Spirits of French Lick The Wheater

A little background

Spirits of French Lick “The Wheater” is bottled at 90 proof and has a retail price of around $50 bucks. It is distilled by Spirits of French Lick in West Baden Springs, Indiana and is a blend of 2 and 7 year bourbons. The 2 year was distilled by the Spirits of French Lick and has as mashbill of 70% corn, 20% wheat, and 10% caramel malt. The 7 year is Merchant bourbon distilled in Wyoming with a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. 60% of the bourbon is Spirits of French Lick bourbon and 40% is Merchant bourbon. The whiskey is double pot distilled and aged in number 2 charred oak barrel.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Straw

Nose

Notes of corn, dough, apple, cinnamon, caramel, and fudge come through on the nose with notes of cherry and fig in the background.

Palate

There is a big chocolate fudge note on the palate accompanied by figs, caramel, allspice, and sweet green apples. The mouthfeel has a low viscosity and does not coat the entire palate.

Finish

This bourbon has a short finish with notes of corn and chocolate fudge. A cinnamon apple note lingers in the background. Overall, the finish is quick and lacks complexity.

In conclusion

This is a unique bourbon that does show some promise. Unfortunately, the flavors were not quite balanced and came across like a puzzle that didn’t really fit together. It’s very corn forward and leaves a lot to be desired, especially on the palate and finish. With all of that said, this product may appeal to a person who really enjoys wheated and/or corn forward bourbons. While this particular blend is not my favorite, I am very excited to see what this distillery produces as it continues to age more of its own product.