Wheat has a long history in bourbon, but it’s often been used to soften, not to surprise. At Forbidden, we’ve taken a different approach—one that’s rooted in tradition but shaped by thoughtful innovation.
If you’ve found yourself wondering what is wheated bourbon or asking what does wheated bourbon mean, this guide offers a closer look at how wheat transforms a spirit’s structure and taste—and how Forbidden uses it to redefine what a wheated bourbon can be.
What Does Wheated Bourbon Mean?
Wheated bourbon refers to a style of bourbon in which wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill. To be labeled bourbon, a whiskey must contain at least 51% corn, be distilled in the U.S., aged in new charred oak barrels, and meet several other legal criteria. Within those parameters, distillers have flexibility to experiment with the remaining portion of the mash bill.
Most conventional bourbons use rye, which brings a sharper, spicier flavor profile. Wheated bourbons, in contrast, are typically smoother and softer, allowing other characteristics—like vanilla, caramel, and gentle fruit or grain notes—to come forward more clearly.
This substitution often appeals to those looking for a rounder mouthfeel or a slightly sweeter finish, but not all wheated bourbons are created equal.
Forbidden’s Approach to Wheated Bourbon
Rather than following the standard wheated formula, Forbidden uses a distinct blend of white corn, white wheat, and barley to create a richer, more expressive spirit. Each grain is selected not just for balance, but for flavor impact.
• White corn adds clarity and a natural, layered sweetness.
• White wheat contributes to a smooth, velvety texture.
• Barley brings complexity and structure to the final profile.
Unlike many distilleries that rely on commodity grain optimized for volume, Forbidden uses 100% food-grade grains, chosen specifically for how they perform during fermentation, distillation, and aging. That attention to detail results in a bourbon that is not only smoother, but more nuanced.
You can explore these characteristics in both our Small Batch Select, which offers a beautifully balanced expression of this mash bill, and our Single Barrel Bourbon, which highlights the unique qualities of individual casks.
How Wheated Bourbon Influences Flavor
Wheat doesn't just mellow the heat of higher-proof spirits—it opens up space in the flavor profile. In Forbidden's expressions, that means:
• A silky, almost creamy mouthfeel on entry
• Layers of caramel, soft oak, and baking spice
• Occasional notes of stone fruit or toasted grain, depending on the barrel
Rather than leaning into sweetness for its own sake, Forbidden’s wheated bourbon uses these grain characteristics to support a more complete flavor journey—from first sip to final finish.
What Is Wheated Bourbon When It’s Pushed Further?
When people ask what is wheated bourbon, the definition usually stops at the grain swap. But the more important question is how a distiller uses wheat to shape the experience in the glass.
At Forbidden, wheated bourbon becomes a starting point for innovation, not a constraint. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Marianne Eaves, each element of the process—from the grain blend to the custom-charred barrels—is tailored to bring forward the best of what wheat can offer, without sacrificing structure or complexity.
A Classic Style, Reconsidered
Wheated bourbon has a well-earned reputation for being approachable. But when crafted with intention, it becomes much more than that. It can be bold without being aggressive; soft without being simple. At Forbidden, we aim to highlight that full potential.
Whether you're discovering wheated bourbon for the first time or seeking a more refined example of the style, our Small Batch Select and Single Barrel Bourbon showcase what’s possible when grain selection, fermentation, and barrel treatment are all aligned toward flavor.
