Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Breuckelen Distilling. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Breuckelen Distilling, located in Brooklyn, has sourced New York State-grown grain and has distilled, aged, and bottled their spirits on-site since 2010. A neighborhood establishment, the folks at Breuckelen Distilling offer well-crafted spirits including several whiskey variations and a gin option.
77 Whiskey is the distillery’s newer line of whiskey, so named after the street the company is located. My tasting today was of 77 Whiskey Wheated Bourbon, an expression that really screams craft distilling. While classic bourbon is legally required to be made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn with the remaining blend including rye and barley, wheated bourbon swaps the rye for wheat. This results in a softer, slightly sweeter whiskey.
Rye is the commonly used grain in more classic bourbons, offering the spicy notes inherent to the flavor profile and nice bite in the finish of many bourbons. Wheat is less flavorful than rye, and so wheated bourbons will see more of the sweetness of the corn take center stage. Wheat is also thought to retain flavor over extreme aging, though I’m not sure that’s something that a craft distillery is strongly focused on.
It’s a matter of preference as to whether a person who loves a good bourbon will like this change, as the 77 Whiskey Wheated Bourbon is certainly softer than most bourbons. But for my purposes, I found it a nice change to what I’ve tasted in a lot of newer brands. With this expression, Breuckelen Distilling is competing with well-known brands that feature wheated bourbons, such as Maker’s Mark and Pappy Van Winkle, but for the price point and taste, they’re holding their own.
The 77 Whiskey Wheated Bourbon is double pot distilled and aged eifht years. Founder and CEO of Breuckelen Distilling, Brad Estabrooke, decided early on in the creation of the distillery that he would “start from scratch, and that everything would be made from New York grains… if we use New York grains, Brooklyn water and age it here, it automatically has character.” And I can attest to the fact that this whiskey has a lot of character. It’s pleasant and mellow, with an intriguing flavor profile that offers a new take on classic flavors.
Tasting Notes: 77 Whiskey Wheated Bourbon
Vital Stats: Distilled from a sour mash – 60% corn, 20% wheat, 20% malted barley. Aged eight years in a 53-gallon barrel. 50% ABV (100 Proof). Brooklyn, New York.
Appearance: Medium viscosity with an alluring, dark fiery red color.
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Nose: At first the whiskey had a very meaty scent. After it opened up there was a fruitier note, with dried fig, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Palate: Compared to the appearance, and other bourbons, this is a thinner tasting whiskey. Elements of dried fruit, cola, and cherry are strong on the palate, with a smooth and sweet finish rounding it all out.
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