Weller Special Reserve

Weller Special Reserve is considered the most “common” of the W.L. Weller lineup, and is one of the three bottles that were, at one time, released on an ongoing basis and commonly seen on liquor store shelves – this also included W.L. Weller Antique 107 and W.L. Weller 12 Year. They were joined by the less common William Larue Weller, which is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and released annually each year. In December 2016 the three ongoing releases underwent a label redesign. The lineup expanded in 2018 with the addition of W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. (short for Craft Your Perfect Bourbon), and then again in 2019 with the addition of W.L. Weller Full Proof [2].

Tasting Notes

Weller Special Reserve has a sweet flavor profile with a nose of honey sweetness and floral citrus, apple, strawberry, vanilla, a thin layer of toasted oak, hay, and cinnamon. The palate is darker with honey, oak, cinnamon, dried grass, citrus, vanilla, and apple. The finish is smooth with a sweet honeysuckle flair [5].

Details

• ABV: 45%
• Age: Non-age stated
• Mashbill: Wheated bourbon mashbill
• Proof: 90 proof
• Size: 750ml
• Origin: Kentucky
• Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Purchase Information

• Original price: $22-30 MSRP
• Current price: Varies by retailer
• Available at most liquor stores and online retailers.

Information

Weller Special Reserve is a solid bourbon, but certainly not one to overpay for. At $24 MSRP it remains underpriced, plain and simple. Don’t misinterpret that though. The bottle isn’t worth the overly-inflated prices many ask for nowadays. Considering the overwhelming number of bourbons with the name “Weller” on the label, it is easy to see how someone just getting acquainted with bourbon could easily confuse one bottle in the lineup for another [2].

Weller Special Reserve has a gentle and floral nose that still reminds me of a less fragrant Van Winkle 12 Year, which is a compliment [2].