Weller Special Reserve

Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Age: No Age Statement, probably 6-8 years

Bottled: 2021

Proof: 90

Finish: None

This is the entry level Weller wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace. It's bottled at 90 proof, the same as the Weller Aged 12 Years, but it's significantly younger. It's very close to the proof of the 12 year old Van Winkle bourbon, and it's made from the same mash bill. The Weller Special Reserve is much cheaper and much easier to find, but it still suffers from the Buffalo Trace hype. It's hard to believe that just over a decade ago, this was considered a bottom shelf bourbon by many consumers. After all, it's the lowest quality bourbon in the wheated line at Buffalo Trace. However, that was before the distillery reached a godlike status among bourbon consumers. Does it deserve the hype? Is it really a bottom shelf bourbon? Does the truth lie somewhere in the middle?

Color: Light orange, amber

Body: Medium, slight legs

Nose: Cotton candy, candied pineapple, tropical notes, white chocolate

Palate: Smooth, caramel blondie, buttery, toffee, vanilla, cherry, still pineapple, nutmeg spice, honey

Finish: Medium, caramel blondie lingers

Score: Jack

Song: Blonde Ambition - Tattoo Rodeo

This review is going to create a debate, but it must be taken in context. Is Weller Special Reserve the worst wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace? Yes, it is. Is Weller Special Reserve still a good bourbon? Yes, it is. Is it a daily drinker? Yes, it can be, if you can find it. Is it a bottom shelf bourbon? Absolutely not. It has the typical wheated bourbon profile of caramel, vanilla, toffee and cherry. There is the sweetness of cotton candy, the spiciness of nutmeg, and the uniquely tropical flavor of pineapple. The finish lingers with the sweet taste of baked goods. This bourbon constantly reminds me of a caramel blondie. So, I chose to pair it with Blonde Ambition by Tattoo Rodeo. Weller Special Reserve is a value bourbon. At MSRP, it's an exceptionally good value. You can sip it neat, or you can mix in a cocktail without feeling guilty. If you have to pay internet prices, skip this bourbon and pay the extra money for Weller Antique 107.