Buffalo Trace is one of those distilleries that keeps things interesting. While most people know them for their flagship bourbon and the allocated madness around Pappy Van Winkle, their Kosher series is a genuinely clever release that deserves more attention than it gets. The Wheat-Recipe Kosher Bourbon is exactly what it sounds like — a wheated bourbon produced under rabbinical supervision, bottled at a respectable 47% ABV. And honestly, it's a solid dram that punches well above its price point.
For those unfamiliar, a wheated bourbon swaps out the rye grain in the mashbill for wheat. Where rye adds spice and bite, wheat brings softness, roundness, and a gentler sweetness. Think of it as the difference between a firm handshake and a warm hug. The Kosher designation here means the production was overseen to ensure compliance with kosher dietary law — specific barrels were selected, and the process was supervised from barrel selection through to bottling. It's not a gimmick; it's a genuine point of differentiation in how these barrels were chosen and handled.
At 47% ABV, this sits nicely above the standard 40% floor without being aggressive. That extra proof gives the bourbon more body and presence on the palate without requiring you to add water. It's bottled at a strength that feels intentional rather than arbitrary, and I appreciate that. Too many bourbons at this price hide behind lower proof — this one doesn't.
Being a NAS (no age statement) release, we don't know exactly how long this spent in barrel. But Buffalo Trace has deep enough stocks and enough experience to blend for flavour rather than age. What matters is what ends up in the glass, and the wheat-recipe profile here should deliver that characteristic softness and approachability that wheated bourbons are known for. If you've enjoyed Maker's Mark or W.L. Weller and want to explore another take on the wheated style, this is a natural next step.
Tasting Notes
I'm holding off on specific tasting notes for now — I want to revisit this one properly in a dedicated session. What I can say is that the wheated mashbill and 47% ABV suggest you should expect a bourbon that leans into caramel sweetness, soft vanilla, and gentle baking spice rather than the peppery kick of a high-rye recipe. It's the kind of whiskey that's easy to enjoy without being boring.
The Verdict
At around £40.75, this is genuinely good value. You're getting a well-made wheated bourbon from one of Kentucky's most respected distilleries, bottled at a proof that actually lets you taste what's going on, with the added novelty of the kosher certification. It's not going to change your life, but it's a reliable, well-crafted bourbon that I'd happily keep on my shelf. The wheat recipe gives it a personality distinct from the standard Buffalo Trace, and that alone makes it worth trying. I'm giving it a 7.9 out of 10 — it does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it well.
Best Served
This is a natural Old Fashioned bourbon. The wheated softness means you don't need much sugar to round it out — just a barspoon of rich demerara syrup, two dashes of Angostura, and a wide orange peel expressed over the top. The wheat-recipe sweetness carries beautifully through the dilution from the ice, and at 47% it holds its structure in the cocktail without disappearing. Equally good neat in a Glencairn if you want to sit with it. Either way, don't overthink it — this is a bourbon that rewards straightforward drinking.
