Is Blade and Bow bourbon wheated? That's a great question, and one that requires a bit of exploration into the history and production methods of this particular bourbon.
Blade and Bow bourbon is often associated with the historic Stitzel-Weller distillery, which was famous for its wheated bourbon recipe. The distillery, located in Louisville, Kentucky, was founded in 1935 and produced iconic brands such as Pappy Van Winkle and Old Fitzgerald. Wheated bourbon, as the name suggests, is made with a higher proportion of wheat in the mashbill, alongside corn and malted barley. This style of bourbon is known for its smoothness and gentle sweetness.
However, despite the connection to Stitzel-Weller, Blade and Bow bourbon is not actually a wheated bourbon. In fact, it is believed to be a four grain bourbon, meaning it contains four different grains in the mashbill. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, it likely includes corn, malted barley, rye, and wheat. This combination of grains gives Blade and Bow a unique flavor profile, combining the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of wheat.
So why the association with Stitzel-Weller? Blade and Bow pays homage to the distillery's history and legacy through its branding and packaging. The name “Blade and Bow” refers to the two parts of a skeleton key, a symbol associated with the Stitzel-Weller distillery. Additionally, the bottle features a replica of the iconic Stitzel-Weller copper pot still, further nodding to its heritage.
While Blade and Bow may not be a wheated bourbon, it still offers a high-quality drinking experience. The careful selection of grains and the aging process contribute to its unique flavor profile. Each batch is crafted using a solera system, which involves blending older and younger bourbons to create a consistent and complex final product. The result is a bourbon that showcases the craftsmanship and attention to detail that is synonymous with the Stitzel-Weller name.
While Blade and Bow bourbon may evoke the heritage of the Stitzel-Weller distillery, it is not a wheated bourbon. Instead, it is likely a four grain bourbon, combining corn, malted barley, rye, and wheat. The association with Stitzel-Weller is primarily a tribute to the distillery's history and legacy, rather than an indication of the bourbon's mashbill. Nevertheless, Blade and Bow offers a unique and flavorful drinking experience that captures the essence of its storied past.