Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond is a 6-year wheated bourbon bottled at 100 proof that comes with something you don’t see every day: a detailed breakdown of which rickhouse floors contributed to the blend. With a mashbill of 73% corn, 15% red wheat, and 12% barley, this bottled-in-bond expression promises the soft, sweet character wheat typically brings to bourbon.

Quick Take

The Rickhouse Story

What makes this bottle fascinating isn’t just the whiskey inside, but the story on the label. The distillery provides a complete breakdown of which rickhouse floors contributed to this blend: 7% from the 1st floor, 12% from the 2nd, 15% from the 3rd, 10% from the 4th, 18% from the 5th, and a whopping 40% from the 6th floor. This kind of transparency is rare in the bourbon world, and it tells a story about why this whiskey drinks the way it does.

The heavy reliance on upper floor barrels (58% from floors 5 and 6) explains a lot about the character here. Upper floors in rickhouses experience more temperature variation and generally produce more intense, oak-forward whiskey compared to the mellower barrels stored closer to ground level.

Appearance and Color

This bourbon pours a deep amber that catches the light beautifully. The legs are slow, heavy, and fat—exactly what you want to see in a well-aged whiskey. There’s real substance here that suggests good barrel interaction and proper maturation.

Nose

The nose opens with classic bourbon notes of caramel and vanilla, but there’s more complexity lurking underneath. Dark fruits emerge, particularly cherry, along with rich toffee notes. It’s an inviting aroma that suggests the kind of sweet, complex wheated bourbon experience many enthusiasts chase. The nose definitely sets high expectations for what’s to come.

Tasting Notes

Here’s where things get interesting—and where first impressions can be deceiving. The initial sip delivers something unexpected: prominent chocolate and orange flavors that taste remarkably like a chocolate orange candy. It’s a unique profile that doesn’t immediately scream “wheated bourbon.” The sweet notes are there, but they’re accompanied by a more assertive oak presence than anticipated.

The texture is sharper and warmer than expected from a wheated bourbon, likely influenced by that heavy percentage of upper-floor barrels. Where you might expect the soft, pillowy mouthfeel that red wheat typically provides, there’s more bite and structure here.

The Evolution Factor

Patience pays off with this whiskey. After letting it sit in the glass for a while, more expected wheated bourbon characteristics begin to emerge. The initial aggressive oak settles down, and the sweet, honeyed notes that the mashbill promises start to show through. It’s a reminder that some whiskeys need time to open up, especially when they’re fresh from a newly opened bottle.

Finish

The finish is medium to long, dominated by oak and warming cinnamon spice. It’s a satisfying conclusion that reinforces the influence of those upper-floor barrels, leaving you with a warm, spicy fade that invites another sip.

Who Should Buy This

This whiskey is perfect for bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate transparency and unique bottling information. The detailed rickhouse breakdown makes it a conversation starter and a learning opportunity. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy wheated bourbons but want something with more structure and oak influence than typical soft wheat expressions.

However, if you’re seeking the classic pillowy, honey-sweet wheated bourbon experience, this might not hit those notes immediately. It requires patience and an open mind about how rickhouse placement can influence flavor.

Where to Buy

I picked this ottle up at an OHLQ liquor store in central Ohio for $60. Check your regular haunts if you’re interested in giving this one a try and expect to pay in the $60-$70 range. The Holladay Distilling website (link in our distillery directory) had links to help you find it in store or order online.

FAQ

What does “bottled in bond” mean?
Bottled in bond is a designation that requires the whiskey to be the product of one distillation season, from one distillery, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. It’s a mark of quality and authenticity.

How does red wheat differ from regular wheat in bourbon?
Red wheat tends to contribute slightly different flavors compared to soft white wheat. It can add more complex, sometimes nuttier notes while still providing the smoothness wheat is known for in bourbon mashbills.

Why do upper rickhouse floors produce different flavors?
Upper floors in rickhouses experience greater temperature fluctuations, which accelerates barrel interaction. This typically results in more intense oak flavors, higher tannins, and more concentrated character compared to barrels aged on lower, more stable floors.

Should I let this whiskey breathe before drinking?
Absolutely. This whiskey benefits significantly from time in the glass. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes after pouring to allow the more aggressive notes to settle and the wheated character to emerge.

Is 100 proof too strong for wheated bourbon newcomers?
At 100 proof, this drinks warmer than many wheated bourbons. Newcomers might want to add a splash of water or try lower-proof wheated expressions first, though the bottled-in-bond strength does help carry the flavors effectively.

Final Verdict

Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond is a fascinating study in how rickhouse placement influences flavor. While the initial pour might surprise those expecting a typical soft wheated bourbon, patience reveals a complex, well-crafted whiskey with unique character. The transparency about barrel placement is commendable and adds educational value to the drinking experience. Though it may not immediately deliver on wheated bourbon expectations, it offers something more interesting: a lesson in how distillation craft and aging environment shape flavor. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars