Wheat whiskey is a style of whiskey defined by having a grain bill which consists primarily of wheat. The United States government only allows a product to be labeled "wheat whiskey" when the mash is composed of at least 51% wheat.[1] Like other American styles, a wheat whiskey may be labelled as a "straight" if it is aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels. As of 2022, only a handful of straight wheat whiskey are mass marketed, including Bernheim Original,[2] Middle West,[3] Old Elk,[4] and Dry Fly.[5] Some microdistilleries are in production of wheat whiskeys, but are made on a small scale.[6][7]
There are many examples of wheat whiskeys in the German whisky industry.[8]
While not true wheat whiskeys, some bourbon whiskeys are "wheated"; that is they use a certain percentage of wheat in their mashbills instead of (or complementary to) the more common rye. Such brands include Cabin Still, Maker's Mark, Old Fitzgerald, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve, Rebel Yell, and W. L. Weller.
- ^ "Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, Title 27 Code of Federal Regulations, Pt. 5.22" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-10-17.
- ^ Bernheim Original official site
- ^ Middle West Official Site
- ^ Old Elk Official Site
- ^ Dry Fly official site
- ^ "Micro Monday: A look at Koval Lion's Pride Whiskey". Sour Mash Manifesto. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
- ^ McIntyre, Melanie (9 December 2011). "OYO Whiskey named one of USA Network's top foods of 2011". The Metronpreneur. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
- ^ "Owen Single Grain Whisky". Family Thomas Rabel. Archived from the original on 2 May 2013. Retrieved 21 March 2013.