Wheatley Vodka

Rating: 14/23 I acquired this based on positive feedback and mistakenly thought the name implied it was made entirely from wheat. I'm hopeful the wheat plays a significant role. Nose: Initially sweet, followed by a spicy kick and a hint of earthy graininess, though not truly funky. The sweetness is sugary. I'm thoroughly enjoying this aroma; it offers more complexity than most vodkas and its notes are pleasant. Palate: This has a more pronounced burn than anticipated, definitely harsh, though not excessively so. It's certainly not as smooth as Chopin Wheat or Ocean. Its flavor isn't outstanding but not terrible. Quite bland, even more so than Kirkland French Vodka. The alcohol is very prominent, serving as the primary taste. There are subtle hints of lemon and spicy grain. Some sugary sweetness is present, along with a distinct, generic bitterness. No earthy notes, unless that bitterness is simply a dull one. Finish: The burn persists with alcohol-induced bitterness. Faint traces of grain and lemon remain. I'd prefer to attribute the bitterness to earthiness rather than alcohol, but if it is an earthy flavor, it's not a good one. A touch of sugary alcohol lingers on the extended finish. - Conclusion - The flavor profile is not exceptional, but it's respectable for a vodka. The burn is the most notable aspect: this is a rather harsh vodka that's somewhat challenging to consume. Ocean Organic (16/23) is clearly superior with its smoothness. I also prefer Ocean's sweetness. While this has more going on, Ocean's fundamental flavor resonates more with me. It's a difficult comparison in this regard. Kirkland French Vodka (14/23) presents a funkier flavor with more fusel notes and possibly some cinnamon. It's also a bit harsher, though that might be due to this bottle being more recently opened. I can only hope. I believe this is quite similar in quality to the Kirkland. Initially, I thought this was slightly better, then considered them even, and now I find this one a bit inferior. I'll assign both a 14 for now. This represents poor value, though I don't have significant regrets. It will serve well for rinsing bottles once I finish the Kirkland supply.

Tasted neat at room temperature alongside Kirkland French Vodka. I'm not typically a vodka enthusiast, nor am I a snob about it. This started because my wife and I enjoy a Cajun Martini poolside, and I needed to buy vodka. Naturally, I wanted to determine the best option, which led me to tasting mid-shelf vodkas. On the nose, Wheatley has a very faint sugary cake-frosting aroma that Kirkland lacks. They are very, very similar, which is why I do these side-by-side comparisons – it's impossible to discern such minor differences over time based solely on memory. Both smell "like vodka," with Kirkland presenting a slightly more ethanol-forward scent. On the palate, Wheatley is definitely sweeter but has a thinner mouthfeel. Kirkland is richer, a bit more peppery, and has a slight bitterness in a quick finish. Wheatley offers a more approachable, sweeter profile while maintaining a significantly neutral character. It's comparable to comparing "Snowbound" white paint with "Atrium" white paint. While they differ, they are both ultimately white paint. Both are clean and neutral, perhaps sweeter and less harsh than Sobieski, thinner and not quite as earthy as Luksusowa, and nowhere near as distinct in flavor as Smirnoff 100 proof. This bottle cost me about $28 for a handle. Kirkland is $20, and Sobieski is $17. To be candid, I did prefer Wheatley in the Cajun Martini, though. Perhaps it was that touch of sweetness. Or maybe it was the specific pepper I used? Recommended if the extra cost is not a concern. Otherwise, opt for Sobieski or Kirkland.

Another unexpectedly good, reasonably priced vodka. Wheatley offers a delightful wheat and syrupy pancake aroma after a brief resting period; initially, it presented strong ethanol fumes and wheat. Once settled, the aroma is quite appealing! The palate suggests vanilla and a lightly sweetened baked good. However, it's important to note a strong, assertive alcohol presence and a bitter finish. These might be the spicy and citrusy notes mentioned in other reviews. It's hard to pin down. The bitterness and alcohol don't taste unpleasant or indicative of poor quality vodka. Nevertheless, I found them more potent than I would prefer, seeming to intrude upon an otherwise sweet and appealing palate. The bite didn't quite sit right with me. It could be described as bold, but it felt slightly unbalanced. Depending on the sip, it tasted fine and even provided a pleasant warmth, while at other times it caused excessive burning. I'm leaning towards finding their potency disagreeable. Texturally, it strikes a nice balance between oily and watery, making its presence felt without being overly intrusive. A pleasant mouthfeel, I approve! Overall, this is a good vodka. If you don't mind some spice and a deliberate, bitter bite, this vodka is for you. Otherwise, I find Absolut offers similar sweetness with less of the sharp bitterness.

I'm not typically a vodka drinker, but occasionally I succumb to a shot or two. Tasting it neat at room temperature. It appears clear with some viscosity. The aroma is neutral, marked by ethanol and sweet floral vanilla. The palate presents ethanol and a grassy peppery sensation, followed by a mild sweet grain. It coats the mouth with an alcoholic bite. Floral notes and lemon emerge in the finish, accompanied by spiciness. It possesses more complexity than many other neutral spirits. Consuming this chilled would likely mellow the flavors and the alcohol's edge. It's intriguing, but it's still vodka.

Hmm... not dull. Smooth enough for neat consumption. Has enough warmth to feel mature. A distinct, pleasant flavor reminiscent of printer paper. Or ink. Essentially, the taste you get when you put printed paper in your mouth, but not the thermal kind. The standard kind. Not receipt paper either. Just good, starchy printer paper. I'm surprised by my fondness for printer paper. I don't recall ever eating it, but apparently, I have, and I enjoyed it.

Pure and warming, with no harshness or sting; a subtle note of toast. I appreciate that it isn't made from corn. This is likely the best value you'll find in a neutral vodka. I prefer Reyka slightly more, but it costs a bit extra. I also prefer Blue Ice potato vodka a little more for its richer mouthfeel. Ultimately, if you purchase this, you won't be disappointed at all and will probably always keep a bottle on hand.