Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:50 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Woodford Reserve Malt vs Woodford Reserve Wheat in this in-depth comparison and decide which whiskey is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Woodford Reserve Malt vs Woodford Reserve Wheat: Comparison
Woodford Malt: A malt-rich whiskey with a palate of malt, chocolate, and vanilla, leading to a warm finish of oak and spice. Offers a smooth, sweet experience.
Woodford Wheat: Features a unique wheat-driven profile with notes of cherry, bread, and brown sugar, finishing dry with cinnamon and apple.
Verdict: Both Woodford Malt and Woodford Wheat provide distinct tasting experiences that cater to different preferences. The Malt delivers a creamy and sweet journey, ideal for those who enjoy the richness of malted barley. The Wheat offers a creamy texture with a dry finish, appealing to those seeking a wheat-forward flavor, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Old Forester Selections
Woodford Malt: Sweet & Smooth, But is it Bourbon?
- Nose: Molasses, chocolate, malt
- Palate: Malt, chocolate, vanilla, brown sugar, dark fruit
- Finish: Oak, spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Woodford Reserve Rye
Chocolate & Malt Kiss: Woodford Malt opens with a gentle whisper of molasses and chocolate, hinting at the malty magic within.
Creamy & Sweet Delight: Take a sip and savor the smooth, somewhat creamy texture that caresses your palate. Rich malt takes center stage, joined by a chorus of vanilla, chocolate, brown sugar, and dark fruit notes.
Warm But Balanced Finish: The aftertaste lingers with a pleasant touch of oak and spice, leaving a comfortable warmth that’s never aggressive.
Whiskey, Not Bourbon: Remember, this isn’t bourbon since it has less than 51% corn in its mash bill. But that doesn’t diminish its charm!
Pleasant Sip, Not a Masterpiece: Expect a smooth, sweet, and enjoyable experience, although complexity might not be its forte. It’s a great “sometimes sip” for malt lovers.
Warmth to Consider: While the finish isn’t fiery, it does leave a touch of warmth. If you prefer your drinks ice-cold, this might not be your perfect match.
Woodford Malt Facts:
- Mash bill: 51% malted barley, 47% corn, 2% rye
- No age statement
- Crafted at Woodford Reserve Distillery (National Register of Historic Places!)
Remember: Taste is subjective! Explore and see if Woodford Malt’s sweet maltiness and gentle warmth fit your drinking preferences.
Woodford Wheat: Wheaty Wonder or Dry Departure?
- Nose: Oak, bread, cinnamon, apple
- Palate: Cherry, bread, brown sugar, baking spice, oak
- Finish: Cinnamon, apple, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Weller Special Reserve
Warm Oak & Subtle Spices: Woodford Wheat opens with the familiar oaky embrace of Woodford Reserve, but whispers of warm bread and cinnamon-kissed apples hint at something different.
Creamy & Sweet On The Palate: Take a sip and discover a luxurious texture that coats your tongue. Cherry, brioche bread, and brown sugar dance on the taste buds, dusted with gentle baking spices and a touch of oak.
Dry Finish, Lingering Notes: Unlike some wheated bourbons, the finish dries out instead of lingering warmly. While cinnamon, apple, and oak linger, the overall experience leans towards dryness.
Wheaty Twist, Consider the Appeal: This 52% wheat mash bill sets it apart from its wheated bourbon cousins, offering a distinctive bread-like character. But it’s not a radical revolution – expect a familiar Woodford base with a unique twist.
A Note on Dryness: If you prefer a lingering warmth in your finish, this dryness might not be your preference. Consider it a unique aspect to contemplate during your buying decision.
Woodford Wheat Facts:
- Mash bill: 52% wheat, 20% malt, 20% corn, 8% rye
- No age statement
- Owned by Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, etc.)
Remember: Taste is subjective! Experiment and see if Woodford Wheat’s wheaty charm or dry finish resonate with you.
The difference in mash bills
This chart illustrates how the mash bills are comprised:
| Whiskey | Malted Barley | Wheat | Rye | Corn |
| Woodford Reserve Malt | 51% | – | 2% | 47% |
| Woodford Reserve Wheat | 20% | 52% | 8% | 20% |
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Woodford Reserve Malt | $40 |
| Woodford Reserve Wheat | $39 |