Bourbon Review · Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
William Larue Weller
Uncut, Unfiltered Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon — Annual Release
The Story
William Larue Weller is the wheated answer to George T. Stagg — same annual release, same barrel-proof format, same nearly-impossible-to-find status, but built on wheat instead of rye, which changes everything. Named after the guy who figured out wheat could stand in for rye in a mashbill, WLW comes out softer and richer than its high-rye siblings. It shows up every fall and routinely ends up near the top of everyone's list, and it earns it.
Nose, Palate & Finish
Nose
Soft for the proof — sweet, a little bready, some dried fruit. Doesn't hit you over the head the way Stagg does. More inviting, less intimidating.
Palate
Rich and smooth, with a mouthfeel that doesn't match the proof on the label. The wheat makes it sweeter and gentler than a high-rye bourbon — think butterscotch and dried fruit instead of pepper and spice.
Finish
Long, warm, and gentle. The sweetness lingers well after the sip is done, and it keeps changing the longer you sit with it.