The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According To The Beverage Test Inst
Wheated whiskeys continue to captivate bourbon lovers with their smooth, approachable character—and at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) judging, these expressions shone. One wheated bourbon was awarded a Platinum medal and 97 points as the best wheated bourbon in this year's judging, and eight were awarded prestigious Gold medals. Below is a brief background on each award-winning whiskey, including official tasting notes and production details that highlight the artistry behind America's finest wheated bourbons.
This bourbon is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky, from a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Unfiltered, this cask strength expression of Larceny is released in three batches annually. Batch A125 was the first release of 2025. The bourbon scored 95 points and was the highest-ranked wheated bourbon in the 2025 BevTest judging.
The bourbon features aromas of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon rolls, and baked apple. The palate is bold yet smooth, showcasing flavors of caramel, fig jam, toffee, and clove. The finish is long and spicy with lingering notes of oak char, peanut brittle, and baking spice.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of pear spice cake, wildflower honey, and lychee, along with flavors of cinnamon honey, dried apples, and hay. Spicy, complex, and fruity, with a long, balanced wildflower honey-pipe tobacco finish.'
Produced at Heaven Hill Distillery, this straight wheat whiskey is based on a mash bill of 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley. Since the corn portion is less than 50%, it is not a bourbon, although it shares many bourbon features. Bottled at cask strength and non-chill filtered, this is the barrel-proof version of Bernheim's wheat whiskey. Batch A225 is the first release of 2025.
The whiskey features aromas of butterscotch, cooked cereal/grain, honeyed toast, and vanilla. It's smooth and silky on the palate, showcasing flavors of toasted hazelnut, maple syrup, coconut, cinnamon sugar, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, sweet, and creamy with lingering notes of black pepper, caramel, and cooked grain.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the wheat whiskey as expressing 'aromas of caramelized nuts, creme brûlée, and orange peel along with flavors of Thai chilies, coconut cinnamon candy, and scorched caramel: a silky, but ferocious overproof Wheated Whiskey, smooth coconut and caramel with toasty warm finish.' Bernheim 7-Year-Old Small Batch Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. 94 points, Gold Medal $33
This wheat whiskey is an aged version of the cask strength expression, bottled at 45% It's one of the few age-stated wheat whiskeys in the U.S. First released in the early 2000s, its availability has steadily expanded.
The whiskey presents aromas of caramel, banana bread, vanilla wafer, and cooked cereal/grain. It's smooth on the palate, showcasing flavors of honeycomb, toasted almond, and mild spice. The finish is medium length and creamy, with lingering notes of vanilla custard and seasoned oak.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing 'aromas of maple, coconut, and honey butter biscuits along with flavors of buttered popcorn, almond butter cookie, and pecan coffee cake. Warm, silky, and balanced with bakery flavors all day, it makes a stellar Old Fashioned.'
glasses of whiskey making toast Getty Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. 94 points, Gold Medal $27
Another Larceny expression from Heaven Hill, this bourbon uses the distillery's standard wheated bourbon mash bill. It's designed as a wheated counterpart to Elijah Craig. This small batch release does not carry an age statement, but it is usually a blend of barrels aged for six to twelve years.
The bourbon features aromas of sweet corn, fresh bread, vanilla frosting, and a touch of cocoa. It's smooth and creamy on the palate, showcasing flavors of butterscotch, caramel, cinnamon candy, peanuts, and orange zest. The finish is long, sweet, and slightly drying with lingering caramel and oak spices.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of roasted apricot, vanilla, and blood orange peel along with flavors of caramelized pear, vanilla wafer, and cola. Balanced and flavorful - would add tremendous depth to a Paper Plane cocktail.' Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. B525, 58.7% ABV, 750 ml. 93 points, Gold Medal. $64
This wheated bourbon is the second of three annual barrel-proof Larceny batches for 2025. It uses Heaven Hill's standard wheated mash bill, is bottled at cask strength, and non-chill filtered.
The bourbon features aromas of brown sugar, graham cracker, molasses, and black cherry. It's full-bodied on the palate, showcasing flavors of fig preserves, chocolate fudge, baking spices, and toasted oak. The finish is long, powerful, and drying with lingering notes of seasoned oak, cinnamon, and old leather.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as exhibiting 'aromas of hickory honey, maple glazed peanuts, and assorted wood spices along with flavors of brown butter, cinnamon walnut toast, and kettle corn. Warm, rich, spicy with notes of maple, peanuts, and dried honey, finishing with candied orange zest.' Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. 93 points, Gold Medal. $64
Part of the biannual Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series, the bourbon uses Heaven Hill's standard wheated bourbon mash bill, is aged for 7 years, is bottled at 100 proof, and meets all Bottled-in-Bond requirements.
The bourbon features aromas of honeycomb, apricot jam, baked spice cake, and vanilla bean. It's elegant on the palate with a layered complexity that showcases flavors of golden raisin, shortbread, cinnamon, and toasted marshmallow. The finish is smooth, slightly sweet, and balanced, showcasing lingering notes of nutmeg, seasoned oak, and a subtle molasses sweetness.
Also winning Gold Medals with 91 points each were Castle & Key Small Batch Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Heaven Hill 'Grain To Glass' Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, and Play Like A Champion Today 5 Year Kentucky Double Oaked Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The 2025 BevTest results underscore the enduring appeal and versatility of wheated bourbons and whiskeys, from bold barrel-proof expressions to elegant bottled-in-bond releases. Whether crafted for sipping neat or for mixing in refined cocktails, each of these Gold medalists reflects the nuanced sweetness, rich texture, and balance that make wheated bourbons a standout within the broader whiskey landscape. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, these award-winning whiskeys offer a compelling journey into the softer side of American bourbon. More From Forbes Forbes America's Top-Rated Wheated Bourbons And Whiskeys: Smooth, Bold And Affordable By Joseph V Micallef Forbes America's Top Bourbon—According To The Beverage Testing Institute By Joseph V Micallef
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Hundreds of bourbons were evaluated at the BevTest 2025 bourbon judging. getty America's finest bourbons took center stage at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) awards, where one standout scored a remarkable 96 points and earned a coveted Platinum medal. Thirteen other exceptional bourbons, dominated by Heaven Hill brands, followed close behind with Gold medal honors, showcasing the depth, craftsmanship, and diversity of American whiskey. Below are BevTest's top-ranked bourbons, along with official tasting notes and background on each bottling. This 12 YO bourbon is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY, from its standard mash bill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye. It scored 96 points and was awarded a Platinum medal. It was a Japan-exclusive bottling for many years, but this age-stated bourbon is now more widely available in the US. The bourbon features aromas of caramel, tobacco leaf, maple syrup, and seasoned oak. It's rich and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing notes of caramel, charred wood, cinnamon, and baked apple. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of leather, vanilla, wood spices, and seasoned oak. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of caramel apple, banana custard, and corn candy along with flavors of bittersweet candied pumpkin seeds, butterscotch, and charred marshmallow. Bittersweet, warm, lightly smoky, and caramelized flavors are perfect for a bold take on an Old Fashioned or on the rocks to let it mellow and open.' Produced at Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig uses the distillery's standard mash bill. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon is non-chill-filtered and bottled at cask strength. It's released in three batches annually. Batch C924 is aged roughly 12 years and bottled at full cask strength. On the nose, the bourbon features brown sugar, clove, tobacco leaf, and burnt caramel. It's robust and complex on the palate, showcasing flavors of charred oak, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and black cherry preserves. The finish is long with a notable alcohol burn, featuring lingering notes of vanilla, caramel, and rye spices. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of maple-cinnamon-praline, butterscotch, and Grand Marnier along with flavors of pastry crust, walnut tart, and tobacco—a roaring dragon of a straight bourbon whiskey.' Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $21 Another Heaven Hill standout, this bourbon uses the distillery's standard mash bill. Often found at retail for under $20, it offers exceptional value for a bourbon consistently ranked among the best. It's named for the year Evan Williams began distilling and blended from a small number of barrels aged 6–8 years. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon features aromas of toffee, nutmeg, baked apple, and sweet oak. It's smooth and sweet on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel, peanut brittle, honey, and a touch of candied orange zest. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of oak spice and vanilla cream. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of walnut, caramel roll, and wood dried stone fruit, along with flavors of almond, nectarine, and maple. A superb everyday sipper that won't break the bank to pair with cigars or to make cocktails.' Bourbon and cheese make an excellent pairing getty Evan Williams Master Blend Bourbon, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $249 This bourbon is a limited blend of multiple Evan Williams expressions, often including older barrels and occasionally wheated or higher-rye variations. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal The bourbon features vanilla, dried stone fruit, and seasoned oak on the nose. The palate showcases flavors of caramelized sugar, charred wood, dried apricot, and cinnamon. The finish is long and smooth with lingering spice notes. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of beef fat, maple biscuit dough, pumpkin, and cherry, along with flavors of pecan tart, dates, and mint. Warm and balanced, it showcases everything you want in a fine 90-proof Bourbon, making it a slam dunk in a mint julep.' Evan Williams 2016 Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, 43.3% ABV, 750 ml. $29 Vintage-specific bourbons are unusual, though they are eliciting growing consumer interest. This bottling is aged between 7 and 8 years. Each bottle indicates vintage year, barreling date, and bottling date. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon features aromas of vanilla, honey, and toasted nuts. It's light and smooth on the palate, showcasing subtle notes of orange peel, spice cake, and cocoa powder. The finish is medium length and slightly drying with lingering notes of seasoned oak and dark cherry syrup. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as exhibiting 'aromas of caramel apple, orange-pecan creme brûlée, and nutmeg along with flavors of cinnamon, buckwheat, and linden honey. Rich and balanced classic bourbon that is a joy to drink on the rocks or in a classic cocktail.' Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $49 Bottled-in-bond and aged at least 7 years, this expression replaced the previous 6-year-old version. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon features aromas of aged leather, baking spices, nougat, and citrus peel. It's rich and robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of honey, rye spices, toasted marshmallow, and seasoned oak. The finish is long with a candied sweetness and lingering notes of caramel and vanilla fudge. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of peanuts, butterscotch, and dried caramel along with flavors of cinnamon oatmeal, maple, and pecans. Smooth and complex, with nutty and toffee flavors and an intriguing note of buttered sweet corn.' Also scoring Gold medals with a score of 93 points were Overbrook Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Heaven Hill 'Grain To Glass' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Happenstance Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel, Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Evan Williams Black Label Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey also won Gold medals and scored 92 points. Jim Beam Black Aged 7 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, another Gold medalist, scored 90 points. From heritage brands like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig to rising stars like Overbrook and Happenstance, this year's top-scoring bourbons at BevTest reflect a vibrant and evolving American whiskey landscape. 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