For whiskey lovers, the scorching summer time solar and sultry temperatures may name for a pour that is not fairly as spicy or daring. Definitely, any whisky is appropriate whatever the climate; slightly water or a big dice of ice can work wonders to tame down an in any other case warming pour. However this time of 12 months is good to discover wheated bourbons (aka wheaters) and wheat whiskeys. Their sweeter, softer, and fewer peppery profiles make them best sippers when the temps climb.
Wheat Whiskey
94 factors – Bernheim Unique Barrel Proof (Batch A224), 62.6%, $65
At 51% wheat, this batch serves flavors of baked apple, orange peel, musty oak, chocolate fudge, and vanilla. No. 10 in our Prime 20 of 2024.
92 factors – Dry Fly 3 12 months outdated Cask Power, 60%, $50
This can be a 100% wheat whiskey. Vanilla, pomegranate, cherry pie, and chocolate bar. It’s a sizzling one which advantages from water.
92 factors – Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm, 57.35%, $100
This mix of wheat whiskey, made out of a mash of 70% wheat and 30% malted barley, and 100% malted wheat whiskey, creates a fruity palate with vibrant citrus and pepperiness.
91 factors – Legal guidelines Whiskey Home Centennial Bonded 7 12 months outdated (Batch 5), 50%, $80
This, too, is 100% wheat and a sizzling one. Cinnamon and pepper, however with water, cinnamon babka and honeycomb emerge.
90 factors – Bainbridge Battle Level Two Islands Islay Cask Completed Wheat, 43%, $90
Produced from 100% wheat and completed 8 to 12 months in barrels that beforehand held Islay scotch for 10 to 12 years, current flavors of smoke, salinity, grilled sausage, and leather-based.
Wheated Bourbon
92 factors – Heaven Hill Grain to Glass (Distilled in 2017; 2024 Launch), 60.5%, $100
This sits on the spicier aspect for a wheated bourbon, plus cherry cola, chocolate jellies, and strawberry jam.
92 factors – Holladay Distillery 6 12 months outdated Smooth Crimson Wheat Bottled in Bond (2024 Launch), 50%, $60
The mashbill contains 15% wheat and is noticeably mellow at 100 proof; apricot, cherries, brown sugar, and strawberries steadiness properly with oak and spice.
90 factors – Inexperienced River Bitter Mash, 45%, $35
With 21% wheat in its mashbill, this bitter mash bourbon provides Juicy Fruit gum, ripe raspberry, pear, chocolate, and cinnamon.
90 factors – Penelope Wheated 4 Grain, 47.5%, $40
Nice physique with sugary sweetness, vanilla pastry cream, mocha latte, and candy grain flavors abound on this 16% wheat bourbon.
90 factors – Redwood Empire Screaming Titan (Batch 001), 48%, $80
Produced from 61% corn, 30% wheat, 5% rye, and 4% malt, this has flavors of vanilla and smoke that mix splendidly, with s’mores, campfire, and dried oak coming collectively. Superb for individuals who aren’t followers of spice.