Super Def Cask Strength Wheat Whiskey Throwdown
Heaven Hill’s Barrel Proof Larceny and Journeyman’s Corset, Whips + Whiskey
This was the first showcase of an American Whiskey produced outside of Kentucky on the show. Our only exposure to Journeyman Distillery was that 18th Street Brewery aged their flagship stout - Hunter in their barrels. The distillery resides in a repurposed corset and whip factory up in Three Oaks, Michigan. Corset, Whips and Whiskey is the barrel proof (118.4) version of their Buggy Whip Wheat Whiskey.
In our limited view this is probably the only 100% wheated whiskey we’ve come across. Hints of plum, apricot and vanilla buttercream instantly make their presence felt with the first sip. Its a unique experience that Is odd reminiscent of brandy. The bouquet is vibrant and dense in a way that doesn’t come off as pefumey. It really is a wonderful surprise.
Named For Treasury Agent, John Fitzgerald Known For Boosting From Rickhouses
My homeboy got the gift of a whiskey of the month club membership one year. He always complained that it was loaded with ‘Yankee Whiskeys’ aged for less than three years and reeked of fuel notes. This Journeyman offering is nothing but good vibes and dispels that whole Yankee version thing. A fresh baked orange glazed roll with spiced butter. It’s a fucking party this thing, man, delightful stuff. Saying something is approachable at such a high proof is ridiculous. But they way this invites you to take another sip is very alluring.
Looking back on the Larceny Barrel Proof B520 is (122.2 Proof, 6-9yr old) blend we both agreed that as complex as it is, you can’t help but notice that something is misplaced. We had an issue with the OG Larceny (92 proof) as a wheat when compared to other brands in that category. You were left you wanting more in part due to the massive aged wood tannin notes in the profile.
Bardstown, Kentucky
The release of Goose Island Bourbon County Wheatwine in 2018 is when this whiskey came into view for us.. That beer aged in Larceny barrels was the breakout hit of the collection and made the source whiskey an immediate must try.
One of the absolute best of the easy to find releases in all of bourbon is Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig. The barrel proof version of that one has an aroma that rivals any whiskey we’ve had all year up to this point. So when the Heaven Hill crew released a barrel proof wheat we thought it had potential to reach the heights of that bourbon experience of Elijah Craig when it wasn’t proofed down. Carrot Cake and orange cream bundt cake come to mind with Larceny BP. Its oddly complex and savory. I gave this the slight edge on the spot recording the show last week.
Three Oaks, Michigan
There’s hints of old leather on both of these. When you consider how annoyingly difficult / expensive wheaters like Old Fitz BIB or any Weller are, you start appreciating these more. Be sure to check out this week’s episode of The Neat Pour Podcast where we take a closer look at this pair. Chalonda crafted the Cocktail of The Week - Low Down and Dirty with Corset, Whips + Whiskey, OJ, Fresh Lime, Lemon Bitters, Sweet Vermouth served over Bourbon Cherries.
Some would argue that the current popularity of whiskey owes a lot to the wheated bourbon category. The words round and approachable are often thrown around when describing whiskeys with the absence of rye in the mash bill. If your looking for alternatives to the category leader - Makers Mark or the fiasco of chasing Pappy and Weller releases, I would take a closer look Journeyman and Heaven Hill. Both interpretations are worth the effort.
—The Neat Pour
122.2 and 118.4 proof