Mash bill: 75% organic red wheat, 5% caramel wheat, 5% chocolate wheat, and 15% malted barley.

About the product: In the Spring of 2017, we released our second aged whiskey: William Whipple’s Winter Wheat. The name honors William Whipple, the representative from New Hampshire who signed the Declaration of Independence. Only 230 bottles were made available at our distillery.

This particular mash bill is composed of 75% organic red wheat, 5% caramel wheat, 5% chocolate wheat, and 15% malted barley. The chocolate and caramel roasted wheat berries imbue deep, smoky flavor and sweet, bread and molasses notes, respectively. The red wheat, comprising most of the recipe, has a hardy, whole wheat flavor. On the whole, the effect of wheat versus corn or rye is a kind of softness — perfect for a sipper.

Milk and dark chocolate appear immediately on the nose, followed by caramel and dark maple syrup. The charred barrel tannins add a warm, baking spice note on the first sip, and caramel and chocolate settle in the mouth for a medium finish. Any initial sweetness fades quickly due to the lighter mouthfeel, separating this wheat whiskey from more viscous bourbon.