The 2024 New York World Spirits Competition honored W.L. Weller Special Reserve Wheated Bourbon as the Best Wheated Bourbon, cementing its status as a beloved classic among whiskey enthusiasts. Crafted by Buffalo Trace Distillery, this bourbon is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and its use of wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye, which imparts a softer, more approachable flavor profile.
W.L. Weller Special Reserve offers aromas of honey, butterscotch, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, its sweet vanilla and caramel tones are complemented by hints of citrus and spice, leading to a long finish. Often referred to as the “original wheated bourbon,” it’s a gateway to the world of premium bourbon.
Other Finalists in the Category:
W.L. Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon: Another standout from the W.L. Weller lineup, this bourbon is bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration, delivering a bolder, more intense flavor experience. It features a robust combination of vanilla and spice while maintaining the signature smoothness of wheated bourbon.
Wheated bourbons like W.L. Weller are renowned for their smooth, mellow character, which sets them apart from traditional rye-forward bourbons. This softer style appeals to a wide audience, from novices exploring bourbon to seasoned connoisseurs seeking complexity with approachability.