Description
About W.L. Weller Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The Original Wheated Bourbon Whiskey features an exceptionally smooth taste, substituting wheat for rye grain. Bottled at 90 proof, W.L. Weller Special Reserve stands out with its burnt orange color. Its softer flavor notes make this bourbon great for sipping or making cocktails. This special bourbon earned a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and a Silver Medal at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards.
What It Is — Key Facts
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Brand / Distillery: W.L. Weller, made at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, USA.
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Style: Wheated bourbon — instead of rye as the “secondary” grain, it uses wheat, which tends to create a softer, sweeter profile.
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ABV / Proof: 45 % ABV (90 proof)
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Age Statement: NAS (no official age statement). Some releases / labels or older bottles might say “≈ 7 years” on the neck or elsewhere, but generally the bottle itself doesn’t guarantee a specific age.
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Wood / Casks: Aged in new, charred American oak barrels (as required for straight bourbon)
Flavor & Tasting Profile
What people commonly report in nosing, palate, finish — what to expect if you try it.
| Aspect | Notes / Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Nose / Aroma | Sweet caramel, vanilla, butterscotch; honey; a gentle oak woodiness; some floral or soft sweetness (honeysuckle etc.); mild fruit notes (e.g. cherry, orchard fruit in lighter form). |
| Palate / Taste | Smooth and sweet; flavors of caramel, vanilla, light toasted grain/wheat; mild spice (cinnamon, nutmeg) in some versions; touches of fruit or sweet candy / dessert‑like notes; wheat influences lend softness. |
| Finish | Medium‑length; soft wood / oak, lingering caramel & vanilla sweetness; often a warm but gentle finish; not overly sharp or harsh. Some say it’s smooth and mellow with a “sweet honeysuckle flair.” |
Strengths — What Makes It Good
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Softness & Approachability: Being a wheated bourbon means it’s often smoother and gentler than many rye‑bourbons. Good for sipping, and for those newer to bourbon.
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Sweet Dessert‑Like Notes: It tends to deliver pleasing sweet flavors (caramel, vanilla, honey) rather than intense spice or heavy oak. This makes it enjoyable in a relaxed setting.
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Balanced Strength: Its 90 proof is strong enough to give character, but not so strong as to overpower — easier to drink neat or with a drop of water.
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Brand & Heritage: Weller is well‑known; people who like premium bourbons often respect the wheated Weller mash bill (same general family as the more coveted Weller / Pappy lines). If you enjoy other Weller bourbons, Special Reserve can give a taste of that style without the high price (or scarcity) of the rarer bottles.
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