I find that proof means a lot to the palate. I thried this at appox. 111 proof (my personal unopened bottle is 113 proof) and i enjoyed the extra kick. I feel that wheated bourboun needs something extra to compensate for the lack of rye and that change should lie in proofing. This one is agressive sweet and warth that finishes with a gentle Kentucky hug and off quickly. This is a nice sipper for the Makers fans out there.