Best Weller Bourbons Ranked

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Bourbon isn’t known as the “Water of Life” for no reason. The smooth and fragrant drink can bring joy and relaxation to people worldwide. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or an expert connoisseur, one brand stands out: Weller Bourbon.

Weller is renowned for its smooth finish and a fantastic range of flavors, making it one of the most famous Bourbon choices around. Of course, with so many delicious bottles in their collection, deciding which is best for you can be tricky. We compiled this list of the best Weller Bourbons in 2023.

What is Weller Bourbon Whiskey?

If you’re a whiskey drinker, you’ve likely heard of Weller Bourbon Whiskey—but do you know what it is? Weller Whiskey is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand produced in the United States. It’s known for its smooth and balanced palate, perfect for sipping on its own or used in bourbon-based cocktails.

Why is Weller Bourbon so Popular?

When it comes to bourbon, there’s no disputing that Weller is in a league of its own. This Kentucky-based distillery has mastered the art of brewing a unique, age-old style of whiskey for over 150 years.

But why is it so popular? Well, Weller Bourbon is made from wheat rather than rye. This makes it a little sweeter and smoother than other types of whiskey while still maintaining its signature smoky flavor. The fact that it’s distilled in traditional copper stills also gives it an earthy, full-bodied taste, unlike any other whiskey on the market.

Another big draw to Weller Bourbon is its accessibility. Most bottles are mid-level price points, making them ideal for special occasions like weddings or birthdays and everyday sipping and mixing. So whether you’re new to drinking bourbon or an experienced connoisseur looking to broaden your horizons, Weller Bourbon is worth a try!

7 Best Weller Bourbons Ranked

When it comes to Weller Bourbons, there are many great choices out there — from the basic Weller Original to Special Reserve and Antique 107. So, what are the best Weller Bourbons in 2023?

Here is our list of the seven best Weller Bourbon bottles ranked in 2023 by ratings and popularity:

1William Larue Weller Bourbon

William Larue Weller Bourbon Bottle

Regarding the best Weller bourbons, William Larue Weller deserves a special mention. This wheated bourbon offers a unique flavor profile thanks to its 12-year-old proof, making it one of the most sought-after bottles in the category. There are notes of corn and subtle wheat, plus hints of almond and caramel that come out as you drink.

It’s also worth noting that this is an uncut whiskey barrel strength bottle—it’s bottled directly from the barrel unaltered in any way, so you know you’re getting an authentic experience with every sip. This bottle is trendy for drinking neat or on ice due to its complexity and depth of flavors. It has broad appeal for whiskey connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike!

The W.L. Weller is the best bourbon on the list for a reason; everything that goes into the barrel and the flavor notes makes this the flagship of the Weller brand. The only downside of this quality bourbon is the price. It will set you back a couple of thousand dollars to get a hold of a bottle, putting it out of reach for most Weller fans.

2Weller Single Barrel Bourbon

Weller Single Barrel Bourbon

Weller Single Barrel Bourbon is worth a spot on your shelf for whiskey drinking. This bourbon is a real crowd-pleaser that won’t disappoint.

So why do so many folks like it? What makes Weller Single Barrel Bourbon so excellent?

Aging and ingredients

Weller Single Barrel Bourbon is made from the same recipe as Weller’s other offerings: wheat-heavy mash bill, cultured yeast, and long aging in hand-selected barrels and vats. However, because this whiskey is bottled from single barrels, each bottle has unique flavors and nuances that come with different wood compositions and barrels.

Taste test

This particular bourbon has notes of caramel, butterscotch, and toasted oak on the nose, with sweet orange peel, honey, and mint flavor on the palate. It finishes with a pleasant lingering warmth that leaves you wanting more.

It’s not too strong at 97 proof and perfect for novice drinkers yet still packed with enough bold flavor for even the more experienced whisky enthusiast — so it’ll please everyone at the dinner table or during an event.

3Weller C.Y.P.B

W L Weller C.Y.P.B

Are you searching for a bold and complex Weller Bourbon? Look no further than Weller C.Y.P.B—or “Weller Craft Your Perfect Bourbon.” This high-rye whiskey is made with wheat, malted barley, and rye in the mash bill, making for a uniquely delicious sip.

Weller C.Y.P.B stands out for its rich and robust fresh fruit flavors, maple syrup, dark chocolate, and hints of spice that linger on the finish. It’s aged in charred American oak barrels to bring out the best flavors, bottled at 95 proof that won’t overpower your palate.

One thing to note is that Weller C.Y.P.B may not be as easy to find as other varieties of Weller—but it’s worth the effort if you’re looking for an extraordinary bourbon experience!

4Weller Full Proof Bourbon

Weller Full Proof Bourbon Bottle

The Weller Full Proof Bourbon is perfect for those who like sweeter whiskey notes. It’s a classic expression with a sweet finish and one of the few bourbons in the world bottled at barrel proof. This means that it’s not watered down after distillation like so many other varieties are.

You can expect some intense flavors here. The nose has a sweet caramel, baking spices, and oak notes. With the tasting notes, you get toasted marshmallows and more spices (clove and cinnamon), plus a hint of honey. The finish is sweet, with some lingering traces of vanilla and oak.

This whiskey would be proper at home in an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan cocktail — its rich sweetness pairs perfectly with dark bitter notes of cherry or orange liqueur. And if you want to sip it neat or on the rocks? You’ll enjoy it just as much! Whatever your preference, this bourbon will surely hit all the right points – complexity, sweetness, and smoothness – all in one pour.

5Weller 12-Year Old Bourbon

W L Weller 12-Year Old Bourbon

For bourbon connoisseurs, Weller 12-Year Old Bourbon is a must-try. Distilled in Kentucky and Weller aged 12 years in oak barrels, this particular whiskey is smooth and full of character.

Crafted from wheat, rye, and malted barley, Weller 12-Year Old Bourbon offers a blend of flavors beyond sweet or smoky. You can pick up hints of dried fruit, tobacco leaves, cocoa powder, and honey. The finish on this whiskey is particularly noteworthy—it’s warm and lingering with heavy hints of caramel.

Here are some things you should know about this top-shelf bourbon:

  • ABV: 45%
  • Flavoring: No added flavoring
  • Taste Profile: Notes of dried fruit, tobacco leaves, cocoa powder, and honey.
  • Finish: Warm and lingering with heavy caramel notes
  • Age: Aged for 12 years in oak barrels

Weller 12-Year Old Bourbon isn’t the cheapest whiskey out there, but you get what you pay for with this one—it’s a smooth and robust experience that will please any bourbon aficionados.

6Weller Antique 107

Weller Antique 107

If you’re looking for a classic American Bourbon, Weller Antique 107 is for you. It is made with the same recipe as its famous sister, W.L. Weller, a 12-year-old, but bottled at a slightly higher proof (107).

The nose of this whiskey has distinctive aromas of sweet honey and cinnamon that churn together and mingle with hints of oak and vanilla. The taste is smooth and complex, with notes of oak, vanilla, orange peel, and dried fruits. The finish has a nice balance of sweet spices that linger on the tongue for some time.

And when it comes to pricing? Weller Antique 107 is one of the more wallet-friendly options – perfect for enjoying or mixing classic bourbon drinks!

7Weller Special Reserve

Weller Special Reserve

Are you seeking a smooth, well-balanced bourbon to add to your whiskey collection? Look no further than Weller Special Reserve. Known as “The Original Wheated Bourbon Whiskey,” it has a sweet flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for sipping neat or on the rocks.

It’s made with an 85 percent corn mash bill, which gives it an unmistakable flavor of honey, ripe peaches, and roasted nuts. And with its light woody finish and smooth texture, you won’t want to put it down.

Weller Special Reserve is the entry-level bourbon from the Weller lineup and is known for its incredible value-to-price ratio—it’s usually only around $40 for a bottle and packs quite a punch at 90 proof! So if you’re looking for an affordable option without skimping on flavor or quality, Weller Special Reserve is the way to go.

Why is Weller so Hard to Find?

You may be wondering why Weller Bourbons are so hard to find. After all, they taste delicious and are praised by whiskey aficionados.

Well, the answer is simple—it’s all because of their popularity and limited supply. The Weller family’s mash bill—a combination of grains used to make bourbon— is unique and remarkably smooth, making their Bourbons highly sought after. And even newer products from the Weller line, like their 12-year-old Rye Whiskey, are always in high demand.

Another reason for its scarcity is how difficult it can be to get your hands on a bottle. Because Weller’s Bourbons are sourced from Buffalo Trace Distillery, each bottle must be back-ordered directly from Buffalo Trace. Not only does this add to the difficulty of finding a bottle of Weller Bourbon in stock, but it also means that batches may vary due to age.

In short, if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle of Weller Bourbon—whether it’s an Antique 107 or 12-year-old Rye—you should consider yourself fortunate!

Why is Weller Bourbon so Expensive?

You might be wondering why Weller bourbon is so expensive — after all, it’s made from the same mash bill as other wheated bourbons. The answer lies in the extra grain in its mash bill and its long aging process.

Compared to traditional bourbons, which may use corn and barley as grains, Weller bourbon uses wheat and corn. The extra grain in the mash makes the bourbon more complex, giving it a sweet profile unique among wheaters. Weller also ages longer than other bourbons; its minimum aging time is five years!

The aging process truly sets Weller apart, giving it its flavor and complexity. During this process, the whiskey soaks up flavor from the oak barrel it’s aged in. It’s also during this time that alcohol evaporates; this is known as the “angel’s share,” as some of the whiskey evaporates into thin air! This increases the price since every drop affects the bottle’s overall content.

The demand for Weller wheated bourbon whiskey outpaces the company’s production abilities, and because of this, it is often sold out. Most people have to enter a lottery to buy a bottle. Due to this, prices on the secondary market are often many times the original MSRP of the bourbon.

So when you consider the extra grain used in its mash bill and the long aging process needed for Weller bourbon to reach maturity, you can understand why this highly sought-after drink commands a premium price tag.

Which Weller Bourbon is Hardest to Find?

When looking for the best Weller Bourbon, you may wonder which bottle is hardest to find. After all, you don’t want to settle for anything less than the finest!

The answer might surprise you: it’s the Weller 12 Year. This premium bourbon is made from a blend of wheat, barley, and rye — and its subtle and complex flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser. Unfortunately, not many bottles are made yearly — making it harder to find!

But what does this mean for you? If you want to taste something unique and special, look no further than the Weller 12 Year. And if you can’t find it in your local liquor store or online, don’t worry — plenty of other great Weller Bourbons are out there, like Weller CYPB, followed by Weller Antique 107 and Full Proof.

Alternatives

If the Weller 12 Year is too hard to find (or too expensive), then why not try some of these options:

  1. Weller Special Reserve – Aged seven years and made with wheat, barley, and rye
  2. William Larue Weller – Aged 11 years and loaded with sweet vanilla notes
  3. Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond – Aged 14 years with a full-bodied flavor
  4. Old Rip Van Winkle 10 – A whiskey that blends wheat and barley
  5. Van Winkle Special Reserve Rye – A perfectly balanced whiskey with notes of black pepper

No matter which one you choose, you won’t

Is Weller as Good as Pappy?

You’re probably asking yourself—is Weller as good as Pappy?

Well, that’s a tricky question to answer because it depends. Weller is an excellent choice if you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck. It offers quality whiskey at an affordable price compared to Pappy Van Winkle, which usually has a more expensive price tag.

Like Weller, Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year is extremely popular and hard to find. However, Pappy is something of a cult classic and is extremely hard to find, making Weller easier to find.

But, regarding taste, Pappy generally has a more complex flavor profile and higher proof than Weller. It’s also aged longer in the barrels, so you can expect some signature flavors—like spice and oak—to be more intense in the bottle.

So, when it comes down to it, it depends on what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend. To maximize your whiskey-tasting experience, you might opt for Pappy instead of Weller. But if value is more important than flavor complexity and age, then some great options are available within the Weller range.

Who Makes Weller Bourbon?

Have you ever wondered who makes Weller bourbon? The answer might surprise you.

Production of Weller bourbon occurs at the famous Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Weller bourbon is made by the Sazerac Company, one of North America’s largest distilled spirits producers. They are based in New Orleans and have been distilling whiskey since 1869.

The final product of a big-name distillery like Sazerac Company is something to be proud of — and that’s why Weller bourbon has a reputation for being among some of the best whiskey available today. Make sure to pick up a bottle or two to enjoy for yourself!

FAQ

Questions about the best Weller Bourbon? We’ve got you covered with answers to people’s most common questions. Here’s what you need to know:

Is Weller Bourbon sweet?

Weller Bourbon has a sweet flavor profile with notes of honey, toasted nuts, oak, and caramel. It’s a smooth yet complex whiskey with a pleasant sweetness.

What bottles of Weller Bourbon are must-haves?

The 7 bottles of Weller Bourbon featured in this article are all must-haves. If you can’t decide between them, go for William Larue Weller—it’s one of the top-rated bourbons in the world and is worth every penny! You can’t go wrong with any Weller bottles, as most of their bourbon is aged at least 12 years, and the smoothness shows.

How much does a bottle cost?

The price range for a bottle of Weller Bourbon depends on which bottle you buy—you can find some bottles at around $50 while others cost more than $200. But no matter which bottle you choose, it’ll be a great addition to your collection!

Conclusion

Whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur or just starting to learn the nuances of whiskey, Weller is a brand that stands out as a true classic. The seven best Weller Bourbons we’ve listed offer unique flavor profiles and approaches to classic bourbons. And if you’re not looking to buy a bottle right away, you can always sample some at a bar or a tasting event.

We’ve given you several bottles to choose from regarding Weller Bourbons. Pick one that best suits your taste and budget, then sit back and savor the smooth, sweet-and-sour flavor that Weller Bourbons are known for.

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