Buffalo Trace is indeed a wheated bourbon. They utilize soft red winter wheat in their wheated mash bill, which sets them apart from other bourbons that use rye as the secondary grain. This inclusion of wheat in the mash bill gives Buffalo Trace a unique flavor profile and a smoother, softer character compared to bourbons that use rye.
One of the most famous examples of wheated bourbons is the Van Winkle line, which is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The Van Winkle bourbons, including the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve, are known for their exceptional quality and rich flavors. The use of wheat in the mash bill contributes to the complex, velvety smoothness that these bourbons are renowned for.
Another well-known wheated bourbon is Maker's Mark. Maker's Mark has gained a loyal following for its distinctively mellow and approachable taste. The inclusion of wheat in the mash bill, along with the use of red winter wheat as the specific type of wheat, gives Maker's Mark its signature flavor profile. It is a bourbon that is often enjoyed neat or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald is another notable example of a wheated bourbon. Old Fitzgerald has a long history, dating back to the late 1800s, and it is known for its smooth and rich character. The use of wheat in the mash bill adds a creamy sweetness to the bourbon, making it a popular choice among bourbon enthusiasts.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate various wheated bourbons, including Buffalo Trace. The presence of wheat in the mash bill gives these bourbons a different flavor profile compared to those that use rye. The softness and smoothness that wheat imparts can be quite appealing to those who prefer a more gentle and approachable bourbon.
Buffalo Trace is indeed a wheated bourbon, utilizing soft red winter wheat in its mash bill. This distinguishes it from other bourbons that use rye as the secondary grain. The use of wheat contributes to the unique flavor profile and smooth character of Buffalo Trace and other wheated bourbons such as Van Winkle and Maker's Mark.