Smooth Ambler Big Level Wheated Bourbon

Tasted at Smooth Ambler and bought bottle 85/100 : wheat flavor really comes out, vanilla, oaky, warm

A little over Oaked but buttery. Peppery with a splash of water.

This is the newest, core bottle from Smooth Ambler, out of Maxwelton WV. This is their “wheater” and I believe it is the first SA release that doesn’t use any sourced whiskey from Indiana contract distillery, MGP. This is bottled at 50% and runs a cool $55 at the distillery. I haven’t seen it on shelves here in Virginia, so I’m glad I grabbed a couple of bottles while visiting family a few weeks ago. This bottle was from Batch 19 and is dark amber/copper in the Glencairn. It’s pretty oily and makes some heavy legs in the glass. The nose is pretty uneventful- even after 20-30min: there’s no barrel, no ABV heat and very weak vanilla and/or sweetness. That’s not a good way to start things off. Happily, the palate picks up the proverbial pace with nice, sweet wheat and cinnamon while coming on strong and a bit harsh. That’s odd for a wheater for sure, but after the faint nose it needs a kick in the pants and this delivers. The finish is long and spicy with lots of warming, woody notes while ending somewhat smooth on the tongue and throat. Overall, it’s rough around the edges for a wheat whiskey, but it still delivers where it counts: flavor profile. This one ran a bit on the expensive side at $55 at the distillery. I’m not sure it’s worth that price but I still recommend giving it a try. Maybe find it at a local bar before splurging on a full bottle for yourself. 3.5 stars. Cheers.