Best entry-level wheater?

[weller_tex]

I am a big Weller fan (hence the user name), but I had some Maker's this weekend at a restaurant. I would imagine I will be roundly booed for this, but I have to say that as far as pure enjoyment, I liked the Maker's over Weller SR..the current Weller SR. I am not saying it's more complex, more anything, just that taste wise, I enjoyed it more it. The does not apply to OWA.

What's your favorite entry-level wheater? I have never had any of the OF products.

[Special Reserve]

Generally speaking MM is the best bourbon choice I find in a restaurant. Around here bourbon selection in restaurants usually is MM, Baker, Booker, Basil, Knob. I'll have either MM or KC if I have bourbon.

[StraightNoChaser]

Generally speaking MM is the best bourbon choice I find in a restaurant. Around here bourbon selection in restaurants usually is MM, Baker, Booker, Basil, Knob. I'll have either MM or KC if I have bourbon.

I'll have a beer, please

[JayMonster]

It depends on what you mean by "entry-level" whether meaning price or for somebody cutting their teeth on bourbon.

I consider OWA one of the best valued bourbons around, period.

Rebel Yell lacks anything in the way of complexity or character, but for the same reason most enthusiasts eschew it, it makes for a decent introductory bourbon for somebody coming from Vodka or Canadian Whiskey.

That leaves Maker's Mark as the middle of the road. It has character but little complexity. The alcohol isn't as daunting as OWA, and has more going for it than Rebel Yell.

I can't speak to anything produced by Heaven Hill as I have not come across tbeir wheated bourbons.

[StraightNoChaser]

It depends on what you mean by "entry-level" whether meaning price or for somebody cutting their teeth on bourbon.

I consider OWA one of the best valued bourbons around, period.

Rebel Yell lacks anything in the way of complexity or character, but for the same reason most enthusiasts eschew it, it makes for a decent introductory bourbon for somebody coming from Vodka or Canadian Whiskey.

That leaves Maker's Mark as the middle of the road. It has character but little complexity. The alcohol isn't as daunting as OWA, and has more going for it than Rwbel Yell.

I can't speak to anything produced by Heaven Hill as I have not come across tbeir wheated bourbons.

I'll agree that Rebel Yell is undrinkable piss water... but Rebel Reserve is worth checking out (for a budget wheater)

[mosugoji64]

It depends on what you mean by "entry-level" whether meaning price or for somebody cutting their teeth on bourbon.

I consider OWA one of the best valued bourbons around, period.

Rebel Yell lacks anything in the way of complexity or character, but for the same reason most enthusiasts eschew it, it makes for a decent introductory bourbon for somebody coming from Vodka or Canadian Whiskey.

That leaves Maker's Mark as the middle of the road. It has character but little complexity. The alcohol isn't as daunting as OWA, and has more going for it than Rebel Yell.

I can't speak to anything produced by Heaven Hill as I have not come across tbeir wheated bourbons.

I happen to like the current VSOF, but don't think I could identify it as a wheater in a blind test. It's much spicier than I expect a wheater to taste. Haven't had the other OF bottlings in a long time, but they don't get much love around here FWIW.

For an intro, I would probably dilute some OWA down to about 96 proof. Reasonably priced AND delicious!

[WhiskyToWhiskey]

Other than MM, a cheap entry level wheater is Corner Creek...which nobody knows exactly what's in it. Website says corn, wheat and rye...some kinda secret % of each (i emailed the CEO, he replied but gave no "real" info lol). Most don't think much of this bourbon. I don't mind it thinking it as being a little different from the rest.

[moose]

Weller Special Reserve

[JayMonster]

Weller Special Reserve

[Bourbon Boiler]

Assuming entry level means new to bourbon, I think MM is the best bourbon, not just wheater. I consider it a gateway whiskey.

[tommyboy38]

Other than MM, a cheap entry level wheater is Corner Creek...which nobody knows exactly what's in it. Website says corn, wheat and rye...some kinda secret % of each (i emailed the CEO, he replied but gave no "real" info lol). Most don't think much of this bourbon. I don't mind it thinking it as being a little different from the rest.

[WhiskyToWhiskey]

I believe it's a "4 grain" and not a wheater.

If it is a 4 grain...I wonder why they don't advertise it as such? Hard to say exactly what Corner Creek is 100%. I have seen it listed as a wheater. It tastes like a wheater and a rye bourbon blended together.

[Neat]

I am a big Weller fan (hence the user name), but I had some Maker's this weekend at a restaurant. I would imagine I will be roundly booed for this, but I have to say that as far as pure enjoyment, I liked the Maker's over Weller SR..the current Weller SR. I am not saying it's more complex, more anything, just that taste wise, I enjoyed it more it. The does not apply to OWA.

What's your favorite entry-level wheater? I have never had any of the OF products.

in houston, weller 12yo is cheap. i like it a heck of a lot better than MM.

[Phil T]

OF BIB is a solid, inexpensive wheater. It wont knock your socks off like the PHC wheater, but its a pretty good pour.

[weller_tex]

in houston, weller 12yo is cheap. i like it a heck of a lot better than MM.

Neat, I buy Weller 12 all the time and agree it's fantastic, but did not consider it entry level. Forgetting price I was just comparing Weller SR and Maker's. But you are right Weller 12 is great and a heck of a bargain.

[weller_tex]

An old thread, but revisiting. I assume a lot of you can't easily get Weller 12, but can get Weller Special Reserve. Hands down, Weller 12 is fantastic, but I ask you to do a blind taste test between MM and Weller SR..neat.

My bet is you will find the mouth-feel and the finish (lemons, citrus?) of MM will win over Weller SR when tasted blind. I agree MM is a little over-priced and I think that plus it's ubiquitous character leads to a bias against it. However it is great stuff. I bet a 10 year 100 proof version would lessen (not stop) the pining for old SW bourbon.

[cigarnv]

Weller SR for the new drinker to bourbon and OWA for an established bourbon drinker looking to try a good wheater...

[macdeffe]

I'd say Weller 12yo

An entry level whisky has to be something that doesnt scare people away, but drags them into the world of bourbon

(A very hard task where I live)

Steffen

[White Dog]

What's sad about this conversation is that it highlights the fact that there simply aren't enough damn Wheaters in the world, either young or old, entry or premium.:banghead: :banghead:

[Young Blacksmith]

Yes, you're correct. What'dy got? Weller (4 expressions) and MM. Possibly some Vintage 21, ORVW, Pappy, and Old Fitz depending on your market.

Bernheim is Wheat Whiskey, and most bourbons are rye flavor grain recipe.

[steeltownbbq]

What's sad about this conversation is that it highlights the fact that there simply aren't enough damn Wheaters in the world, either young or old, entry or premium.:banghead: :banghead:

In my corner of Ohio the wheats are limited to MM and the occasional Rebel Yell. Sure wish we could get 1/3 the stuff you guys talk about.

[Dr. François]

Weller SR is a great choice. I also like Rebel Yell.