Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat Recipe Straight Bourbon (2020 Release)

Samples of the three Kosher whiskeys were provided. This expression is 7 years old, with a mashbill, proof, and age quite similar to Weller Special Reserve, which will serve as a benchmark for comparison. The aroma presents red apples, raisins, a whisper of raspberry, honey, leather, aged oak, and a touch of sweet corn. The taste is sweet, smooth, and slightly viscous, featuring red apple, baking spices, chocolate, mild leather, caramel, and oak. The finish is extended, with a brief burst of raspberry leading into pleasant baking spices that persist alongside red apple, a touch of bitterness, and a subtle hint of leather. The Kosher line has been impressive so far! (I've tried this and the Straight Rye). In contrast, Weller Special Reserve seemed flatter, with a slight alcohol sharpness throughout and a much shorter finish, although it had a richer mouthfeel. For amusement, I also sampled Weller 12 Year Old, and the Kosher remained more intricate and pleasing. I admit I'm among the few who prefer Weller Special Reserve to Weller 12 Year (W12 exhibits more oak-induced bitterness and a very noticeable artificial green apple note that I dislike). Essentially, if you enjoy any of the lower-proof Weller products, acquire this. It seems closer in profile to a proof-reduced Weller Antique 107. After tasting it, I'll begin calling this 'Kosher Weller'.

The Kosher Rye was a pleasant surprise. Weller is consistently a classic. Therefore, the BT Kosher Wheat Recipe shows promise. Let's explore it. Nose: Cherry and vanilla notes blend with Gala apple and cocoa. Hints of brown sugar, marshmallow, and toffee are present, along with orange peel, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and oak. Palate: Flavors of apple/apple cider and black cherry dominate, with a grape undertone. Chewy caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla are noticeable, complemented by dried apricot and orange peel, plus oak. Finish: The cherry, apple, and dried apricot from the palate linger. Brown sugar also remains before cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, clove, and oak take over. The finish has a moderate duration. This earns a 4.25 score, matching the rye. It's a dependable spirit. It clearly shares a lineage with the Weller series. It's superior to Special Reserve and more affordable. At $40, it was a worthwhile purchase. This Kosher line is off to a great start. Next up is the Rye Recipe bourbon to complete the trio.

Aroma: Grainy, with notes of salted roasted nuts, butter, and spices; quite pleasing. Taste: Fuller and richer, featuring dark chocolate, nuts, and sweetness. A good level of heat is present, leading to a medium to long finish where the heat persists on the back of the palate. Overall: Significantly better than Weller Special Reserve and on par with Weller 12, especially with the extra proof points working wonders. It ranks well above Weller Special Reserve and even surpasses Weller 12 for me (again, that extra 4 proof makes a substantial difference). Enthusiasts of wheated bourbon should seek this out. I plan to acquire a couple more bottles for my collection.

This is a good spirit. A friend provided samples of the wheat and rye for comparison. It's bright, flavorful, and somewhat complex. It carries the Weller/Buffalo Trace/Colonel E.H. Taylor mash bill characteristics, which I favor. This expression seems to have more wood spice and less vanilla and honey. It features notes of peach, cinnamon, and clove. It's also less fruity than others in its line, which suits me. The finish has cocoa powder and citrus. Overall, I prefer this over the rye.

The aroma is sweet and creamy, reminiscent of cake batter, with a dusty grain note. The initial taste is sweet bread pudding. The mid-palate reveals smoky floral notes, leading to a finish that resembles sweet herbal tea. I'm very pleased with this serving. It's comparable to the standard Buffalo Trace but offers a bit more sweetness.

Smell - wheat and cherry, a lot of vanilla and ethanol. Palate is heavily wheat-driven. Some spice, but without heat. Lacks depth. Subtle finish, quite fast..all in all, quite good. Only purchased it because it is a new release. Not let down, but not blown away either