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Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
William LaRue Weller: The Man Who Changed Bourbon Forever
William LaRue Weller is an Icon of Whiskey and credited with developing wheated bourbon Photo, J Micallef All Rights Reserved William LaRue Weller is a revered name in the annals of American whiskey history. Widely credited as one of the first American distillers to use wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain in bourbon mash bills, Weller helped shape the flavor profile of what is now known as "wheated bourbon"—a smoother, softer style that has become a cornerstone of the premium bourbon market. From his youth in Kentucky to his enduring legacy in today's whiskey industry, Weller's life is one of innovation, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering commitment to quality that mark him as a true Icon of Whiskey. William LaRue Weller was born in Kentucky in 1825. By the early 19th century, the state had already established itself as the epicenter of American whiskey production. While specific details of his early childhood are scarce, Weller came of age during a time when distilling was a booming regional industry, often run by farmers and small-business operators who combined their agricultural production with whiskey making. Coming from a family with deep roots in the state, Weller had ready access to the grain, the business contacts and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to enter the distilling trade. He began his career in the whiskey business in the mid-1840s, a time when whiskey was sold directly from barrels and quality control was inconsistent. Sensing an opportunity to improve transparency, create a brand, and build trust with consumers, Weller distinguished himself as a merchant with a focus on consistency and honesty. In 1849, Weller founded, W.L. Weller & Sons, in Louisville, Kentucky. Rather than operating a distillery, Weller was primarily a whiskey wholesaler and bottler. He selected barrels from distillers and sold the whiskey under his name, guaranteeing its quality to customers. His company became known for bottling whiskey that, according to an early advertisement, was "genuine, unadulterated, and true to label'. His tag line was a bold promise in an era when spirits were often cut with water, caramel, tobacco juice, or even more dangerous additives. What set Weller apart was his focus on innovation and brand integrity. While rye was the dominant secondary grain in most bourbons of the day, providing a spicy but sometimes harsh character, Weller believed there was room for a different kind of whiskey. Drawing from his knowledge of grain chemistry and whiskey maturation, he began using wheat instead of rye in his bourbon mash bills. The Birth of Wheated Bourbon Weller's choice to substitute wheat for rye was revolutionary. Wheat imparts a softer, creamier texture and a sweeter flavor profile than rye, resulting in a bourbon that is often more approachable for new drinkers but also complex enough for seasoned enthusiasts. This style of bourbon, now known as "wheated bourbon", has since become a major category within the American whiskey landscape and its fastest-growing segment. Though he may not have been the first to experiment with wheat, Weller was undoubtedly one of the earliest and most influential champions of this mash bill. He marketed his product as smoother and less biting than traditional rye-heavy bourbons. The strategy paid off with steadily rising sales. Weller's bourbons quickly gained a loyal following, particularly in the Southern and Midwestern states. Buffalo Trace's William L Weller range of bourbons Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery Partnership with Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle One of the most significant chapters in Weller's legacy is his association with another towering figure in bourbon history: Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle. In the early 20th century, Van Winkle, another Icon of Whiskey, worked as a whiskey salesman for W.L. Weller & Sons. A major milestone was reached when Van Winkle and his partner Alex Farnsley purchased the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which had been one of Weller's suppliers. In 1935, following the repeal of Prohibition, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery was born from the merger of W.L. Weller & Sons and the Stitzel Distillery. Though William LaRue Weller had passed away in 1899 and did not live to see the merger, his influence loomed large over the new operation. The Stitzel-Weller Distillery would go on to produce some of the most legendary wheated bourbons in history, including Old Fitzgerald and what would later become the Pappy Van Winkle whiskey range. Enduring Influence and Modern Revival For much of the 20th century, Weller's name was synonymous with wheated bourbon. Even after changes in ownership and the decline of Stitzel-Weller as an active production facility, the Weller brand persevered. The Sazerac Company eventually acquired the brand in 1999. Today, it is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, which has reintroduced and expanded the Weller line, making it one of the most sought-after collections in the whiskey world and an integral element of the distillery's Antique Collection. Modern expressions of Weller bourbon—such as W.L. Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, and Weller 12 Year—are celebrated for their rich, smooth, velvety character. Over the last decade, the Weller range has developed a cult-like following. The whiskeys often sell at significant premiums to their list prices. Collectors and enthusiasts alike frequently compare them favorably with the much more expensive Pappy Van Winkle releases, as they share an identical wheated mash bill and similar maturation protocol. Recently, Buffalo Trace announced two new additions to the Weller range: the second edition of Weller Millennium and a Weller 18-Year-Old bourbon, the oldest Weller expression to date. Perhaps the most fitting tribute to Weller's legacy is the inclusion of the William Larue Weller Bourbon as part of Buffalo Trace's annual Antique Collection. This uncut, unfiltered wheated bourbon is often awarded top honors in international competitions and is prized for its deep complexity, high proof, and balance of spice and sweetness. A Legacy That Lives On Weller's contributions to American whiskey extend far beyond his brand. By championing wheated bourbon and focusing on quality assurance, he helped set a standard that influenced generations of distillers. His collaborative spirit, especially his indirect mentorship of Julian Van Winkle, created a legacy of whiskey-making that defines some of today's most iconic brands. In an era when many brands make grand claims about tradition and heritage, Weller's story stands out as a genuine narrative of craft, courage, entrepreneurship, and conviction. His legacy endures not just in the bottles that bear his name, but in the evolution of an entire style of bourbon that might not exist without his vision. William LaRue Weller was more than a businessman—he was a visionary who helped redefine what bourbon could be. By introducing wheat into the bourbon mash bill, he softened the spirit without compromising its integrity, creating a smoother, richer experience that continues to resonate with whiskey lovers more than a century after his death. His influence endures in the thriving popularity of wheated bourbons and the continued reverence for his name among distillers and connoisseurs alike. Today, every sip of Weller bourbon is a toast to the man who changed American whiskey forever, making him a true Icon of Whiskey. More From Forbes Forbes Buffalo Trace Debuts Two New Bourbons In Its William LaRue Weller Range By Joseph V Micallef Forbes America's Top-Rated Wheated Bourbons And Whiskeys: Smooth, Bold And Affordable By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Wheated Bourbons, According To The New York World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef
Forbes
03-07-2025
- General
- Forbes
America's Top Wheated Bourbons And Whiskeys: Smooth, Bold, & Affordab
Glass of whiskey and wheat ears. getty Wheated whiskeys are among the fastest-growing segments of the American whiskey market. Wheated bourbons, in particular, driven by the cult status of brands like Pappy Van Winkle and W. L Weller, are incredibly popular. Below is an overview of a selection of award-winning wheated bourbons and wheated whiskeys, along with tasting notes. A bourbon mash bill must contain at least 50.1% corn. The corn content can range from 50% to 80%. The rest consists of other cereal grains. Typically, in bourbon, the mash bill includes a small amount of malted barley, usually less than 10%, with the remainder consisting of rye, wheat, or a combination of both. Sometimes, the mash bill may incorporate more exotic grains. There is no official legal definition of a wheated bourbon. A mash bill with 15% or more wheat qualifies the whiskey as a wheated bourbon. The bourbons listed below have wheat contents ranging from 15% to 45%. Wheated whiskey, on the other hand, requires 50% or more of the mash bill to be wheat. Historically, whiskeys made entirely from wheat were typically bland and were used for blending with other, more flavorful whiskeys. In Canada, for example, wheat whiskies were often blended with rye whisky to enhance their flavor. In Scotland, blended Scotch whisky consisted of blends of grain whisky with various single malt whiskies. The addition of wheat to a mash bill significantly shapes the aroma, flavor, and texture of the whiskey. Wheat softens the profile, contributing mellow, rounded, and sweeter tones. It also enhances sweetness, allowing notes like honey, vanilla, and caramel to shine more prominently. Wheat also accentuates the whiskey's creaminess, creating a smoother, silkier mouthfeel and contributing a sense of 'breadiness' or pastry dough. Finally, wheat's gentle nature means it doesn't compete with barrel influences. Flavors such as toasted oak, vanilla, and mild spice from aging become more expressive in wheated whiskeys. The Buffalo Trace Distillery Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery The mash bill for Buffalo Trace's wheated bourbon is undisclosed, but it's believed to be 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley. This is likely the same mash bill as the Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller expressions. The Kosher Wheat Bourbon is aged in different warehouse locations and, at seven years, is generally younger than the Van Winkle and Weller expressions. It also sells at a fraction of the price of the other expressions. The whiskey features caramel, apple, honey, and marshmallow on the nose. The palate is smooth and flavorful, showcasing citrus, dried fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The finish is medium length and sweet, with lingering notes of cocoa and seasoned oak. Larceny Small Batch Bourbon, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $27 Heaven Hill produces the whisky from a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. The whiskey presents notes of buttered wheat toast and caramel on the nose. The palate showcases toffee, orange zest, and baking spice. The finish is long and sweet with a hint of seasoned oak. Wilderness Trail Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $54 Kentucky-based Wilderness Trail fashions this whiskey from a mash bill of 64% corn, 24% wheat, and 12% malted barley. The bourbon features fresh-baked bread and vanilla on the nose. The palate showcases notes of honey, cinnamon, clove, and light oak. The finish is long and balanced, with lingering notes of spice. Redemption Wheated Bourbon, 48% ABV, 750 ml. $47 This is a sourced whiskey, bottled for Redemption by Bardstown Bourbon Co. The mash bill is 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley, giving the whiskey one of the highest percentages of wheat among bourbons. Toasted oak, mocha, hazelnut, and coffee are featured on the nose. The palate showcases caramel, nuts, and assorted wood spices, leading to a medium-length, cocoa-laced finish. American Freedom Distillery 'Horse Soldier' Signature Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, 47.5% ABV, 750 ml. $70 The whiskey's mash bill consists of 70% corn, 20% wheat, and 10% barley. Vanilla, cherry, and ginger are featured on the nose. The palate showcases notes of caramel, cinnamon, and dark dried fruit. The finish is long and bold, with lingering notes of wood and barrel spice. Loretto, Ky, United States - October 21, 2016: Maker's Mark Distillery sign on stone wall at entrance facility. getty Maker's Mark, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $32 Maker's Mark utilizes the same mash bill as Pappy Van Winkle. According to industry lore, it was Julian Van Winkle who offered the recipe to Bill Samuels. The whiskeys taste differently, however, because the mashing and aging protocols differ. The whiskey features vanilla, caramel, and cream on the nose. The palate showcases honey, toast, and wood spices. The finish is medium in length and smooth, with lingering notes of vanilla and caramel. See also the recently released Star Hill Farms Wheat Whiskey from Maker's Mark. It's a blend of two mash bills: 70% red winter wheat and 30% malted barley, and 100% red winter wheat. Old Fitzgerald Prime Bourbon Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $20 Old Fitzgerald is another Heaven Hill whiskey. It utilizes the standard Heaven Hill wheated mash bill, comprising 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. The nose features vanilla and seasoned oak. The palate features light caramel, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The finish is long and smooth with lingering spice notes. Two Souls Spirits Wheated Bourbon, 63.85% ABV, 750 ml. $125 J Carver Distillery in Minnesota produces this Two Souls Spirits whiskey. The mash bill is not disclosed, but it is believed to be a high-corn, high-wheat mash bill. The whiskey presents notes of vanilla, sweet honey, seasoned oak, and subtle cooked grain on both the nose and palate. The finish is long, with lingering notes of spice and wheat toast. Nelson's Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, 45.5% ABV, 750 ml. $35 Although classified as a Tennessee whiskey because it undergoes the Lincoln County charcoal filtration process, the whiskey also meets the criteria of a bourbon. The mash bill is 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley. The whiskey features honeyed wheat toast and orchard fruit. It's smooth on the palate, showcasing notes of vanilla and seasoned oak. The charcoal filtration gives the whisky a sweet, clean finish. Wheated Whiskeys You Should Try Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, 7 YO, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $36 Another Heaven Hill whiskey, this expression utilizes a mash bill of 51% wheat, 39% corn, and 10% malted barley. The whiskey features notes of roasted grain and almond. The palate showcases bread pudding, honey, and nutmeg. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of pepper and seasoned oak. This expression is the most bourbon-like of all the wheated whiskeys. Dry Fly Straight Washington Wheat Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml $43 Dry Fly Distilling is based in Spokane, Washington. It bottles a range of wheated whiskeys, based on a 100% wheat mash bill. The whiskey features licorice, toasted grain, and citrus. The palate showcases notes of maple syrup, fresh herbs, and earthy undertones. The finish is long and slightly smoky with lingering fruit and spice notes. Wooden bourbon barrels stacked up and aging in a rickhouse in Kentucky getty Dry Fly Cask Strength Wheat Whiskey, 60% ABV, 750 ml. $58 This is a higher proof, more intensely flavored version of the Straight expression. It features buttery caramel, custard, and cinnamon on the nose. The palate showcases honey, spiced cake, and nutmeg. The finish is long and flavorful, with lingering notes of vanilla and black pepper. Dry Fly 3 YO Port-Finished Wheat Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $43 This port cask-finished wheat whiskey features aromas of tangerine, vanilla, and cinnamon. The palate showcases burnt orange, pepper, and oak. The finish is long and spicy, with lingering notes of butterscotch and orange zest. Old Elk Double Wheat, 53.55% ABV, 750 ml. $102 Colorado-based Old Elk fashions its whiskey from a mash bill of 71.5% wheat, 25% corn, and 3.5% malted barley. The whiskey features aromas of coffee cake, pretzel dough, and marshmallow. Caramel, graham cracker, and spice are showcased on the palate. The finish is long, with lingering notes of cinnamon buns. Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $74 This whiskey is fashioned from a mash bill of 95% soft red winter wheat and 5% malted barley. The nose features aromas of caramel and light vanilla. It's creamy on the palate, with citrus and sweet spices. Whether you're drawn to the smooth, creamy texture of wheated bourbons or the mellow elegance of wheat whiskeys, these bottles deliver big flavor without breaking the bank. The bourbons are accessible, affordable, and crowd-pleasing, while the wheated whiskeys offer a wider stylistic range, from bourbon-like depth to ultra-soft subtlety. If you're a fan of the style, this is just the beginning. There's a whole world of wheat-based whiskeys waiting to be explored. More From Forbes Forbes Want Alternatives To Pappy And Weller? 10 Top-Ranked Wheated Bourbons By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Bourbon, According To The London Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef
