Wenzel Wheated 8 Year Barrel Proof is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys bottled at 111 proof (55.5% ABV), crafting a rich and full-bodied expression with pronounced caramel, cocoa, and vanilla character. This Kentucky bourbon from Wenzel Distillery showcases the smooth, sweet influence of wheat in the mash bill, creating a dessert-like finish that lingers long on the palate.

From the historic streets of Covington, Kentucky, Wenzel Distillery has been perfecting their craft since 1875, bringing nearly 150 years of distilling tradition to each bottle. Their wheated bourbon approach emphasizes the gentle, honeyed character that wheat contributes to the mash bill, creating a more approachable yet complex flavor profile compared to high-rye bourbons. The barrel proof bottling preserves the whiskey's full intensity and character as it emerged from eight years of Kentucky aging.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich caramel, dark cocoa powder, vanilla bean, toasted oak, honey wheat bread
• Palate: Heavy caramel sweetness, milk chocolate, vanilla custard, warm baking spices, wheat cereal grain
• Finish: Long, dessert-like finish with lingering vanilla, cocoa, and oak tannins

Product Details

Perfect For

• Fireside Sipping: The barrel proof strength and dessert-like finish make this ideal for slow contemplation by the fire
• Kentucky Derby Celebrations: Honor the bourbon heritage of the Bluegrass State with this authentic Covington expression
• Whiskey Collector Occasions: The 8-year age statement and barrel proof bottling appeal to serious bourbon enthusiasts
• Holiday Gatherings: The rich caramel and cocoa notes pair beautifully with seasonal desserts and cigars

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wenzel Wheated 8 Year Barrel Proof taste like?

Wenzel Wheated 8 Year tastes rich and dessert-like with heavy caramel, cocoa, and vanilla notes. The wheated mash bill creates a smoother, sweeter profile compared to high-rye bourbons, while the barrel proof strength delivers full intensity and a long-lasting finish that coats the palate.

How should I drink Wenzel Wheated Barrel Proof?

Drink Wenzel Wheated Barrel Proof neat or with a few drops of water to open up the flavors. At 111 proof, this bourbon benefits from sitting in the glass for a few minutes to allow the alcohol heat to dissipate, revealing the complex caramel and chocolate notes underneath.

Is Wenzel Wheated good for cocktails?

Wenzel Wheated works well in spirit-forward cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Boulevardiers where its rich caramel and vanilla notes can shine through. However, at barrel proof strength, you may want to use it sparingly or reserve it for sipping neat to fully appreciate its complexity.

What makes Wenzel different from other wheated bourbons?

Wenzel stands out through its Kentucky heritage dating back to 1875 and its focus on blending straight bourbons rather than single barrel expressions. The Covington distillery's approach emphasizes consistency and balance, creating a wheated bourbon that showcases the classic dessert-like character wheat brings to bourbon.

Is Wenzel Wheated 8 Year worth the price?

Wenzel Wheated 8 Year offers excellent value for an 8-year-old barrel proof wheated bourbon from a historic Kentucky distillery. The combination of age statement, proof, and the smooth wheated character provides complexity typically found in more expensive wheated expressions from larger producers.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.