Wilderness Trail Bottled in Bond Small Batch Bourbon (Wheated Bourbon)

I really like this brand; they have an interesting history of consulting industry leaders while building one of Kentucky's fastest-growing labels. The master distillers know their craft and science, and have extensive experience in the industry. With a major company now holding a controlling stake, I'm confident this brand will be maintained for years. From their sweet mash process to their dedication to offering one of the best bottled-in-bond products available, I'm eager to see how this brand grows. Nose: Nutmeg, peanuts, oak, tobacco Palate: sweet corn, toffee, cocoa, freshly peeled apples Finish: Resides on the front of the tongue before moving to a gentle warmth; it makes me want to keep sipping. This is a perfect drink for me. It's unique because it has one of the highest wheat percentages at 24% - you would never guess that rye wasn't a component. At a price point of around $50, this is a perfect addition to any home bar.

This is one of the four varieties from Wilderness Trail that we brought back from Kentucky! It was a hit at a recent family gathering, and for good reason. This is a very pleasant bourbon. It's sweet on the nose and palate, with a smooth, medium-length warmth. The mouthfeel is also medium to heavy, which is quite satisfying. I believe this is superior to the rye version. I will likely purchase it again; perhaps quite soon considering its popularity at the cookout!

Aroma: Aromatic, oak, peanuts Taste: Vanilla, marzipan (oh my, have I become like Fred Minnick?) which evolves into a... Finish:...sweet, spicy, brief finish This wheat-forward spirit is my preferred choice from Wilderness Trail's standard offerings. It possesses all the sweeter and milder characteristics of a wheated bourbon while also providing a pleasant finish for a 100 proof Bottled-in-Bond expression.

My single barrel pick has a very strong 'barnyard' note from that bottle. This bottle has a bit of that on the nose, but the taste and finish are much more conventional. I wouldn't refuse another serving, but it doesn't stand out enough to make a purchase.

Smell: A whiff of hay funk, plus some caramel and sweet fruit. Taste: Caramel hits first, then charred oak. A touch of fruitiness. Finish: Lingering charred oak with a hint of black pepper spice

A quick review from the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival: Roasted peanuts greet you on the nose, evolving into a sweet vanilla flavor across the tongue and into the brief to medium finish.