Bourbon in Bond: William Dalton’s Wheated Wonder?
n this third episode of Pour Decisions Wednesday, we pour one out for Indiana’s heritage distilling with a lesser-known wheated bourbon that’s been turning quiet heads in craft whiskey circles: William Dalton Bottled in Bond Wheated Bourbon from Spirits of French Lick.
Forget the mass-produced mash bills and corporate-age statements—this is bourbon the old-school way: grain-to-glass, pot-stilled, and made with locally sourced ingredients. At 100 proof and over four years old, this craft wheater pays tribute to William Dalton, an early Indiana distiller whose legacy lives on in this small-batch bottle.
🧬 What Makes It Special?
William Dalton Wheated Bourbon is Bottled in Bond, meaning it:
Is distilled in one distillation season
Aged at least four years
Bottled at exactly 100 proof
Produced by one distiller at one location under U.S. government supervision
Spirits of French Lick doesn’t just check those boxes—they embrace the heritage. This bourbon reflects their mission to revive classic distilling practices with an experimental edge.
🥃 What’s in the Glass?
Heather and B take you through a full tasting and review, pulling notes of:
Nose: Toasted marshmallow, soft vanilla, and caramelized toffee
Palate: Honey-drizzled biscuit, vanilla custard, and butterscotch with a pillowy texture
Finish: Gentle oak, a hint of cocoa, and that signature wheated warmth that lingers without burn
If you’re used to high-rye bottled in bond bourbons, this one shifts the experience—it’s smoother, softer, but still packed with complexity.
🎙️ Why It Matters
This episode also explores:
The historical meaning behind Bottled in Bond
The difference between wheated and rye-forward bonded bourbons
The grain-to-glass philosophy behind Spirits of French Lick
Real-time reactions, laughs, and yes—a little chaos from your favorite midweek bourbon crew
If you’ve been sleeping on Indiana bourbon, this episode will wake you up. And if you already know Spirits of French Lick, you’ll appreciate the shout-out to a distillery that’s quietly putting out some of the country’s most authentic craft whiskey.
🍿 Final Verdict
Can a little-known wheated bottled in bond bourbon from Indiana hang with the big boys?
You’ll have to watch and see—but spoiler alert: this pour punches way above its weight.
📺 Watch the Full Review
Grab a Glencairn, kick back, and join us for another Pour Decisions Wednesday
