Wilderness Trail Distillery has released a rare, limited-edition 10-Year Wheated Bourbon to mark the 250th anniversary of the historic Wilderness Road—the trail that helped open Kentucky and the American frontier to westward expansion.

This release stands out for more than just the history behind it. It marks only the second time Wilderness Trail has publicly released a 10-year-old bourbon, and it’s available exclusively at the distillery’s Visitor Center in Danville, Kentucky, starting December 12, 2025.

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A Visitor Center Exclusive with Real Age

The commemorative bourbon is a barrel-proof, small-batch release, made from just three carefully selected barrels. Once those bottles are gone, Wilderness Trail says there are no plans for additional batches.

For a distillery known for its sweet mash process and measured approach to aging, a 10-year release—especially one bottled at barrel proof—is a clear signal that these barrels were held back for a reason.

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A Mash Bill Wilderness Trail Has Never Bottled Before

Adding to the rarity is a mash bill never before released by the distillery:

• 51% corn
• 45% wheat
• 4% malted barley

That unusually high wheat content firmly places this bourbon in wheated territory while still meeting bourbon’s legal requirements. According to the distillery, the recipe was designed to emphasize balance, maturity, and depth—qualities meant to reflect both the long aging process and the legacy of the Wilderness Road itself.

The distillery sits just miles from the original trail, making the historical connection more than just a name on the label.

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Hand-Selected Barrels, A Decade in the Making

Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Pat Heist, along with the Wilderness Trail distilling team, personally selected the three 10-year-old barrels used for this release.

“We intended for this release to embody the same balance, character, and discovery that defined the Wilderness Road itself,” Heist said. “These barrels represent ten years of patience and precision, and this blend has resulted in a bourbon with incredible harmony that showcases deep oak, vivid sweetness, and a finish that lingers.”

Bottled at barrel proof, the final small batch is expected to deliver both intensity and polish—something mature wheated bourbons rarely offer at this age.

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Extremely Limited, No Future Releases Planned

Only a small number of bottles were produced, and Wilderness Trail has confirmed that once this mash bill sells out, it will not be released again. Availability is limited to in-person purchases at the Wilderness Trail Distillery Visitor Center.

For fans of age-stated bourbon and distillery-only releases, this is one that won’t last long.

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What Else Is Coming from Wilderness Trail

The 10-Year Wheated Bourbon follows a recent announcement from the distillery regarding three private barrel releases of its six-year-old expressions: Wheated Bourbon, High Rye Bourbon, and Rye Whiskey. Those releases are expected to see wider availability beginning in January 2026.

While those bottles look ahead, this 10-year release is very much about looking back—honoring both the trail that shaped Kentucky and the whiskey now made near it.

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