Yankee Dist Straight Wheat

Yankee Distillers Straight Wheat Whiskey is a standout example of how soft, grain-forward whiskey can still deliver serious depth and character. Produced in Clifton Park, New York, this small-batch expression comes from a craft distillery recognized for its meticulous approach to distilling and its commitment to working with New York–grown grain. The result is a wheat whiskey that feels both approachable and thoughtfully made, appealing to bourbon fans and adventurous whiskey drinkers alike.

Legally classed as a straight wheat whiskey, this spirit is built on a wheat-dominant mash and matured for at least two years in new American white oak barrels. That time in fresh oak is what transforms the underlying wheat sweetness into more complex flavors, layering in vanilla, caramel, subtle baking spice, and gentle toasted wood. The whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750 ml format, striking a balance between richness and drinkability, there is enough proof to carry flavor in cocktails while remaining smooth enough for relaxed sipping. 

In the glass, you can expect a nose that leans into sweet grain and oak: think fresh wheat bread, light vanilla, and a touch of caramelized sugar. On the palate, the wheat character shows as rounded and silky, with caramel and vanilla notes supported by soft oak tannin and a hint of spice rather than aggressive heat. A medium-length finish carries gentle sweetness and oak, encouraging another sip rather than overwhelming the palate. These flavor cues align with retailer tasting notes that highlight vanilla, caramel, and a smooth, layered profile.

Yankee Distillers Straight Wheat Whiskey is highly adaptable behind the bar. Neat or over a single large cube, it’s an easy sipper for those who prefer a softer profile than rye. Its balance and proof also make it an excellent base for classic cocktails: Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and whiskey sours gain a creamier, less tannic edge when built on wheat whiskey instead of rye or high-rye bourbon.

For enthusiasts seeking an award-winning craft bottle that showcases what wheat can do in American whiskey, this expression from Yankee Distillers is a compelling addition to the shelf.