As a sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that not all Maker's Mark bourbons are wheated. Maker's Mark is indeed a wheated bourbon, which means that it uses wheat as a secondary grain in its mash bill, along with the required minimum of 51% corn. However, there are other bourbons out there that are also classified as wheated bourbons, and they may have slightly different mash bills.
One well-known example of a wheated bourbon is the “Pappy” line of bourbons, which includes Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve. These bourbons are highly sought after and known for their rich and complex flavors. Another popular wheated bourbon is the “Weller” line, which includes W.L. Weller Special Reserve and W.L. Weller Antique. These bourbons offer a more affordable alternative to the Pappy line, while still maintaining a similar wheated profile.
Additionally, Larceny is another wheated bourbon that has gained popularity in recent years. It is produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery and is known for its smooth and approachable flavor profile.
It's worth noting that while wheated bourbons have gained a lot of attention in recent years, they are not the only type of bourbon available. Traditional bourbons typically use rye as the secondary grain in their mash bill, which can result in a spicier and drier flavor profile compared to wheated bourbons.
In my personal experience, I have found that wheated bourbons tend to have a softer and smoother mouthfeel. The use of wheat in the mash bill can impart a slightly sweeter and more mellow character to the bourbon. However, the specific flavors and characteristics can vary depending on the specific distillery and aging process.
To summarize, while Maker's Mark is indeed a wheated bourbon, there are other bourbons on the market that also fall into this category. The “Pappy” line, the “Weller” line, and Larceny are examples of other well-known wheated bourbons. Each of these bourbons offers its own unique flavor profile, showcasing the influence of wheat in the mash bill. However, it's important to remember that there is a wide range of bourbons available, each with its own distinct characteristics.