Sure, Pappy’s legendary, but it surely’s removed from the one nice wheated bourbon on the market. In actual fact, some bottles ship simply as a lot taste and finesse for a fraction of the value.
Whether or not you’re after one thing straightforward to seek out or a particular launch value chasing, these six wheat-forward bourbons provide huge character, higher worth, and method much less problem than making an attempt to trace down a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle.
Maker’s Mark Cask Power
Worth: $40+ | Availability: Broadly obtainable
If you happen to like Maker’s Mark however want it packed extra of a punch, Cask Power is your reply. You get all of the gentle sweetness Maker’s is thought for, however with added depth. Assume toasted vanilla, toffee, and a warming spice kick. It’s daring however balanced, and remarkably drinkable for a bourbon that usually hovers round 55–58% ABV.
Fred Minnick, who is aware of a factor or two about bourbon, as soon as stated Maker’s is “one of many solely bourbons that comes even remotely near Pappy.”
At cask power, that assertion rings very true. It doesn’t have the identical lengthy getting older as Van Winkle, but it surely delivers richness, approachability, and spice in all the appropriate locations. And better of all, you may really discover it.
Larceny Barrel Proof
Worth: $55+ | Availability: Allotted however findable
Larceny Barrel Proof is Heaven Hill’s wheated providing. Barrel power, aged 6-8 years, and unapologetically flavour ahead. You’re taking a look at layers of cinnamon, French toast, brown sugar, and oaky sweetness, with a end that lingers for ages with out tipping into bitterness.
It gained Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the 12 months in 2020 for a cause. Some even argue it outpaces Pappy 15 for sheer flavour depth. Whereas it’s launched in small batches (like A124 or B523), it’s nonetheless extra accessible than most Van Winkle bottles. If you happen to like your wheaters with perspective and complexity to match, this can be a should.
Previous Weller Vintage 107
Worth: $145+ | Availability: Scarce however doable
Weller 107 is usually dubbed “child Pappy,” and for good cause: it’s from the identical distillery (Buffalo Hint), makes use of the identical wheated mashbill, and delivers a lot of the identical profile at a youthful age and better proof. Anticipate bubblegum and orange on the nostril, cherry and vanilla sweetness on the palate, and a sizzling however balanced end that impresses far past its age.
In blind tastings, Weller 107 has crushed Van Winkle expressions. Critically.
It delivers that signature wheated heat with a bit extra spice, and whilst you’ll must hunt or pay up, it’s nonetheless inside attain for below $150. For a lot of bourbon followers, that is the one which makes you overlook about Pappy altogether.
Insurgent 10 12 months Single Barrel
Worth: $100+ | Availability: Restricted annual launch
Insurgent 10 is a type of “if you recognize, you recognize” bottles. Every single barrel is totally different, however all of them provide a ten yr outdated wheated bourbon at 100 proof, precisely the sort of specs Pappy followers drool over. Anticipate darkish sugar, candied fruit, and outdated leather-based on the palate, with a protracted end and simply sufficient burn to remind you it means enterprise.
Blind tastings have seen Insurgent 10 place above Van Winkle 12 and even Maker’s Cask Power.
It won’t have the identical model recognition, but it surely brings aged wheated complexity in spades. Much less hype, much less markup, extra bourbon. You like to see it.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged
Worth: $160+ | Availability: Extremely restricted
That is the oldest Maker’s Mark inventory ever launched, and arguably probably the most Pappy-esque bourbons on the market. Cellar Aged blends 11 to 13 yr outdated shares and finishes them in a chilly limestone cellar to accentuate flavour.
The bourbon has wealthy notes of darkish chocolate, toasted coconut, caramel, and spice with a velvety mouthfeel and a end that appears to go on eternally.
It’s been referred to as “the very best bourbon of 2023,” and never with out trigger. The older age and considerate mixing give it the depth and magnificence often reserved for Van Winkle releases. It’s exhausting to seek out, sure, however not inconceivable, and nonetheless far cheaper than even the youngest Pappy. If you happen to do spot one, don’t hesitate.
Previous Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond (Decanter Collection)
Worth: $129.99 RRP | Availability: Extraordinarily restricted
Previous Fitz Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Collection is a biannual launch of Heaven Hill’s most interesting aged wheated bourbon, all bottled at 100 proof and often aged 9+ years. Every version is totally different, however you may count on dessert notes of crème brûlée, baked apple, roasted nuts, alongside traditional wheated smoothness and oak depth that rivals any bourbon in the marketplace.
In current tastings, some editions have outperformed each Pappy within the lineup.
With heritage tracing again to the unique Stitzel-Weller days, it’s obtained the legacy to match. The draw back? It’s about as elusive as Van Winkle, however at retail, it’s nonetheless inside attain value sensible. If you happen to ever get the possibility, don’t go it up.
Previous Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond twenty fifth Anniversary Version was named Whiskey of the 12 months at The Whiskey Wash Awards 2025, amongst many different accolades.
Do You Even Want Pappy?
Let’s be trustworthy: trying to find Pappy Van Winkle is like taking part in the lottery. However these six wheated bourbons show you don’t must win that recreation to drink effectively. From cask power staples like Maker’s and Larceny to particular releases like Insurgent 10 and Cellar Aged, there are alternatives on the market that ship the identical wheat pushed depth and typically much more character.
So subsequent time you’re tempted to drop 4 figures on a bottle, possibly pause and ask: ‘am I chasing hype, or only a nice pour?’
As a result of with picks like these, you may have already got your reply.
