William Larue Weller Bourbon (Fall 2022)

I was fortunate to receive a generous 2 oz serving in Maine for $35. I spotted it tucked away on a restaurant shelf and, upon inquiring about the price and knowing I'd likely never own a bottle, I seized the opportunity. One of the finest bourbons I have ever tasted. It's incredibly smooth, and the proof is not apparent at all. It possesses traditional notes but is much more refined than what you'll typically find on the shelf. Its texture is almost buttery or velvety, which elevates it significantly. You rarely encounter such mouthfeel and roundness in other offerings. The bottle commands a price well over $1,000 on the secondary market – quite outrageous, but if I ever found one at a reasonable price or through a trade, I would definitely go for it.

It was definitely enjoyable. Personally, I'd rate it as good, not great. I usually buy spirits rated over 4.0. At 4.25, I'd buy several bottles, but not at the typical price point for this bottle. It cost $40 per ounce, or $80 for a 2-ounce pour. Compared to secondary market prices, this is actually reasonable, as it's currently selling for $1500 to $1600 on the secondary market. At $40 per ounce, that equates to $1000 per bottle. There are no flaws, but it didn't particularly wow me. It was consumed at a lower proof than its stated ~125 proof. Retail is around $100 per bottle. It was nice to try the 2022 version, but I can't justify more than one pour at this price.

The aroma features cherry pie with crust, hints of tannic oak, wheat, and a touch of mint. On the palate, expect chocolate cake, cherries, mint, and a pleasingly tannic oak. There's also a subtle earthy note from the barrel. The finish is long with cherries, spice, and oak. A truly outstanding pour. 94/100

Nose: Immediately sweet, with toffee or caramel followed by the classic Buffalo Trace wheat notes. Becomes leathery towards the end. Palate: Briny, sweet fruit, oak, and then spice. Overall: Incredible. If you have a chance to sample this, don't pass it up.

A perfect example of Buffalo Trace and bourbon at its finest. The balance of proof intensity, wheat sweetness, oak tannins, and Buffalo Trace fruitiness is flawless. This is an ideal spirit. Rating: 10/10 Flavors: Cinnamon, fruit, subtle sweetness.

Aroma - Tomato? Savory meats, Oaky, Leathery, with only slight hints of sweetness. Taste - Bursts of vanilla, cinnamon, peanut brittle, cinnamon, and barrel spice. Finish - The finish is long and full of cinnamon. Incredibly good.