Sweet Bourbon: What the Label Has to Mean

Updated May 2026.

“Sweet bourbon” is tasting English, not a TTB class. Bourbon still needs Wheated recipes (wheat instead of rye as the flavoring grain) are often sold as sweeter — that is recipe language. Maker’s Mark flagship prints 90 proof on makersmark.com. Weller Special Reserve is 90 and wheated — allocated, no street. A 1.5-ounce 45% pour is 1.13 drinks. Mash % unpublished. No 2026 ranking.

Related: wheated bourbon, Maker’s Mark line, Weller line.

Taste vs class

Language
Sweet
Wheated
Maker’s Mark
Weller Special Reserve

A 750 mL 45% bottle is about 19 drinks. Four Maker’s pours are about 4.5 drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.

Sources

  • makersmark.com flagship 90 (prior official). BT Weller Special Reserve 90 / wheated official — allocated, no street.
  • TTB 27 CFR 5.143. Mash % unpublished. NIAAA December 2025.
  • Recipe language; still 27 CFR 5.143

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