There’s a wide range of whiskeys made across the United States, from rye and corn whiskey to wheat and Tennessee whiskey. But the most American whiskey of all is certainly bourbon. In order to be called “bourbon,” it must be made from 51% corn, aged in new oak barrels and every step of the process—mashing, distilling and aging—must be completed within U.S. borders. You May Also Like: The Best Bourbons of 2023 Those standards are stringent, but that doesn’t mean all bourbons are the same. The category still offers plenty of diversity, with producers experimenting at every step of the production process. Some opt to distill their whiskey in column stills for a lighter spirit, while others prefer to create richer spirits from pot stills. Some “proof” the whiskey with the addition of water to ensure it’s not higher than the mandated maximum of 125 proof (62.5% abv) when put into the barrel, while others keep their spirit at “cask strength.” One of the biggest differences amongst bourbons—and most significant in terms of flavor profile—is the mash bill. The remaining 49% (outside the 51% corn already mentioned) can include a wide range of other grains, such as rye, buckwheat, barley and wheat. In the shop Wine Enthusiast Three-In-One Stacking Decanter & Whiskey Glasses Set In Stock | $19.99 Shop Now Those with a remaining mash bill that includes wheat are known as “wheated bourbons” and have become increasingly popular over recent years, says Wine Enthusiast’s resident spirits reviewer Kara Newman. “Based on anecdotal evidence, wheated bourbons are on the upswing, but since they're not an official category, it's hard to track,” Newman says. “The most famous wheated bourbon on the market is Pappy Van Winkle. Other well-known wheaters include Maker's Mark, Larceny and Old Fitzgerald.” You May Also Like: The Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey, Explained There are no hard and fast rules as to how much wheat a “wheated bourbon” should contain. The term just means that wheat must be included in that other 49% of the mash bill, though “most ‘wheaters’ contain a fair amount,” Newman says. This “adds a soft sweetness to bourbon, a flavor some liken to cookie dough.” No wonder these bottles are so in demand. From splurge-worthy selections and budget picks to small-batch bottles and those with the most extreme wheat content, here are the best wheated bourbons to try right now. Best Budget: Nine Banded Wheated Bourbon Best Splurge: Maker's Mark Cellar Aged Best Cask Strength: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Best Bottled-in-Bond: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Most Wheat-Heavy: Old Elk Wheated Bourbon At 45% wheat content, you can’t go much higher and still call it bourbon—49% is the absolute uppermost limit. Best Small Batch: Castle & Key Small Batch Wheated Bourbon 2022 Batch #1 Most Meta: Gunnar's Wheated Bourbon Best for Cocktails: Redemption Wheated Bourbon In the shop Hyde Unbreakable Old Fashioned Glass In Stock | $36 Shop Now