Chris OaksW.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – The Original Wheated Bourbon
W.L. Weller Special Reserve is a celebrated bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, renowned for its smooth, wheated profile. This bourbon is often referred to as the “Original Wheated Bourbon,” replacing rye grain with wheat to provide a softer and more delicate flavor. The Special Reserve expression itself is known for its accessibility into the highly sought after Weller lineup. This makes it a favorite among both novice and experienced bourbon enthusiasts. Let’s dive into this Weller Special Reserve review!
The W.L. Weller brand has a rich history, from its bourbon of course, but also for its stamp on bourbon history and other notable figures in the industry. The brand gets its name from William Larue Weller, a whiskey dealer and distiller who lived from 1825 through 1899. During the 1840’s Weller opened a wholesale liquor business in Louisville, KY.
The Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company that is located just south of Louisville is where the original W.L. Weller wheated bourbon originated. The distillery which still stands today in infamous in bourbon lore, and also employed Julian Van Winkle. Yes, the guy also known as Pappy, who also produced a popular wheated bourbon himself. However, “The Original Wheated Bourbon” was the first to utilize wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, which was an unusual distilling practice at the time. Therefore, you will not find high rye products in the W.L. Weller collection.
W.L. Weller Lineup
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W.L. Weller Antique -
W.L. Weller Full Proof -
W.L. Weller Special Reserve -
W.L. Weller 12 Year -
W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. -
W.L. Weller Single Barrel -
William Larue Weller -
Daniel Weller -
Weller Millennium
The Weller lineup consists of 9 products currently, after the recent addition of Weller Millenium in 2024 and Daniel Weller in 2023. The lineup expanded in 2020 with W.L. Weller Single Barrel, in 2019 with W.L. Weller Full Proof, and again in 2018 with W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. which was crowdsourced by fans. Still, W.L. Weller Special Reserve is likely the most common bottle bourbon hunters will see on the shelves of their local liquor stores. It’s also the most inexpensive bottle in the lineup.
Review & Tasting Notes
In our W.L. Weller Special Reserve review, the spirit offers a pleasant and approachable drinking experience with a 90 proof rating. The wheated mash bill provides a distinct smoothness and sweetness, offering a unique style that set them apart from other bourbons. When you nose this bourbon, sweet notes of caramel greet you from the tasting glass. Upon taking your first sip, one can expect a harmonious blend of vanilla, caramel, and mild oak, complemented by a hint of honey and butterscotch.
This bourbon’s well-balanced profile makes it suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as a base for premium cocktails. For the folks chasing this bottle at 2 to 4-times its MSRP price, that last option may sound preposterous. Nonetheless, it’s a versatile and consistently bourbon that I keep in my collection as more of a daily sipper.
Color
Golden amber.
Nose
Aromas of vanilla, caramel, and honey, with a touch of floral notes.
Palate
Soft and smooth with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch, accompanied by a hint of oak.
Finish
Medium length with a gentle, sweet finish.
Barrel
Aged in new, charred American oak barrels.
Release Date & Availability
The W.L. Weller Special Reserve is available year-round, but its popularity can make it challenging to find in some regions. It is distributed through select retailers nationwide.
Proof & ABV
The W.L. Weller Special Reserve is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), offering a balanced strength that appeals to a wide range of bourbon drinkers.
Mash Bill
While the exact mash bill is proprietary, W.L. Weller Special Reserve is known for its wheated recipe, which includes corn, wheat, and malted barley. No rye grain is present in this mash bill. The mash bill is assumed to be 70% corn, 16% wheat and 14% malted barley.
MSRP & Secondary Price
The suggested retail price (MSRP) for the W.L. Weller Special Reserve is $24, but good luck with that. Due to the high demand with any bourbon stamped with the Weller label, secondary market prices can be expected at twice that rate.
Verdict
Now for the verdict in our Weller Special Reserve review! This Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a solid everyday pour that offers excellent value for its MSRP price. Its smooth and sweet profile, combined with its rich history, gives it a place on our shelves. However, the secondary markup and retailers have pushed this bottle into a zone where newcomers gladly overpay, just for the experience, and erode the value everyday pour that once existed years ago.
SPEC SHEETS CSS
AGGREGATE REVIEWS: SO SCORE
Chris Oaks
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