Wheated Whiskey vs Wheated Bourbon v Malt Whiskey: What’s the Difference?

You may in your whiskey journey have come across the terms “wheated whiskey” and “wheated bourbon” or noted that New Dawn’s whiskeys contain a good dose of malted barley and wondered, “what the… well at least it tastes good.”

For those of you who are still wondering in the back of your mind, I’m here to provide clarification and some crucial distinctions between these tasty grains and what they’re adding to our 6-year bourbon and 10-year wheated whiskey. 

Let’s get started…

So you already know that Bourbon MUST be

• Made in the United States.

• Composed of a mash bill of at least 51% corn.

• Aged in new, charred oak barrels.

• Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume).

• Entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).

• Bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume).

So what is the story behind wheat? 

Wheated bourbon  is just bourbon that contains a good amount of wheat as its secondary grain, typically replacing rye. 

In the US, if you wanted to label it a “ Wheat Whiskey”  then at least 51% of the mashbill has to be wheat and then processed the way you would bourbon (e.g. new charred oak barrels, distilled to 160 proof, etc.) 

And then there was barley…

Barley or malted barley is found in many mashbills, but if you’re talking single malt whiskeys, that’s going to contain 100% malted barley. Especially if that single malt is made in the UK or Ireland.

These grains bring the flavor to the yard…

The wheat in wheated bourbons imparts a softer, sweeter, and smoother flavor profile, often with notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey. 

The flavor profile of wheated whiskey can vary widely depending on how much wheat and the other grains used. Generally, it tends to be smoother, and more approachable compared to rye-based bourbons.

Malt whiskey  often features notes of dried fruit, spice, and sometimes smoke or peat, especially in Scotch whiskies. The flavor is largely influenced by the malting process, distillation, and aging.

Understanding the distinctions between wheated bourbon, wheated whiskey, and malt whiskey can enhance your appreciation of these spirits. Choosing between them depends on your taste preferences and what you are looking for in a whiskey.

Prior to discovering New Dawn’s 10-Year old wheated I would consider myself less enthused bout wheated whiskeys or bourbons. There was a flavor note that I just found off putting. I’ve recently learned that the note I despise might be acetone but I can say I didn't pick up that note in New Dawn’s 10-year! Instead I get all the smooth, slightly sweet, and incredibly approachable flavors and aromas that are typically characterized by wheated whiskey. 

I encourage you to give both our 6 and 10-year a try and let me know your thoughts - especially if our wheated makes you convert!