Redemption Wheated Bourbon 750ML is a 96-proof (48% ABV) wheated bourbon distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and aged a minimum of four years. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a distinction that underscores its exceptionally wheat-heavy mashbill — 45% winter wheat pushes it right to the boundary between bourbon and wheat whiskey.Quick Facts: ABV: 48% (96 Proof) | Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA | Minimum 4 Years Old | Distillery: MGP of IndianaProduction & HeritageRedemption sources this bourbon from MGP's historic Lawrenceburg distillery, a facility with roots stretching back to the 1840s that today produces whiskey for numerous acclaimed brands. The mashbill — 51% corn, 45% winter wheat, and 4% malted barley — is remarkable in the category; most wheated bourbons use less than 20% wheat, while Redemption nearly maxes out the legal limit before the spirit would be classified as a wheat whiskey. Aged for at least four years in new charred American oak barrels, the result is a spirit where the wheat's soft, creamy influence dominates the grain character rather than playing a supporting role.Tasting NotesAroma: Candied ginger and sage greet the nose first, followed by delicate lavender and fragrant fresh pear. Deeper layers reveal vanilla and cedar, giving the bouquet a gentle, almost herbal complexity.Taste: The entry is surprisingly intense — coffee beans and cured meat lead into a mid-palate loaded with toasted nuts and warm cardamom. Black pepper builds gradually, tempered by a cooling hint of mint that speaks to the high wheat content's softening effect.Finish: Fresh-baked bread with a toasted crust carries the close, trailing off with a subtle malty sweetness. The finish is medium-long, smooth in texture, and never harsh despite the 96-proof bottling strength.How to Drink Redemption WheatedNeat with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — it opens up the herbal and baked-bread notes while highlighting the creamy mouthfeel that defines this bourbon. A large ice cube also works well at 96 proof without muting the flavor. For cocktails, try it in a Paper Plane, where the wheat sweetness balances the bitter Amaro; a Bourbon Smash, where the mint and lavender aromatics amplify the muddled herb garnish; or a classic Old Fashioned, where the bread-and-vanilla backbone provides a velvety base that doesn't get buried under bitters and sugar.Best For Wheated bourbon enthusiasts exploring high-wheat mashbill alternatives Gifting a whiskey lover who already owns the usual suspects Side-by-side tastings comparing wheat influence across different mashbills Building cocktails that benefit from a creamy, full-bodied bourbon base Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Redemption Wheated taste like? The dominant profile is creamy and mellow with intense notes of coffee, toasted nuts, and cardamom spice, rounded out by fresh-baked bread on the finish. The extremely high wheat content gives it a smoother, softer character than most bourbons at similar proof.How does Redemption Wheated compare to W.L. Weller Special Reserve? Both are wheated bourbons, but Redemption's 45% wheat mashbill dwarfs Weller Special Reserve's lower wheat proportion, resulting in a noticeably creamier and more grain-forward profile. Redemption also bottles at a higher proof (96 vs. Weller SR's 90), delivering more intensity and flavor density at a typically more accessible retail price.Is Redemption Wheated good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 96-proof strength carries enough body and complexity for neat sipping, while the high wheat content keeps the palate soft and approachable rather than hot or aggressive.Where is Redemption Wheated made? It is distilled at the MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific and respected contract distilleries in American whiskey. Redemption handles blending, proofing, and bottling of the final product.What foods pair well with Redemption Wheated? Smoked brisket complements the cured-meat and pepper notes; aged Gouda echoes the nutty mid-palate; dark chocolate amplifies the coffee-bean intensity; cornbread with honey mirrors the grain sweetness; and mild charcuterie boards align with the bourbon's savory undertones.What sizes does Redemption Wheated come in? The standard bottling is a 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.Is Redemption Wheated worth the price? It positions as a mid-shelf bourbon that punches well above its tier, especially given the Double Gold medal from the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and its unusual 45% wheat mashbill that is difficult to find at any price point.Why Redemption Wheated?The 45% winter wheat mashbill is the single most defining feature of this bourbon — it sits on the extreme edge of the bourbon legal definition, creating a flavor profile that genuinely stands apart from the crowded wheated bourbon category. That distinction earned it a Double Gold at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, competing against thousands of entries. With four-plus years of aging in new charred oak at a robust 96 proof, it delivers both the creamy softness wheat lovers seek and the depth and intensity that keeps experienced drinkers engaged. In a market where popular wheated bourbons have become scarce or overpriced, Redemption's version remains a compelling and readily available option built on one of the most wheat-forward recipes in American whiskey.
