Brian’s WL Special Reserve Review:
written on 15-September-2018
WL WELLER SPECIAL RESERVE REVIEW:
This introductory screw-top bottle of Weller is decent for an under $20 USD bottle, but certainly nothing special or complex. Consider having this on hand to introduce bourbon to novice friends before wowing them with better offerings. It is important to note, there are so many better bourbons for just $5-10 USD more (Buffalo Trace, Makers Mark, and Weller Antique 107 to name a few).
WL WELLER SPECIAL RESERVE VITAL STATS:
– Category: Wheated Bourbon
– Region: Kentucky, USA
– Distillery: Buffalo Trace
– Mash Bill: unknown, but likely similar to other Weller releases: Corn: 70%; Wheat: 14-16%; Malted Barley: 16-14%
– Cask: New Charred Oak
– Age: unpublished
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
– Purchase Price: $18.95 USD in Idaho (2018)
https://buffalotracedistillery.com/
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I drank this spirit neat, from a Glencairn glass.
NOSE:
Weller Special Reserve’s vanilla and floral blossom sweetness just covers an alcohol nose. Weller Special Reserve has just enough oak for detection but there is little complexity beyond the initial waft.
PALATE:
Bourbon pepper greets the tongue followed by an undefinable sweet component, which is is ever so subtle. Just a hint of oak is left on the tongue.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
W.L. Special Reserve is certainly a younger sibling in the Weller brand. The auburn and polished mahogany coloured juice is just not quite ready to play with its older brothers, although the mouthfeel is quite oily for an entry level bourbon.
FINISH:
Weller Special Reserve finishes quickly with only a residual pepperiness.
MY RATING: 81/100
Will I seek out this whiskey in the future? No
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
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