W.L. Weller Special Reserve Wheated Bourbon Whiskey – 90 Proof (45% ABV) | 750ml

Smooth, approachable, and distinctly wheated, W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Instead of rye as the traditional secondary grain, Weller uses wheat, contributing to the bourbon's softer and smoother character. Bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) in a 750ml bottle, Weller Special Reserve offers a balanced profile of honey, butterscotch, soft wood, and gentle sweetness, making it an inviting introduction to the Weller family of wheated bourbons.

Key Details

• Spirit Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Style: Wheated Bourbon

• Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery

• Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA

• Secondary Grain: Wheat

• Alcohol Content: 45% ABV (90 Proof)

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Barrel Type: New Charred Oak

• Profile: Smooth • Sweet • Soft • Balanced

Process & Aging

W.L. Weller Special Reserve is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery using a wheated bourbon recipe. While many traditional bourbons use rye as the secondary grain alongside corn, the Weller recipe substitutes wheat for rye.

This distinction is central to the Weller style. Wheat generally contributes a softer profile that allows the bourbon's sweet corn, vanilla, caramel, and oak characteristics to take center stage without the more assertive peppery spice commonly associated with rye.

Following fermentation and distillation, the whiskey is matured in new charred oak barrels, where interaction with the wood develops additional sweetness, color, vanilla, caramelized notes, and oak character.

Weller Special Reserve is bottled at 90 proof, balancing an approachable drinking experience with enough strength to maintain the bourbon's flavor and structure.

Appearance

Burnished copper with warm amber and golden highlights, displaying the rich color developed through maturation in new charred oak.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet and inviting with notes of honey, butterscotch, and soft wood, creating a gentle introduction to the whiskey.

Palate: Smooth and approachable with a sweet flavor profile, supported by caramelized notes, subtle vanilla, and restrained oak.

Finish: Long and smooth with continued sweetness and a gentle wood character that gradually fades from the palate.

What Makes It Special

The defining characteristic of W.L. Weller Special Reserve is its use of wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain in the bourbon recipe.

This approach connects Weller to a long tradition of wheated bourbon production and creates a noticeably softer flavor profile than many rye-recipe bourbons. The absence of rye's more pronounced pepper and spice allows sweeter flavors such as honey, butterscotch, caramel, and vanilla to become more prominent.

Weller Special Reserve serves as the approachable foundation of the broader W.L. Weller lineup, offering drinkers an opportunity to experience Buffalo Trace's wheated bourbon style at 90 proof.

Its combination of historic heritage, wheated mash bill, Buffalo Trace production, and smooth flavor profile has also made Weller Special Reserve a highly recognizable bottle among American bourbon enthusiasts.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy W.L. Weller Special Reserve neat to appreciate its soft, sweet wheated-bourbon character, or serve it over a large ice cube for a cooler and gradually softer drinking experience.

Its approachable profile and 90-proof strength also make it versatile for classic bourbon cocktails. Try it in an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Boulevardier, or Manhattan for a softer and sweeter alternative to a rye-forward whiskey.

For drinkers exploring wheated bourbon for the first time, Weller Special Reserve provides an excellent introduction to the style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content of W.L. Weller Special Reserve?

W.L. Weller Special Reserve is bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof).

Is Weller Special Reserve a wheated bourbon?

Yes. Weller Special Reserve is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Wheat is used as the secondary grain instead of the rye commonly found in traditional bourbon recipes.

Who makes W.L. Weller Special Reserve?

W.L. Weller Special Reserve is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

What does Weller Special Reserve taste like?

The official profile emphasizes honey, butterscotch, and soft wood, with a sweet, smooth palate and a long finish.

Why is Weller called a wheated bourbon?

Bourbon must use at least 51% corn, but producers can choose the other grains used in the mash. Weller uses wheat instead of rye as its secondary flavoring grain, helping create the softer and sweeter character associated with wheated bourbon.

Is Weller Special Reserve aged?

Yes. As a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, Weller Special Reserve is matured in new charred oak barrels. The standard Special Reserve expression does not carry an age statement on the bottle.

What is the difference between Weller Special Reserve and Weller Antique 107?

Weller Special Reserve is bottled at 90 proof and emphasizes a softer, approachable wheated-bourbon profile. Weller Antique 107 is bottled at 107 proof, providing greater concentration, warmth, and intensity while retaining the Weller family's wheated bourbon character.

What size bottle is this?

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of W.L. Weller Special Reserve Wheated Bourbon Whiskey.

Pricing & Availability

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). Available now while supplies last.

Brand Story

The W.L. Weller name honors William Larue Weller, an influential figure in Kentucky whiskey history who began selling whiskey in the 19th century. The Weller name became closely associated with bourbon made using wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain, establishing a style recognized for its softer and smoother character.

Today, W.L. Weller is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Weller family has expanded to include several expressions showcasing the distillery's wheated bourbon recipe at different proofs, ages, and maturation styles.

W.L. Weller Special Reserve serves as the foundation of that lineup. Bottled at 90 proof, its combination of honey, butterscotch, sweetness, and soft wood provides a classic introduction to the distinctive character of Weller wheated bourbon.