Weller Bourbon stands tall in the whiskey world. This brand makes some of America’s best wheat whiskey. Many people love its smooth taste. Others hunt for rare bottles. Today, we will rank the top nine Weller Bourbon bottles. Some are easy to find. Others are nearly impossible to get.
The Weller name carries weight in bourbon circles. Buffalo Trace Distillery makes all Weller Bourbon today. They use wheat instead of rye. This creates a softer flavor. Sweet notes shine through. Harsh edges disappear. That’s why bourbon fans adore this brand.
What Makes Weller Bourbon Special?
Weller Bourbon uses a unique recipe. The majority of bourbons are made from malted barley, rye, and corn. However, Weller swaps rye for wheat. This change makes everything different. The whiskey becomes smoother. Vanilla flavors pop out. Caramel notes dance on your tongue.
W.L. Weller started this tradition long ago. He believed wheat made better bourbon. Time proved him right. His legacy endures to this day. Buffalo Trace continues his work. They honor his vision with every bottle.
The wheat recipe creates magic. Beginners love its gentle nature. Experts appreciate its complexity. Furthermore, it ages beautifully. Older bottles become incredible treasures. That’s why collectors chase rare releases.
Weller Bourbon Special Reserve (WSR)
This bottle starts our list. Weller Special Reserve is the entry point. Most stores carry it regularly. The price stays reasonable too. You can often find it for under $30.
WSR offers a great introduction to wheat bourbon. It’s bottled at 90 proof. The flavor is mild yet satisfying. Honey and vanilla lead the way. Oak notes provide balance. Additionally, it mixes well in cocktails.
Many people discover Weller Bourbon through this bottle. It’s perfect for beginners. Seasoned drinkers enjoy it too. The quality never disappoints. Moreover, it’s widely available most days.
The nose brings sweet aromas. Caramel and bread notes emerge. The palate delivers smooth warmth. No harsh burn here. The finish stays clean and pleasant. Overall, it’s solid everyday bourbon.
1.Weller Bourbon Antique 107 (OWA)
Next up is Antique 107. This Weller Bourbon packs more punch. It’s bottled at 107 proof. The higher alcohol brings intensity. Bold flavors jump forward. Heat builds quickly.
OWA offers more complexity than WSR. The wheat still shines through. However, spice notes appear too. Cinnamon and pepper dance around. Oak influence grows stronger. The mouthfeel becomes richer.
Finding this bottle takes effort. It’s harder to locate than WSR. Prices have climbed recently. You might pay $60 or more. Still, many consider it worth hunting.
The aroma opens with power. Vanilla and spice greet you. Alcohol presence is obvious. The taste delivers full flavor. Wheat sweetness balances proof strength. The finish lingers pleasantly. Indeed, it’s a step up from WSR.
2.Weller Bourbon 12 Year
Weller 12 Year represents aged excellence. This whiskey spends twelve years in barrels. Time works its magic slowly. Complex flavors develop naturally. The result is truly special.
This Weller Bourbon used to be common. Not anymore. It’s become incredibly rare. Secondary market prices soar high. Some bottles cost hundreds of dollars. Crazy, but people pay it.
The extra aging shows immediately. Oak influence grows deeper. Vanilla notes become richer. Caramel flavors intensify greatly. Furthermore, the mouthfeel gains weight. Everything feels more serious.
Tasting reveals incredible depth. The nose offers layered complexity. Aged leather mingles with fruit. The palate brings waves of flavor. Wheat sweetness anchors everything. The finish goes on forever. Truly, it’s worth seeking out.
3.Weller Bourbon Full Proof
Full Proof enters barrel strength territory. This Weller Bourbon bottles at natural proof. No water dilution happens here. You get pure, unfiltered power. The alcohol content varies by batch.
Recent releases hit 114 proof. That’s serious heat right there. The flavor intensity matches perfectly. Every note gets amplified. Wheat character remains prominent. However, spice notes explode forward.
This bottle is extremely limited. Buffalo Trace releases small amounts. Most disappear within hours. Lucky buyers celebrate their find. Others keep searching endlessly.
The experience is remarkable. Neat sipping requires patience. Water opens up flavors nicely. Ice brings out sweetness. However you drink it, flavors shine. The wheat backbone holds everything together beautifully.
4.Weller Bourbon CYPB (C.Y.P.B.)
CYPB stands for something special. It means “Craft Your Perfect Bourbon.” This Weller Bourbon celebrates customization. Each release offers unique character. The proof varies significantly.
Recent bottles hit 95 proof. Others reached much higher. The variation creates excitement. You can never be certain of what you will receive. Part of the fun is that.
This expression showcases wheat beautifully. The lower proof lets flavors breathe. Subtle notes emerge clearly. Complexity builds without overwhelming heat. Balance becomes the star here.
CYPB releases sell out quickly. Bourbon hunters watch constantly. When bottles appear, they vanish. The secondary market prices climb. However, retail buyers occasionally succeed. Persistence pays off sometimes.
5.Weller Bourbon Single Barrel
Single Barrel expressions offer uniqueness. Each Weller Bourbon barrel tastes different. No two bottles match exactly. This creates collecting excitement. Every purchase becomes an adventure.
Buffalo Trace selects special barrels. Only the best make the cut. These bottles represent peak quality. The wheat character shines brightest. Oak integration reaches perfection.
Store picks drive demand higher. Retailers choose their favorite barrels. These selections often cost more. However, quality justifies the price. Exceptional bottles emerge regularly.
Tasting single barrels reveals magic. Individual character comes through. Some lean toward vanilla sweetness. Others emphasize oak spice. All maintain wheat smoothness. The variety keeps things interesting.
6.Weller Bourbon William Larue Weller
Now we enter legendary territory. William Larue Weller represents the pinnacle. This Weller Bourbon appears in BTAC. That’s Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Only the finest make this list.
WLW bottles at cask strength. Recent releases exceeded 125 proof. The power is absolutely incredible. However, the wheat keeps things smooth. Balance somehow remains perfect.
Getting this bottle requires luck. The lottery system controls distribution. Thousands enter for few bottles. Winners celebrate like lottery champions. Losers wait until next year.
The quality is simply outstanding. Every sip delivers complexity. Layers of flavor unfold slowly. The wheat character anchors everything. Oak influence provides structure. The finish seems endless. Truly, it’s bourbon perfection.
7.Weller Bourbon Millennium
Millennium represents extreme rarity. This Weller Bourbon appeared briefly. Only a few thousand bottles existed. Most disappeared into collections. Finding one today costs thousands.
The whiskey itself is remarkable. Extended aging created incredible depth. The wheat character evolved beautifully. Complex flavors developed naturally. Every element reached harmony.
Collectors treasure these bottles. Few ever get opened. Most stay sealed forever. The mystique grows stronger. Prices climb ever higher. Owning one brings instant status.
Those lucky enough to taste report magic. The experience exceeds expectations. Every note feels perfect. The wheat foundation supports everything. Age brings wisdom here. Indeed, it’s liquid history.
8.Weller Bourbon Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year
The ultimate Weller Bourbon crown goes here. Old Rip Van Winkle 25 represents perfection. This isn’t technically “Weller” labeled. However, it uses the same recipe. The wheat mashbill connects them.
Only a few hundred bottles exist yearly. The price reaches astronomical heights. Secondary market sales hit thousands. Most people never see one. Even fewer taste it.
The aging process creates miracles. Twenty-five years in oak. The wood influence grows profound. Yet wheat sweetness persists. Balance somehow remains intact. Every element reaches perfection.
Tasting this whiskey changes people. The experience transcends normal bourbon. Complex layers reveal slowly. The wheat character evolved completely. Oak integration is flawless. The finish lasts forever. Truly, it’s the ultimate expression.
9.Understanding Weller Bourbon Value
Weller Bourbon values vary wildly. Entry bottles cost reasonable amounts. Rare releases command huge premiums. Understanding this helps buyers.
Regular releases stay affordable. WSR and OWA appear frequently. Prices remain somewhat stable. However, limited releases disappear quickly. Secondary markets drive prices up.
Age statements add value instantly. Older Weller Bourbon costs more. The 12-year used to be common. Now it’s incredibly rare. Time creates scarcity naturally.
Proof levels affect pricing too. Barrel strength commands premiums. Full Proof bottles cost more. Higher alcohol means more flavor. Collectors pay for intensity.
Where to Find Weller Bourbon
Finding Weller Bourbon takes strategy. Regular releases appear periodically. Limited editions require luck. Persistence helps tremendously.
Local liquor stores get allocations. Building relationships helps buyers. Store employees remember good customers. They might save special bottles. Kindness goes far here.
Online retailers sell some releases. However, prices run higher. Shipping adds extra costs. Local hunting often works better. Plus, you avoid shipping risks.
Bourbon events offer opportunities. Distillery visits sometimes work. Gift shops occasionally stock bottles. Special events feature tastings. Networking helps discover sources.
The Future of Weller Bourbon
Weller Bourbon popularity keeps growing. Demand far exceeds supply. Buffalo Trace struggles to meet needs. They’re expanding production capacity.
New expressions appear regularly. Buffalo Trace experiments constantly. Different ages get tested. Various proofs emerge. Innovation continues strong.
However, wheat supplies limit growth. Quality wheat costs more. Finding enough becomes challenging. This constrains production naturally.
Collectors drive secondary markets. Rare bottles become investments. Values keep climbing higher. New collectors enter constantly. The cycle continues endlessly.
Conclusion
Weller Bourbon represents American whiskey excellence. The wheat recipe creates magic. Smooth flavors attract many drinkers. Complex aged expressions satisfy experts. Every bottle offers quality.
Our ranking shows the range. Entry bottles provide great value. Mid-tier releases offer complexity. Top expressions reach legendary status. Something exists for everyone.
The hunt makes things exciting. Regular releases stay accessible. Limited editions create challenges. Rare bottles become treasures. The search never ends.
Whether you’re starting your journey or chasing legends, “Weller Bourbon” delivers. The wheat recipe ensures smoothness. Buffalo Trace maintains quality. Every bottle honors tradition.
Start with Special Reserve if you’re new. Move up to Antique 107 next. Hunt for aged expressions later. Dream about legendary bottles always. The Weller Bourbon world welcomes all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Weller Bourbon different from other whiskeys?
Weller Bourbon uses wheat instead of rye in its recipe. This creates a smoother, sweeter flavor profile. The wheat reduces harsh edges. Vanilla and caramel notes become more prominent. Many people find it easier to drink than traditional rye-based bourbons.
Why is Weller Bourbon so hard to find?
Demand greatly exceeds supply for Weller Bourbon. Buffalo Trace can't produce enough to meet needs. Limited releases sell out instantly. Even regular expressions disappear quickly. The popularity has grown faster than production capacity.
Which Weller Bourbon should beginners try first?
Weller Special Reserve is perfect for newcomers. It's the most available expression. The 90 proof makes it approachable. The flavor is smooth and pleasant. Plus, the price stays reasonable for most budgets.
How much should I pay for Weller Bourbon?
Retail prices vary by expression. WSR should cost around $25-30. OWA typically runs $30-40. However, secondary market prices run much higher. Limited releases command premium pricing. Always check multiple sources first.
Can I buy Weller Bourbon online?
Some online retailers sell Weller Bourbon. However, availability is limited. Prices often run higher online. Shipping adds extra costs too. Local hunting frequently works better. Plus, you can inspect bottles personally.
What's the best way to drink Weller Bourbon?
This depends on personal preference. Neat sipping shows pure flavors. Adding water opens up aromas. Ice brings out sweetness. It also mixes well in cocktails. Experiment to find your favorite method.
Are older Weller Bourbon bottles better?
Age generally improves Weller Bourbon quality. Older expressions show more complexity. Oak influence grows deeper. Flavors become more integrated. However, personal taste varies. Some prefer younger expressions.
Will Weller Bourbon get easier to find?
Buffalo Trace is expanding production. However, demand keeps growing too. Wheat supplies limit growth potential. Secondary markets remain active. Availability might improve slightly. But rare releases will stay limited.