William Larue Weller Bourbon (Fall 2019)

A comparison of George T. Stagg (2019) and William Larue Weller (2019), both from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. These bourbons are highly sought-after and were acquired out of state during a bourbon hunt. The Stagg was found alone, while the WLW was part of a set that the seller refused to split. The lot, which included several Weller expressions, was purchased for a significant sum, but in retrospect, it was a good deal compared to current secondary market prices for just the WLW. George T. Stagg, with a mashbill of corn, rye, and malted barley, aged 15 years and 3 months at 116.9 proof, presents a dark mahogany hue. Its aroma features pipe tobacco, cedar, oatmeal raisin cookie, bergamot, vanilla, and a cool mint. A subsequent tasting revealed more caramel and rye notes. The palate offers a mild warmth, notes of barrel char and leather, followed by pepper, oak, and vanilla on the extended finish. It's perceived as slightly woodier than the WLW due to its age, but in a pleasing manner. An excellent pour, scoring 4.75. William Larue Weller, made with a mashbill of corn, wheat, and malted barley, was aged 12 years and 6 months and bottled at 128.0 proof. Its appearance is a dark mahogany, similar to the Stagg. The complex nose suggests carrot cake, luxardo cherries, honey, pomander, and even barbecue sauce. The palate is rich and coating, with the high proof making its presence known in a smooth, integrated way. The lengthy finish is marked by oaky vanilla. It is remarkably smooth for its proof, setting a high standard for other bourbons. A perfect score of 5.0. Both GTS and WLW are exceptionally crafted, premium bourbons that represent genuine quality without pretense. The Stagg is more robust and leathery, while the WLW is smoother and more elegant. They are both outstanding examples of their kind, akin to seasoned performers in their respective fields.

So this is the bourbon I've been searching for. Years ago, I contacted the distillery's shop. Though I received no immediate response, I left a message inquiring about the types of bourbon they might have. Later that afternoon, I received a call! The person on the other end was pleasant and spoke softly. We spoke for about twenty minutes about Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, and Weller Special Reserve, discussing their differences and availability at the shop. He explained the mash bills and flavor profiles. I mentioned Pappy, and he chuckled. Then, he shared his personal favorite single bottle, which profoundly shifted my perspective on bourbon. This particular spirit is the pinnacle of the Weller line. It's aged longer and is more concentrated, sadly making it quite scarce. I genuinely questioned its existence until tonight. Compared to Weller Antique, it offers more fruit and wood. Versus Weller Full Proof, it presents older, earthier, and more aged oak notes. It's like comparing a fresh grape to a dried raisin. The nose is possibly one of the finest I've encountered. It exhibits vanilla frosting, dusty cherries, aged oak, brown sugar, bananas foster, tobacco, warmth, chestnut, and coconut. There might be more notes, but this covers the main ones. Remarkable. The palate starts with smooth vanilla frosting, followed by building warmth (unlike the harshness of another spirit), clove, allspice, furniture polish, fig, dried cherries, ginger, oak, and chestnut. The finish is long, with hints of allspice, clove, polish, and tobacco. More tobacco and vanilla frosting, brown sugar, and dried cherries emerge as the finish persists. I can discern its connection to OWA or Weller Full Proof (which I find to be a weaker 114 proof). Weller Special Reserve and 12 Year are vastly different, seemingly diluted and lacking in complexity. Is this my ultimate find? It might be my favorite product from the distillery due to its strong tobacco and earthy notes, rich sweetness, and balanced oak. However, I can't definitively say I haven't had anything better. What I can say is that tonight, shared with friends in early autumn as barrels are being released and whiskey is prepared for its annual journey from Kentucky, this feels exceptional. Perhaps if I'm fortunate, another will find its way to me someday. Until then, there are many outstanding spirits to enjoy. Cheers to everyone, and thank you to those following along and sharing, for enriching this collective experience!

This was served blind in a glen avon glass by my wife, with no indication of its identity. On the nose, I was pleasantly surprised by a chocolate creme brulee, with notes of caramel, sugary wheat, and hints of barrel char on toasted oak. As soon as the whiskey touched my tongue, a quick note of spicy cinnamon gave way to a softer, sweeter profile of raspberries and thick cream. Oh, how I adore this taste in a whiskey; it's hard to come by. As the palate developed, notes of buttery vanilla, caramel, and tobacco emerged. After swallowing, the finish is very viscous and pleasant with oak, sweetened crisped wheat, and a touch more cinnamon. Whatever this was, I was captivated. I wanted more and thought, this is one of the finest bourbons I've ever experienced. I was pleased to learn it was the special 2019 WLW.

Revisiting... Enjoying a full 4 oz Boston Round that was stored well and filled to the brim when first opened. Originally rated 4/0, but I must say it's at least a 4.25/5. Normally, a 4.0 or higher rating means I would purchase a bottle, possibly a backup. 4.25 definitely warrants a purchase, with a backup likely and multiple backups possible. 4.5 and 4.75 would be more of the same, with an even greater appreciation. 5.0 - I'm not sure if I've ever rated anything a 5/5, but if so, everything was incredibly delicious... truly flawless. With the price of WLW reaching $2K on the secondary market earlier this year, prices have since decreased. However, it remains too difficult to find at or near retail, and there are many other bottles that are just as good and can be found at or around retail... WLW is a treat, and while I'm enjoying sipping it on Christmas Day 2022, I'm not actively seeking it. CHEERS

Bright copper/amber hue. Aroma of bright berries, possibly raspberry or strawberry. A truly wonderful scent. Berry notes are present in the flavor again. I keep distinguishing between raspberry and strawberry, and as I continue sipping, strawberry with a hint of cinnamon becomes more prominent. Oak is noticeable but remains in the background, providing depth. The alcohol is present but offers a warming sensation rather than harshness. Notes of brown sugar melted in butter appear. I detected marzipan twice. The final sips offered a wonderful strawberry preserve flavor. A substantial warmth lingers on the finish. A very pleasant conclusion. It's just slightly behind another highly-rated bourbon for me, but still excellent. (I prefer it over any Pappy I've sampled).

Classic aroma for this spirit, striking a perfect balance of sweetness, vanilla, and other robust, unfiltered qualities. There's no indication of its high proof. Palate Leaves long trails. Oak notes. More sweetness. The wheated recipe provides a soft texture, yet offers substantial mouthfeel. This spirit's complexity and flavors are far more pronounced than other wheated options from the same distillery. Finish Lingering with some spice. Caramel. Black pepper. Truly a special experience.