W.L. Weller Original Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey – 97 Proof (48.5% ABV) | 750ml

Distinctive, full-bodied, and individually expressive, W.L. Weller Original Wheated Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey showcases the celebrated Weller wheated bourbon recipe through the character of a single hand-selected barrel. Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and bottled at 48.5% ABV (97 proof) in a 750ml bottle, this special release combines Weller's signature use of wheat with the individuality of single-barrel maturation. Notes of cherry, mint, vanilla, caramel, baking spice, cocoa, cinnamon, coffee, and pepper create a complex bourbon in which no two barrels are quite the same.

Key Details

• Spirit Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Style: Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon

• Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery

• Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA

• Mash: Wheated Mash

• Alcohol Content: 48.5% ABV (97 Proof)

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Barrel Selection: Handpicked Single Barrel

• Profile: Full-Bodied • Fruity • Sweet • Spiced

Process & Aging

W.L. Weller Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery using the Weller family's signature wheated bourbon mash.

While many traditional bourbon recipes use rye as the secondary grain alongside corn, Weller uses wheat in place of rye. This contributes to the softer, smoother character that has become synonymous with the W.L. Weller name.

Following fermentation and distillation, the whiskey is matured in new charred oak barrels. During maturation, the bourbon develops its combination of fruit, vanilla, caramel, spice, cocoa, and oak as it interacts with the charred wood.

What separates this expression from most of the Weller lineup is its single-barrel selection. Buffalo Trace handpicks exceptional individual barrels and bottles them separately rather than combining numerous barrels into a larger batch.

The finished bourbon is presented at 97 proof, providing substantial flavor and body while maintaining the smooth character associated with the Weller wheated mash.

Appearance

Rich amber with warm copper and reddish-gold highlights, displaying the deep color developed through maturation in new charred oak.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Opens with distinctive aromas of cherry and mint, gradually transitioning into soft vanilla.

Palate: Rich and full-bodied with an expressive combination of caramel and baking spices, accompanied by subtle hints of cocoa.

Finish: Long and warming with layers of cinnamon and coffee, followed by a gentle hint of pepper.

Because this is a genuine single-barrel bourbon, subtle differences in aroma, flavor, texture, and intensity can occur between individual barrels.

What Makes It Special

The defining characteristic of W.L. Weller Single Barrel is the individuality created by selecting and bottling one exceptional barrel at a time.

Most bourbons are produced by combining whiskey from multiple barrels, allowing the producer to create a relatively consistent flavor profile from batch to batch. With a single-barrel bourbon, the characteristics of one individual barrel become the finished whiskey.

Each barrel develops somewhat differently during maturation. Its position within the warehouse, temperature fluctuations, interaction with the oak, and other aging conditions can create subtle variations. Buffalo Trace specifically notes that with Weller Single Barrel, no two barrels are quite the same.

This individuality is combined with Weller's historic wheated bourbon recipe, which uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain. The softer wheated foundation provides a distinctive canvas for the cherry, mint, vanilla, caramel, cocoa, baking spice, cinnamon, coffee, and pepper characteristics of each selected barrel.

Bottled at 97 proof, Weller Single Barrel also occupies a unique position within the Weller range, offering more strength than the 90-proof Special Reserve and 12 Year while remaining below the higher-proof Antique 107 and Full Proof expressions.

How to Enjoy

W.L. Weller Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is ideally enjoyed neat, which is also Buffalo Trace's recommended serving method.

Pour the whiskey into a Glencairn-style or traditional whiskey glass and allow it to rest briefly before tasting. This gives the bourbon's cherry, mint, vanilla, caramel, baking spice, and cocoa characteristics time to develop.

A few drops of water can also be added to explore how an individual barrel changes as the proof is slightly reduced.

Because each bottle represents an individually selected barrel, Weller Single Barrel can be particularly interesting to taste alongside another barrel of the same expression, allowing enthusiasts to explore the natural variations created during maturation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content of W.L. Weller Single Barrel?

W.L. Weller Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 48.5% ABV (97 proof).

Is Weller Single Barrel a wheated bourbon?

Yes. Weller Single Barrel uses the W.L. Weller wheated bourbon mash, replacing rye with wheat as the secondary grain. This contributes to the softer and smoother character associated with the Weller family.

Is W.L. Weller Single Barrel actually a single-barrel whiskey?

Yes. Buffalo Trace describes the expression as being handpicked and bottled one exceptional barrel at a time. As a result, subtle flavor variations can occur between different barrels.

Who makes W.L. Weller Single Barrel?

W.L. Weller Single Barrel is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

What does Weller Single Barrel taste like?

The official tasting profile begins with cherry and mint fading into vanilla on the nose. The palate features caramel, baking spices, and cocoa, followed by a finish of cinnamon, coffee, and a hint of pepper.

Why can different bottles of Weller Single Barrel taste slightly different?

Because each release comes from an individual barrel, natural differences developed during maturation can influence the finished whiskey. Buffalo Trace specifically notes that no two barrels are quite the same.

What is the difference between Weller Single Barrel and Weller Special Reserve?

Both use Weller's signature wheated bourbon mash, but they are presented differently. Weller Special Reserve is bottled at 90 proof, while Weller Single Barrel is bottled from individually selected barrels at 97 proof, offering greater strength and natural barrel-to-barrel variation.

What is the difference between Weller Single Barrel and Weller Full Proof?

Weller Single Barrel emphasizes the individuality of an individually selected barrel and is bottled at 97 proof. Weller Full Proof is bottled at 114 proof, matching the proof at which the whiskey originally entered the barrel, and is non-chill filtered.

What size bottle is this?

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of W.L. Weller Original Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey.

Pricing & Availability

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of W.L. Weller Original Wheated Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 97 proof (48.5% ABV). Available now while supplies last.

Brand Story

The W.L. Weller name honors William Larue Weller, born in 1825 and remembered for championing a distinctive bourbon recipe that used wheat in place of rye. The resulting softer and smoother style helped establish the foundation of what Weller today calls the Original Wheated Bourbon.

Today, W.L. Weller is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Weller portfolio explores the historic wheated bourbon style through different proofs, ages, barrel selections, and limited expressions.

W.L. Weller Single Barrel joined the range in 2020 as an annual release created in response to demand for a single-barrel interpretation of Weller's wheated bourbon. Each barrel is individually selected and bottled at 97 proof, allowing the unique characteristics developed during maturation to remain part of the experience.

With its combination of Weller's historic wheated mash, genuine single-barrel selection, and expressive notes of cherry, mint, vanilla, caramel, cocoa, cinnamon, and coffee, W.L. Weller Single Barrel offers a distinctive perspective on one of Kentucky's best-known wheated bourbon traditions.