Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel is indeed a wheated bourbon. This means that the mash bill used in its production includes a significant amount of wheat alongside the traditional corn and malted barley.
The use of wheat in the mash bill is what distinguishes wheated bourbons from those that use rye as the secondary grain. While the exact proportions may vary, wheated bourbons typically have a higher percentage of wheat in the mash bill, which can contribute to a softer and smoother flavor profile.
In the case of Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel, the inclusion of wheat adds a unique dimension to the bourbon’s taste. The wheat imparts a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that complements the rich flavors developed during its ten-year maturation period.
Personally, I find that wheated bourbons like Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel can offer a slightly different drinking experience compared to their rye-based counterparts. The wheat character often presents itself as a mellow sweetness that is less spicy and more rounded on the palate. This can make wheated bourbons particularly enjoyable for those who prefer a smoother and more approachable flavor profile.
The aging process of Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel also plays a significant role in shaping its taste. Over the course of ten years in charred oak barrels, the bourbon undergoes a gradual transformation, drawing out flavors from the wood and developing a complexity that can be savored in each sip.
Upon nosing the bourbon, you may detect inviting aromas of vanilla, dark fruits, citrus, and oak. These scents can give you a sense of the depth and richness that awaits in each sip. The combination of the wheat, corn, and malted barley in the mash bill, along with the aging process, results in a harmonious blend of flavors that is unique to each batch of Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel.
To summarize, Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel is a wheated bourbon that combines wheat, corn, and malted barley in its mash bill. The use of wheat contributes to a softer and smoother flavor profile, while the aging process in charred oak barrels adds depth and complexity. The aromas of vanilla, dark fruits, citrus, and oak further enhance the drinking experience, making it a bourbon to be savored and enjoyed.