Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distilling

Release: 2019

Bourbon: William Larue Weller

Region: Frankfurt, Kentucky

Price: $99.99

Proof: 128.0

Age:  12 years

The Barrel Cellar Score:  97 Points

Review Date: 12/11/2019

About the Bourbon: William Larue Weller back in the 1800’s, developed a bourbon recipe using wheat in the mash bill.  The Weller line of bourbons now include some of the most sought after bourbons produced.  William Larue Weller bourbon, one of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection offerings, is the king of the Weller line up.  It’s nearly impossible to find, and for good reason.  The 2019 release was one of the highest rated bourbons of the year, this is no small feat considering the ever-expanding bourbon market.  I was unable to find a bottle of my own this year, but I did find a bottle at a local watering hole and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a nip.

I recommend picking up a set of  Prestige diamond whiskey glasses.

Color: Caramel

Nose:  Vanilla and fresh (unburnt) pipe tobacco.

Taste: Vanilla, cherry cream, crème brulee (neat).  For the sake of review consistency, I dropped an ice cube in my glass and immediately regretted it.  Not only did the bourbon not need it, it really took away from the overall profile of the spirit.  After doing so, black pepper strengthened on the finish, that’s about it.

Assessment: If heaven was a bourbon this is it.  William Larue Weller is smooth, has a buttery mouthfeel, and a full body that perfectly compliments the flavor profile. There are no rough edges here, and the flavors all complement each other.  Having spent 12 years in the bottle, and being a wheated bourbon, I expected it to be similar to either Weller 12, or Van Winkle Special Reserve.  My expectations were way off.  This bourbon is a large step up from either of those two bourbons (and I find that both of those are fantastic bourbons).  What sets it apart is an orchestra of flavor and texture as well as body.  William Larue Weller is worthy of our highest bourbon rating to date.

Van Winkle Special Reserve bourbon is a truly exceptional bourbon and if you can find it anywhere near MSRP, it’s an absolute must buy.  97 Points.