If you’re searching for a wheated bourbon review that highlights a genuinely small-batch, farm-to-bottle story, Minglewood Wheated Bourbon out of Wooster, Ohio deserves your attention. This is a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond, single barrel wheated bourbon made at Minglewood Distilling Co & The Ice Plant, aged at least four years. The mashbill runs 75% corn, 20% wheat, and 5% rye, with grains reportedly sourced locally from Wayne County, Ohio. At $65 a bottle, it’s a solid entry point into what this distillery is doing—and honestly, one of the better wheated bourbons I’ve had from a craft producer in a while.
Quick Take
| Profile: Sweet, grain-forward, soft and rounded with vanilla and molasses notes throughout |
| Proof Management: 100 proof bottled-in-bond that drinks cool and easy—heat is nearly a non-factor |
| Standout Feature: The soft, syrupy sweetness paired with genuine grain character makes this incredibly approachable |
| Best For: Bourbon beginners, wheated bourbon fans, and anyone who wants a sipper that works neat or on the rocks |
| Watch Out: Limited to Ohio only—no online retail, so you’ll need to find it on shelf or visit the distillery |
The Story Behind This Pour
This was the first pour in a five-whiskey flight at Minglewood Distilling Co. in Wooster, Ohio, and it set a strong tone for the rest of the tasting. As a wheated bourbon fan already, I went in with high hopes, and this one delivered. There’s something satisfying about tasting a whiskey made entirely on-site, especially when the distillery is transparent about where the grains come from—in this case, all locally grown in Wayne County (at least that’s my understanding from the visit; worth confirming if you stop by yourself).
I didn’t grab a bottle of this one during my visit—I opted for a special USA 250th anniversary bottle instead—but this wheated bourbon is definitely on my list for a future trip back to Wooster, or if I get lucky enough to spot it on a shelf near me.
Production Background
Minglewood Distilling Co. & The Ice Plant operates out of Wooster, Ohio, producing this bottled-in-bond, single barrel wheated bourbon with a 75% corn, 20% wheat, 5% rye mashbill. Bottled-in-bond status means this whiskey meets specific federal requirements: it must be aged at least four years, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and produced at a single distillery in a single distilling season—all boxes this bourbon checks. The single barrel designation means what’s in your glass came from one specific barrel rather than a blend, so expect some bottle-to-bottle variation if you’re comparing notes with a friend who grabbed a different barrel.
Appearance
This bourbon pours a rich amber color with medium legs that cling to the glass before slowly making their way back down—a good early sign of the body and texture to come.
Nose
The nose leads with sweet grain and corn, backed by a distinct molasses note. It’s inviting without being overly complex—exactly what you’d want from a wheated bourbon that’s about to deliver on comfort and approachability.
Tasting Notes
On the palate, this bourbon is sweet and syrupy right out of the gate, with the grain character front and center. The texture is soft and rounded—no sharp edges here—and vanilla notes come through clearly, rounding out the sweetness. The overall flavor profile leans notably sweet with a strong grain-forward backbone, subtle spice, minimal oak influence, and just a touch of nutty complexity. Body is medium, and while it’s not the most complex bourbon you’ll try, the balance here is solid for what it’s going for.
Finish
The finish runs medium length, continuing those soft, sweet flavors and adding a hint of vanilla as it fades. It’s a comfortable, easy finish—nothing lingers too long or gets harsh, which makes sense given how well this bourbon manages its 100-proof strength.
Who Should Buy This
If you’re new to bourbon or specifically curious about wheated bourbons, this is a fantastic introduction. The sweetness and soft texture make it easy to enjoy neat, and it holds up well on the rocks too if you prefer your whiskey slightly diluted and chilled. Wheated bourbon fans will appreciate the grain-forward approach here, and the fact that it’s bottled-in-bond adds some legitimacy and craft cred to the value proposition. This isn’t a whiskey chasing complexity or bold spice—it’s chasing smooth, sweet drinkability, and it succeeds.
Where to Buy
Minglewood Wheated Bourbon is priced around $65 per bottle, based on in-person distillery pricing. This one’s a bit of a hunt: it’s only available in Ohio and isn’t sold through online retailers. If you’re in the Buckeye State, check local liquor stores that carry craft Ohio spirits, or better yet, make the trip to Wooster and pick one up directly from Minglewood Distilling Co. & The Ice Plant. Buying direct from the distillery also means you get the full experience—the tasting room, the story, and probably a good conversation about their grain sourcing.
FAQ
What is wheated bourbon?
Wheated bourbon replaces the typical rye secondary grain with wheat in the mashbill. This swap generally produces a softer, sweeter, and more rounded flavor profile compared to traditional rye-forward bourbons, since wheat lacks the spicy kick that rye contributes.
What does bottled-in-bond mean?
Bottled-in-bond is a legal designation requiring the whiskey to be aged at least four years, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and distilled at a single distillery during a single distilling season. It’s a mark of quality and traceability that predates a lot of modern whiskey marketing.
How much does Minglewood Wheated Bourbon cost?
This bottle runs around $65, which is a fair price point for a bottled-in-bond, single barrel craft bourbon, especially considering it supports a small distillery with an interesting local-grain story.
Where can I buy Minglewood Wheated Bourbon?
Currently, this bourbon is only available in Ohio and isn’t sold through online retailers. Look for it at Ohio liquor stores that carry craft spirits, or visit the Minglewood Distilling Co. & The Ice Plant location in Wooster directly.
Is Minglewood Wheated Bourbon good for beginners?
Absolutely. Despite being 100 proof, this bourbon drinks cool and easy thanks to its soft, sweet profile and lack of aggressive heat or spice. It’s an excellent choice for someone just getting into bourbon, or for wheated bourbon fans looking for an approachable, well-balanced pour.
Final Verdict
Minglewood Wheated Bourbon earned an excellent rating in my book—call it 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is a genuinely enjoyable, soft, sweet, grain-forward wheated bourbon that punches well above its craft-distillery weight class. The bottled-in-bond designation adds legitimacy, the single barrel approach adds character, and the local grain story adds heart. If you’re anywhere near Wooster, Ohio, or you spot this on a shelf somewhere in the Buckeye State, don’t hesitate—this is a bottle worth tracking down.
