Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

Nose: Dry Oak and Cedar, Walnut Shells, Vanilla, Straw, Faint hints of Leather. Becomes more Savory and Richer over time. Similar to BBQ Sauce? Neat: A thinner mouthfeel, with light Vanilla sweetness, Walnut, Leather, and Drying Oak. Reminiscent of Pencil Shavings? An easy smooth finish with a mild Kentucky hug. Pencil Shaving and Light Leather linger, coating the palate. With a Splash: Water enhances the upfront Sweetness but introduces Bitterness in the backend. It's better neat. Conclusion: A very good budget bourbon if found at MSRP. It's a noticeable step up from entry-level Wheated bourbons from Heaven Hill and Beam. You can detect the influence of higher-end Weller spirits, though it's subdued. Recently appeared in NC, but I haven't actually seen a bottle, so I opted for a pour while having the best Fish Tacos anywhere at Loco Jo’s. I would definitely buy it again (both the Bourbon and the Tacos). 3.75

I largely agree with my prior assessment (4/23/25). Circumstances are key: My current tasting follows a review of a 2021 Rhys Chardonnay from Santa Cruz Mountains. This contrast highlights the bourbon's distinctiveness, allowing for a clearer understanding of its details. This whiskey emphasizes fruitiness: cherries, concentrated raisins, red grapes, and indeed, that familiar bubble gum essence. Caramel and vanilla notes are also present. The 90 proof still has a disproportionately significant impact on the balance. It's pleasant—too subtle for cocktails, but enjoyable in a casual, unhurried manner. I would purchase it again if found near its retail cost; unlike other offerings from this distillery, there is no justification for paying a premium.

Conducting a side-by-side comparison with Weller Full Proof. I will compare. It seems like the same mash bill and age duration; they will be too similar to justify the price difference. 90 proof vs 114. 👃 Similar on the nose. Just a bit more approachable on the nose at the lower price point. I'm detecting some cinnamon with the wheatiness. 👄 Not particularly exciting. If you like sweet wheat mashbills, this is what I consider the standard. Anything else is 'Like Weller, but...' 🏁 Similar to the full proof, the exhale isn't great, but the lingering taste on the palate is very pleasant. Mostly the same flavors. A hint of greenery.

Haven’t tasted this since my previous assessment (12/28/23). It offers a fruity aroma with notes of cherries, sweet red grapes, vanilla, and a candy-like bubble gum scent. The palate has a light texture. The finish leaves a strong warmth disproportionate to its 90 proof. This is the entry-level offering in the Weller range, lacking the refinement of its older counterparts. It’s too low in proof for mixed drinks and too immature and unbalanced for sipping neat. However, would I purchase it again? At a suitable price, yes, if only to draw comparisons with the other Weller expressions. 3.75 out of 5 stars.

Nose: The expected Buffalo Trace blend of vanilla, cherry, and grape. Palate: Gentle vanilla and a touch of oak which swiftly turns into baking spices. Finish: Brief, as those persistent baking spices vanish as quickly as they appeared. The primary offering in the Weller collection, this bourbon highlights the smoothness of a wheat-heavy mash bill. Though its profile is uncomplicated, it presents as a more sophisticated drink compared to similar options from other distilleries.

I came across this at its suggested retail price, plentiful on the shelf in Bowling Green, KY. Does this signify the end of the bourbon craze? Aroma: caramel, butterscotch, immature, thin Flavor: baking spices, with undertones of cherry Aftertaste: brief Maker's 46 is still considerably superior and less expensive. I'm glad to have acquired a bottle again after roughly seven years. It's been a while, and I certainly haven't missed out on much.