Bourbon Review · Weller
W.L. Weller Special Reserve
The Original Wheated Bourbon · 90 Proof
⚑ Placeholder review — tasting notes to be updated after the pour.
The Story
Weller Special Reserve is the entry point to the Weller lineup and, on paper, the most available bottle in the family. In practice, it's been swept up in the same hysteria that's made all things Weller difficult to find at retail. The irony is that before the Pappy craze inflated demand for wheated bourbons, this was just a reliable, affordable everyday pour. It still is — when you can find it at MSRP. Made with the same wheated mashbill as the more expensive Wellers and the Van Winkle lineup, it's a genuinely good bourbon at its intended price.
Nose, Palate & Finish
Nose
Light and approachable — soft caramel, vanilla, a touch of honey, and a faint floral note. Clean and easy without a lot of complexity. The wheat shows in the softness of the nose; there's no rye spice to speak of.
Palate
Medium-light body, sweet, and smooth. Vanilla, caramel, and a gentle oakiness make up the backbone. It's uncomplicated but not unpleasant — this is a bourbon that gets out of the way and lets you enjoy yourself. Works great in cocktails or on the rocks.
Finish
Short to medium, warm and sweet. Nothing stays long enough to be interesting but it exits cleanly. For the price, it's fine.