E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage is indeed a wheated bourbon, but it is not solely made from wheat. It is a unique blend of three different mash bills, each contributing to its distinctive flavor profile.
First, let's talk about what makes a bourbon “wheated.” In traditional bourbon production, the mash bill typically consists of corn, rye, and malted barley. However, in wheated bourbons, a portion or all of the rye is replaced with wheat. This substitution tends to create a softer, sweeter, and smoother flavor profile.
In the case of E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage, the mash bill includes two different rye bourbons and one wheated bourbon. This combination of mash bills is what sets it apart from other wheated bourbons on the market. By blending these different types of bourbons, the master distillers at Buffalo Trace have created a unique and complex flavor profile.
The use of two rye bourbons in the mash bill adds a spicy and slightly peppery note to the bourbon. Rye is known for its bold and robust flavors, and its inclusion in this blend provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the wheated bourbon.
The wheated bourbon in the mash bill brings a smooth and creamy texture to the overall flavor profile. Wheat is often associated with softer, sweeter flavors, and it helps to mellow out the spiciness of the rye. This combination of rye and wheated bourbons creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both complex and enjoyable.
When tasting E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage, you can expect to experience a rich caramel note that is characteristic of wheated bourbons. The cinnamon flavor adds a touch of warmth and complexity, while the toasted oak contributes to the bourbon's overall depth and richness.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to taste E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage and was thoroughly impressed with its flavor profile. The blend of rye and wheated bourbons creates a unique and well-balanced bourbon that is both smooth and flavorful. It is a bourbon that I would highly recommend to any bourbon enthusiast or someone looking to explore different styles of bourbon.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage is a wheated bourbon that combines two rye bourbons and one wheated bourbon in its mash bill. This unique blend of mash bills creates a rich, complex, and enjoyable flavor profile that is both smooth and flavorful. Whether you are a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the world of bourbon, I believe you will find this expression to be a delightful and memorable experience.