The Best Value In Wheated Single Barrels?

Blue Note continues to be, dollar for dollar, some of the best quality whiskey out there, especially when it comes to cask strength single barrel bourbon and rye. It remains one of our most highly recommended brands for anyone looking for exceptional value at a higher proof. In our opinion, a well-selected bottle of Blue Note can easily hold its own against plenty of higher-proof bottles that are far harder to find.

Just last month, we brought in our latest Blue Note High Corn Bourbon and Rye single barrels. Today, we’re back with something new from the brand: Wheated Bourbon.

These two barrels are among only 30 Blue Note Wheated Bourbon single barrels going to market in 2026, and they will be hard to beat for value in the world of cask strength single barrel wheated bourbon.

Distilled in Kentucky and matured just north of downtown Memphis, where the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers meet, these limited-release wheated bourbons are 5-years-old with a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted barley.

Soft winter wheat takes center stage, unfolding layers of ripe peach, apricot, and dark caramel accented by gentle cinnamon spice. Carefully selected to balance creamy sweetness, evolving spice, and oak influence, these two barrels offer a layered and expressive look at the softer, rounder character that has long made wheated bourbon a favorite among enthusiasts.

Blue Note Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon #26220 115.95 proof

The nose is elegantly perfumed, a bit reserved were it not for a soft wildflower honey sweetness leading the way. Grape Pixy Stix and toffee, along with a bit of spiced pecan and fresh wood, continue on.

The palate is buoyant and chewy, with a wave of baking spices on early sips that almost melts into a dense pineapple upside-down cake quality layered with torched citrus peel, brown sugar, and a vanilla sweetness like I'd hope to find from a wheated bourbon at cask strength.

The finish grows a touch drier but also shows the most fruit, ranging from spiced apples and Cherry Pop-Tarts to Sprecher's grape soda, with a wave of peppery spiced melon and sweet oak continuing on.

Blue Note Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon #26159 111.79 proof

The nose on this short barrel is richly aromatic, opening with nougat, ripe plum, orange zest, and a subtle chocolate-covered cherry note. A soft honeyed sweetness develops with time, alongside dark berries and a wave of seasoned oak that gives the aroma a bit more depth.

The palate leads with a musty oak character and a slight medicinal note that quickly settles into a round, honeyed profile. Layers of mixed berries build through mid palate, supported by gentle baking spice and a rich French vanilla sweetness that feels balanced rather than overtly decadent.

The finish is long and notably juicy, carrying berry notes alongside a damp oak quality and steady spice. Spiced apple and candied cashews emerge late, while lingering oak and honeyed sweetness continue through the final moments of the sip.