They tend to be a bit softer yes. Some folks describe this as smoother but beware that some high proof wheaters carry heat as well. There tends to be just a touch of sweetness to my taste. The spiciness of the rye is replaced by a touch of sweetness with the wheaters. Weller's is hard to find and Van Winkles are just ridiculous so have a go at Larceny or Maker's Mark. You might also want to try Blenheim Wheat Whiskey. It's not boubon only because it does not contain 51% corn. This one just misses the mark because it contains 51% wheat with corn and barley making up the remaining 49%. Something pretty special happens to the Wheated bourbons when they get north of 12 years old. Some very complex flavors develop and a smooth richness is present even at high proof. WLW is a prime example of this.
For some reason, it is getting easier to find Weller by me (except for 12yr)
I've only had the Makers of those you listed (one glass at that), but I really enjoy LarcenyOK, I just picked this one up to see how it stacks up to other wheaters like Makers 46, Bernheim, Costo/Kirkland 7 year bourbon which I think is private labeled Bernheim... Never had Wellers or any Pappy as they are impossible to find here...
Would love to hear what everyone's favorite wheat bourbon is...
Larceny is both a good pour and a great value IMO.
