Willett 8 Year Wheated Bourbon

Nose- Very fruity with a hint of caramel and brown sugar. A truly pleasant nose, subtle yet inviting. Palate- Dominated by berries and cream. I detected a touch of honey and a little oak. The texture was smooth and rich. However, this whiskey lacks complexity and, considering its proof, is somewhat underwhelming. It’s decent, but rather unexciting for me. Finish- I notice some flat cola and French vanilla, or perhaps vanilla cookies. The finish is neither long nor warming. Overall- I sampled this alongside a single barrel pour of Weller OWA 107. It didn’t measure up to the Weller, which had a superior finish, a better oak profile, and more complex flavors. Given the price difference, I’d opt for two bottles of Weller 107 every time, and if one of those was a quality single barrel select, I’d buy several. It’s not bad at all, but for me, it's more like an amped-up version of Johnny Drum without the spicier notes.

Smell: Apricot, peach, grape Taste: Vanilla, buttercream, caramel, with a touch of oak End: brief, vanishing swiftly, slightly astringent oak. This bourbon with wheat has a moderate body and delivers the expected mellow sweet notes. A fantastic aroma and a solid taste; the finish could be improved. Nevertheless, a fine representation of the caliber of Willet.

4.35 Quite intriguing. The aroma is full of green apple, bright and sharp on the palate, with a long charred finish. The flavors become more pronounced with chewing and a few drops of water. I understand why opinions are divided (especially considering the cost), but I find it appealing.

Mostly generic bourbon flavors: burnt caramel, cocoa, nougat, and Snickers candy bar. Roughly comparable to Old Weller Antique, perhaps slightly better. At a retail price of $250–300, I would never pay that much. It's nowhere near that price point in terms of quality.

The first taste was unusual. Candy like cinnamon red hots and a finish like old books. Subsequent sips were more engaging and kept me drinking. It’s understandable why opinions on this one are divided. I enjoy it, but it’s definitely not an everyday drink as some suggest.

Sweet and malty on the nose, with no ethanol presence; the wheat is very noticeable. The palate is smooth and balanced, with the sweet wheat flavor coming through strongly. The finish is long and has just the right amount of spice. I genuinely liked this.