish with lingering sweetness similar to a candy bar.
Glass 3
- Nose: Sticky caramel, vanilla, hints of nuttiness and cracked pepper
- Palate: Thin mouthfeel, pop of caramel and vanilla with a zest of citrus. Very dessert-like.
- Finish: Drying on the palate, finishes very much like raspberry jam.
And The Winner is?
3rd Place – Glass 1 – Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey
- Age: 5 years
- Proof: 100
- Mash: 95% wheat, 5% malted barley
- Price: $65.00
Additional Notes:
This is a very solid pour overall. There is one unique note that sticks out after going back to it a second time; prickly pear. This would make for a great summer sip or cocktail.
2nd Place – Glass 2 – Bernheim Whiskey A224
- Age: 7 – 9 year
- Proof: 125.2
- Mash: 51% wheat, 37% corn, 12% malted barley
- Price: $ 64.99
Additional Notes:
Drinks more like a bourbon. The profile threw me off, it brought so much nuttiness. The higher corn content likely contributed to this. I enjoyed this pour and it definitely doesn’t drink to its proof.
1st Place – Glass 3 – Frey Ranch 100% Wheat Whiskey
- Age: 6 years 6 months
- Proof: 100
- Mash: 100% Wheat
- Price: $49.99
Additional Notes:
Dessert in a glass. Colby and Russell continue to make flavors that you will fall in love with. One of the best wheat whiskeys I have drank.
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