Rare Saint Wheated Bourbon
Country: United States
Region: Indiana
Type: Straight Bourbon
Bottler: Rare Saint Spirits
ABV: 61.5%
Score: 92 Points
When it comes to wheated bourbons, I always seem to find one standout note right away—cherry. And Rare Saint Wheated Bourbon is no exception. Right from the nose, that bold cherry note jumps out, making it immediately recognizable as a wheated bourbon for me. But it doesn’t stop there. As I sit with it, a sweet oak character starts to emerge, followed by a rich caramel layer. Nothing about this nose is off-putting; in fact, it’s one I could spend time with just exploring all the subtle shifts in aroma.
On the palate, everything from the nose carries through—red fruit, creaminess, and that signature cherry note, now with a little cinnamon spice joining the mix. At 61.5% ABV, this one drinks its proof, meaning it’s not the most approachable pour for a beginner if taken neat. But if you love high-proof bourbons, this one should be right up your alley. There’s a dessert-like sweetness here, and with a few drops of water, it transforms into something that reminds me of cherry pie. The finish is long, with the spice fading out and a lingering sweetness that keeps pulling me back for another sip. It’s not the most complex bourbon, but the depth is undeniable, and the flavors that are present are done incredibly well. Out of the three Rare Saint releases I’ve tried—the rye mash bill, the wheat mash bill, and the rye whiskey—this one stands out as the best for me. I’m giving it 92 points, and I’m excited to see where Rare Saint goes from here.
