A little background

Wheel Horse Bourbon was developed in a partnership between Latitude Beverage Co. and Owensboro Distilling Company (formerly known as OZ Tyler Distilling). Made from a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, this whiskey is aged for a minimum of 2 years and then gets blended and bottled at 101 proof. Wheel Horse previously released a rye in the Spring of 2020, but this release is their first-ever bourbon. Wheel Horse Bourbon has an MSRP of $31.99 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Burnished Copper

Nose

Butterscotch leaps from the glass, with a sweet corn note layered underneath. After a few moments, apples and candied ginger appear deep in the glass. Mild heat is present, but it dissipates entirely after a few moments.

Palate

The recognizable flavor of Werther’s hard candies touches down followed by a sweet oak, and then a dry nuttiness arises on the back palate. The palate has a thick mouthfeel that coats the entire palate over a few moments with each sip.

Finish

The finish is medium in length and starts with a touch more oak that fades to a nice baking spice note around the corners of the mouth. Toward the end of the finish, a buttery note develops that is really pleasing and seems to complete each sip.

In closing

Wheel Horse Bourbon carries a sweeter profile, and while it’s one flaw is a lack of complexity, every single note that is present is pleasant and well-balanced. From the butterscotch nose to the caramel palate to the buttery finish, everything was textbook for a classic bourbon. If anything, I think a few fruit notes could have balanced this pour a touch more, but I’m not upset with that. At about $30, when I want a caramel bomb to sip on this is the bottle I’ll be grabbing.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Wheel Horse Bourbon. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.