Yes, Pappy’s legendary, but it’s far from the only great wheated bourbon out there. In fact, some bottles deliver just as much flavor and finesse for a fraction of the price.
Whether you’re after something easy to find or a special release worth chasing, these six wheat-forward bourbons offer big character, better value, and way less hassle than trying to track down a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Price: $40+ | Availability: Widely available
If you like Maker’s Mark but wish it packed more of a punch, Cask Strength is your answer. You get all the soft sweetness Maker’s is known for, but with added intensity. Think toasted vanilla, toffee, and a warming spice kick. It’s bold but balanced, and remarkably drinkable for a bourbon that often hovers around 55–58% ABV.
Fred Minnick, who knows a thing or two about bourbon, once said Maker’s is “one of the only bourbons that comes even remotely close to Pappy.”
At cask strength, that statement rings especially true. It doesn’t have the same long aging as Van Winkle, but it delivers richness, approachability, and spice in all the right places. And best of all, you can actually find it.
Larceny Barrel Proof
Price: $55+ | Availability: Allocated but findable
Larceny Barrel Proof is Heaven Hill’s wheated offering. Barrel strength, aged 6-8 years, and unapologetically flavour forward. You’re looking at layers of cinnamon, French toast, brown sugar, and oaky sweetness, with a finish that lingers for ages without tipping into bitterness.
It won Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year in 2020 for a reason. Some even argue it outpaces Pappy 15 for sheer flavour intensity. While it’s released in small batches (like A124 or B523), it’s still more accessible than most Van Winkle bottles. If you like your wheaters with attitude and complexity to match, this is a must.
Old Weller Antique 107
Price: $145+ | Availability: Scarce but doable
Weller 107 is often dubbed “baby Pappy,” and for good reason: it’s from the same distillery (Buffalo Trace), uses the same wheated mashbill, and delivers much of the same profile at a younger age and higher proof. Expect bubblegum and orange on the nose, cherry and vanilla sweetness on the palate, and a hot but balanced finish that impresses far beyond its age.
In blind tastings, Weller 107 has beaten Van Winkle expressions. Seriously.
It delivers that signature wheated warmth with a bit more spice, and while you’ll need to hunt or pay up, it’s still within reach for under $150. For many bourbon fans, this is the one that makes you forget about Pappy altogether.
Rebel 10 Year Single Barrel
Price: $100+ | Availability: Limited annual release
Rebel 10 is one of those “if you know, you know” bottles. Each single barrel is different, but all of them offer a 10 year old wheated bourbon at 100 proof, exactly the kind of specs Pappy fans drool over. Expect dark sugar, candied fruit, and old leather on the palate, with a long finish and just enough burn to remind you it means business.
Blind tastings have seen Rebel 10 place above Van Winkle 12 and even Maker’s Cask Strength.
It might not have the same brand recognition, but it brings aged wheated complexity in spades. Less hype, less markup, more bourbon. You love to see it.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged
Price: $160+ | Availability: Highly limited
This is the oldest Maker’s Mark stock ever released, and arguably one of the most Pappy-esque bourbons out there. Cellar Aged blends 11 to 13 year old stocks and finishes them in a cold limestone cellar to intensify flavour.
The bourbon has rich notes of dark chocolate, toasted coconut, caramel, and spice with a velvety mouthfeel and a finish that seems to go on forever.
It’s been called “the best bourbon of 2023,” and not without cause. The older age and thoughtful blending give it the depth and elegance usually reserved for Van Winkle releases. It’s hard to find, yes, but not impossible, and still far cheaper than even the youngest Pappy. If you do spot one, don’t hesitate.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond (Decanter Series)
Price: $129.99 RRP | Availability: Extremely limited
Old Fitz Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series is a biannual release of Heaven Hill’s finest aged wheated bourbon, all bottled at 100 proof and usually aged 9+ years. Each edition is different, but you can expect dessert notes of crème brûlée, baked apple, roasted nuts, alongside classic wheated smoothness and oak depth that rivals any bourbon on the market.
In recent tastings, some editions have outperformed every Pappy in the lineup.
With heritage tracing back to the original Stitzel-Weller days, it’s got the legacy to match. The downside? It’s about as elusive as Van Winkle, but at retail, it’s still within reach price wise. If you ever get the chance, don’t pass it up.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition was named Whiskey of the Year at The Whiskey Wash Awards 2025, amongst many other accolades.
Do You Even Need Pappy?
Let’s be honest: hunting for Pappy Van Winkle is like playing the lottery. But these six wheated bourbons prove you don’t need to win that game to drink well. From cask strength staples like Maker’s and Larceny to special releases like Rebel 10 and Cellar Aged, there are options out there that deliver the same wheat driven depth and sometimes even more character.
So next time you’re tempted to drop four figures on a bottle, maybe pause and ask: ‘am I chasing hype, or just a great pour?’
Because with picks like these, you might already have your answer.
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