William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 2009 Release
134.8 Proof
Price Point: $55 – $65 for 750 ML
Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Background
If you’re keeping up with my blog, you’ll notice that the past three weeks’ reviews have been from Sazerac’s Antique Collection. I have reviewed George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old, and Thomas H. Handy. Today I’m reviewing William Larue Weller, an uncut/unfiltered bourbon named for a pioneer of bourbon distillation (replacing wheat for rye in the mash bill).
Admittedly I’m a sucker for wheated whiskeys, with some of my favorites being Bernheim Original (which is not a bourbon) and Maker’s Mark. Weller is definitely in a league of its own both because of its proof and its flavor.
Review
The nose is smooth, bold, and captivating. Cinnamon and maple syrup are probably the most discernible.
The first sip is shocking! When you’re nosing this whiskey, it seems very inviting. When you sip this whiskey, it pushes you back a little bit and reminds you that it’s 67.4% alcohol! Once you become accustomed to the burn, you’ll pick up a sugar-filled flavor which is absolutely influenced by the presence of wheat in the ingredients mix.
The aftertaste is long and spicy.
Rating & Recommendations
William Larue Weller is a wonderful whiskey; a wheated bourbon with plenty of character and flavor earning a score of 87 out of 100.
Do yourself a favor and add a splash of water to this stuff. No need to drink it neat, but don’t freeze it by putting ice in it.
Next week will be my final Antique Collection review; Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye.
-Ryan
2 pings
[…] whiskeys sold around October/November every year. The collection includes Eagle Rare 17 Year Old, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Rye, Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye, and George T. Stagg. These whiskeys are […]
[…] a year ago, I reviewed William Larue Weller Bourbon, one of the coveted whiskeys from Sazerac’s Antique Collection. This was a wheated bourbon […]