W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

About

W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon is a Wheat whiskey produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The distillery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, and the whiskey is aged for a minimum of seven years. The style of bourbon is characterized by a smooth, mellow flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel.

Appearance:

W.L. Weller Special Reserve is a medium amber color with good clarity and viscosity. There is no sediment or oily residue present. The whiskey has a distinctively sweet nose with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and honey. The flavor is well-balanced, with notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla. The finish is smooth and lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Nose:

The W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon has a rich, complex nose with primary scents of oak and smoke, secondary scents of vanilla and caramel, and a hint of spice. The intensity and balance of the nose are excellent, making this a very enjoyable whiskey to sniff.

Palate:

When nosing W.L. Weller Special Reserve, one is immediately assaulted with a powerful ethanol fumes which quickly dissipate to reveal a caramel and vanilla-rich aroma. Taking a sip, the whiskey is sweet and syrupy on the front palate with flavors of caramel, toffee, and dark fruits like raisins and plums. There is also a pronounced oakiness which gives way to a long, warming finish with just a hint of bitterness.

Mouthfeel:

The W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon has a beautiful, rich amber color. The nose is full of sweet vanilla and oak aromas. On the palate, this whiskey is smooth and creamy with flavors of vanilla, honey, and oak. The finish is long and warming with just a hint of spice. This bourbon has a medium-bodied mouthfeel, making it perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.

Balance:

This bourbon has a great balance of flavors, with a slightly sweet taste, a smooth finish, and just the right amount of alcohol to give it a nice kick. The aromas are also well-balanced, with hints of vanilla, oak, and caramel. The texture is smooth and creamy, making it perfect for sipping. The finish is long and lingering, with a slight warming effect that makes it perfect for enjoying on a cold winter night.

Complexity:

There are many different layers of flavour and aroma present in the W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon, and they do evolve over time. The initial aromas are of corn and oak, with a hint of sweetness. The flavours are of rich caramel and vanilla, with a hint of oakiness. These flavours linger on the palate for some time after tasting.

As the whiskey is allowed to breathe, more subtle flavours become apparent. These include honey, spice, and a slight smokiness. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of caramel and vanilla.

Age and Maturation:

The W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon is a unique whiskey in that it is made with wheat instead of the traditional rye. This gives the bourbon a softer, smoother flavor which is perfect for those who prefer a less spicy spirit. The age and maturation process of the whiskey is important in developing its flavor and aroma. The bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of seven years. This long aging process allows the flavors of the whiskey to really develop and integrate, resulting in a well-rounded and complex spirit. The use of new barrels also imparts some of the wood’s flavor into the whiskey, giving it notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The final product is then bottled at 90 proof, resulting in a smooth and drinkable bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Value for Money:

When it comes to value for money, the W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon is a great option. This whiskey is of high quality and is quite rare, making it a great choice for those looking for a unique spirit. The availability of this whiskey is also good, meaning that you should be able to find it without too much difficulty. When comparing the W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon to other whiskies in the same price range, it is clear that it offers excellent value for money.

Conclusion

To conclude, the W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon is a great whiskey with some notable strengths and weaknesses. On the plus side, it has a great flavor that is both strong and complex, with a nice balance of sweetness and spice. It is also relatively affordable, making it a good option for everyday drinking. However, its high alcohol content means that it is not suitable for everyone, and it may be too strong for some people’s taste. Ultimately, whether or not this whiskey is worth purchasing depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy strong and flavorful bourbon, then the W.L. Weller Special Reserve is definitely worth trying.