Weller Special Reserve Wheated Bourbon
Weller Special Reserve — The Original Wheated Bourbon
Weller Special Reserve is the original wheated bourbon — a 90-proof (45% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, 750mL. Wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain, giving it the softer, sweeter profile wheated bourbons are famous for.
The recipe traces to 19th-century distiller William Larue Weller, who pioneered wheat in place of rye — a tradition Buffalo Trace carries on today. The result is smooth, delicate, and calm: sweet caramel and honey with soft woodiness and a honeysuckle-kissed finish. One of the most sought-after everyday bourbons in America.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Sweet, with a noticeable caramel presence.
- Palate: Honey, butterscotch, and soft woodiness — smooth and delicate.
- Finish: Smooth, with a sweet honeysuckle flair.
Key Highlights
- ✔ The original wheated bourbon — wheat instead of rye
- ✔ Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV)
- ✔ From Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY
- ✔ Softer, smoother, sweeter than rye-recipe bourbon
- ✔ 2024 Gold, Global Whiskey Challenge; Silver, 2024 IWSC & SFWSC
How to Enjoy
Sip neat to appreciate the wheated softness, or build a smoother Old Fashioned — the gentle profile lets the cocktail's other ingredients shine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Weller Special Reserve hard to find?
It's one of the most allocated bourbons in its price class — bottles rarely sit on shelves long.
What does Weller Special Reserve taste like?
Sweet and gentle: caramel and honey on the nose, butterscotch and soft wood on the palate, with a smooth honeysuckle finish.
Is Weller Special Reserve worth the price?
For wheated-bourbon fans, it's the benchmark — the original recipe behind the style, at an accessible proof.
Explore more: Shop all bourbon at Del Mesa Liquor.