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Weller Special Reserve Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon · Buffalo Trace Distillery · 45% ABV (90 Proof) · 750ml
Overview
Weller Special Reserve is where the legend of wheated bourbon truly begins. Crafted at the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, this expression replaces rye with soft winter wheat in its mash bill, the same signature recipe later used to create the famed Pappy Van Winkle line. The result is a remarkably smooth and mellow bourbon that embodies balance and approachability without sacrificing depth.
As demand for wheated bourbons continues to soar, Weller Special Reserve has become one of the most sought-after bottles on the market, known for delivering exceptional quality and heritage value well above its price. Whether you’re gifting, collecting or simply pouring a dram to enjoy neat, Weller Special Reserve stands as a timeless example of Kentucky craftsmanship and the art of smooth whiskey-making.
The Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery sits on the banks of the Kentucky River in Frankfort and has been making bourbon continuously for over 200 years — it's one of the oldest operating distilleries in America. The Weller range takes its name from William Larue Weller, a 19th-century bourbon merchant who is widely credited with pioneering the wheated bourbon style. The same wheat-forward mash bill that goes into Weller Special Reserve is also the foundation for the legendary Pappy Van Winkle releases. Different barrels, different ageing, same DNA.
Quick Facts
| Brand | W.L. Weller |
| Producer | Buffalo Trace Distillery |
| Country / Region | USA – Kentucky (Frankfort) |
| Style | Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | ~70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley |
| Age Statement | NAS |
| ABV | 45% (90 Proof) |
| Cask Type | New Charred American Oak |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Release Type | Regular release – allocated |
What Sets This Bottle Apart
- The original wheated bourbon — W.L. Weller pioneered this style before most distilleries were thinking about it
- Uses wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye, giving a noticeably smoother, sweeter profile
- Same wheat-forward mash bill as the ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle range — different barrels, same foundation
- Bottled at 90 proof — enough ABV to hold real flavour without overwhelming the pour
- One of the most sought-after bottles at its price point in the American bourbon market
Awards & Recognition
- Double Platinum – ASCOT Awards (2024)
- Gold – International Spirits Challenge (2024)
- Gold – Global Whiskey Challenge (2024)
- Gold – North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition (2024)
- Silver – International Wine & Spirits Competition (2025)
Who This Bottle Is For
- Anyone just getting into bourbon who wants something smooth and approachable from day one
- Bourbon drinkers ready to step up from the big-chain standard bottles
- Fans of wheated styles — softer, sweeter, less spice than a rye-heavy bourbon
- Anyone curious about the Pappy Van Winkle family wanting to understand the DNA without the price tag
How to Enjoy
Best neat or on the rocks. The wheated mash bill gives it a softness that doesn’t need much interference — just pour and go. A few drops of water can open up more of the fruit and honey notes if you want to dig in a bit deeper. Works well in an Old Fashioned too; the sweetness plays nicely with the sugar and bitters without getting lost.
Why We Curate It at Bourbon Brothers
Weller Special Reserve is one of those bottles that punches well above its weight. The wheated profile makes it one of the smoothest and most accessible bourbons going, but there’s genuine quality behind it, it’s not just easy drinking for the sake of it. The connection to the Pappy Van Winkle legacy makes it an interesting story, and the consistent recognition from the spirits world confirms it’s not just hype. If you’re after a bottle that works whether you’re just starting out or already know your bourbons, this one delivers.
Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon · Buffalo Trace Distillery · 45% ABV (90 Proof) · 750ml
Overview
Weller Special Reserve is where the legend of wheated bourbon truly begins. Crafted at the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, this expression replaces rye with soft winter wheat in its mash bill, the same signature recipe later used to create the famed Pappy Van Winkle line. The result is a remarkably smooth and mellow bourbon that embodies balance and approachability without sacrificing depth.
As demand for wheated bourbons continues to soar, Weller Special Reserve has become one of the most sought-after bottles on the market, known for delivering exceptional quality and heritage value well above its price. Whether you’re gifting, collecting or simply pouring a dram to enjoy neat, Weller Special Reserve stands as a timeless example of Kentucky craftsmanship and the art of smooth whiskey-making.
The Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery sits on the banks of the Kentucky River in Frankfort and has been making bourbon continuously for over 200 years — it's one of the oldest operating distilleries in America. The Weller range takes its name from William Larue Weller, a 19th-century bourbon merchant who is widely credited with pioneering the wheated bourbon style. The same wheat-forward mash bill that goes into Weller Special Reserve is also the foundation for the legendary Pappy Van Winkle releases. Different barrels, different ageing, same DNA.
Quick Facts
| Brand | W.L. Weller |
| Producer | Buffalo Trace Distillery |
| Country / Region | USA – Kentucky (Frankfort) |
| Style | Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | ~70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley |
| Age Statement | NAS |
| ABV | 45% (90 Proof) |
| Cask Type | New Charred American Oak |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Release Type | Regular release – allocated |
What Sets This Bottle Apart
- The original wheated bourbon — W.L. Weller pioneered this style before most distilleries were thinking about it
- Uses wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye, giving a noticeably smoother, sweeter profile
- Same wheat-forward mash bill as the ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle range — different barrels, same foundation
- Bottled at 90 proof — enough ABV to hold real flavour without overwhelming the pour
- One of the most sought-after bottles at its price point in the American bourbon market
Awards & Recognition
- Double Platinum – ASCOT Awards (2024)
- Gold – International Spirits Challenge (2024)
- Gold – Global Whiskey Challenge (2024)
- Gold – North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition (2024)
- Silver – International Wine & Spirits Competition (2025)
Who This Bottle Is For
- Anyone just getting into bourbon who wants something smooth and approachable from day one
- Bourbon drinkers ready to step up from the big-chain standard bottles
- Fans of wheated styles — softer, sweeter, less spice than a rye-heavy bourbon
- Anyone curious about the Pappy Van Winkle family wanting to understand the DNA without the price tag
How to Enjoy
Best neat or on the rocks. The wheated mash bill gives it a softness that doesn’t need much interference — just pour and go. A few drops of water can open up more of the fruit and honey notes if you want to dig in a bit deeper. Works well in an Old Fashioned too; the sweetness plays nicely with the sugar and bitters without getting lost.
Why We Curate It at Bourbon Brothers
Weller Special Reserve is one of those bottles that punches well above its weight. The wheated profile makes it one of the smoothest and most accessible bourbons going, but there’s genuine quality behind it, it’s not just easy drinking for the sake of it. The connection to the Pappy Van Winkle legacy makes it an interesting story, and the consistent recognition from the spirits world confirms it’s not just hype. If you’re after a bottle that works whether you’re just starting out or already know your bourbons, this one delivers.