W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

"Almost too soft and easy to drink. A thousand kisses in a glass."
94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

Weller is a “wheated” bourbon, meaning that it doesn’t have the spicy rye notes found in a more traditional “ryed” bourbon. Originally created by the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company, the brand is named after William Larue Weller, a distiller who is credited by some as being the first to use wheat as the secondary grain in bourbon as opposed to the more common rye. The style here is softly spoken on the nose, so give it ample time to open up. Threads of vanilla wafer biscuit, honeycombe and caramel nib weave a silky tapestry across the tongue with a seductively sweet, oily, tea biscuit-like finish where oak adds delicate spice. The overall effect feels elegant, understated. In short, a textural Bourbon that whispers and hints, which for some will make it all the more engaging. If you like wheated styles, put this next on your list. 45% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Once a 7 year old product, W.L. Weller Special Reserve no longer carries an age statement, but the wheated bourbon still brings caramel-forward joy and hints of watermelon and fresh-baked bread. Enjoy the short bursts of crème brulee, praline, honey, Jolly Rancher watermelon candy, and a hint of nutmeg, because it’s not there long. You can see the potential. 82 points - maltadvocate.com, reviewed by: Fred Minnick (Spring 2016)

...The bourbon maintains its abundant sweetness on the palate, delivering a tasty yet classic mix of honey, caramel, vanilla, and light fruit. A very slight amount of oak rounds things out. Spice fails to make an appearance, likely a result of the wheated mashbill and relatively low proof, but in doing so, allows the sweet flavors to really come forth. The resulting experience is a nice one, leaving little to complain about aside from its characteristically gentle delivery. - breakingbourbon.com