W.L. Weller Special Reserve is one of those bottles that gets whiskey people talking — and for good reason. This is a wheated bourbon, meaning the secondary grain in the mashbill is wheat rather than the more common rye. That distinction matters more than most people realise. Where rye adds spice and bite, wheat softens everything out, giving you a rounder, more approachable spirit. It's the same basic recipe philosophy behind Pappy Van Winkle, which is partly why Weller has built such a cult following at a fraction of the price.
At 45% ABV, Special Reserve sits at a confident proof point — not so hot that it overwhelms, but enough to carry real flavour without needing to add water. For a NAS (no age statement) bourbon, that's a smart move. It tells me Buffalo Trace, who produce the Weller line, are blending for consistency and drinkability rather than chasing a number on the label. And honestly, I respect that approach. Age statements are nice, but they don't guarantee a good dram.
Tasting Notes
I'm not going to fabricate specific tasting notes I don't have in front of me, but I can tell you what to expect from a wheated bourbon at this proof. The wheat-forward mashbill typically delivers a softer, sweeter profile than its rye-heavy cousins. Think gentle caramel, vanilla, maybe some stone fruit or honey. The mouthfeel tends to be rounder and almost creamy compared to something like a high-rye bourbon. If you've had other wheated bourbons — Maker's Mark, Larceny — you're in the right neighbourhood, though Weller has its own character that sets it apart.
The Verdict
At £38.95, W.L. Weller Special Reserve is genuinely good value. You're getting a well-made wheated bourbon from one of the most respected distilleries in Kentucky, at a price that doesn't make you wince. Is it going to change your life? Probably not. But it's a solid, reliable bourbon that does exactly what it sets out to do — deliver a smooth, easy-drinking experience with enough complexity to keep you interested.
I'm giving this a 7.5 out of 10. It loses half a point for being NAS, which always leaves me wanting a little more transparency, and it's not quite as layered as some of the higher-proof Weller expressions. But as an everyday sipper or a cocktail base, it punches well above its price point. If you're new to wheated bourbons, this is a fantastic entry point. If you're already a fan, you probably have a bottle on your shelf already.
Best Served
This is a natural Old Fashioned bourbon. The soft, sweet profile means you don't need to fight the spirit with heavy syrup — just a barspoon of demerara syrup, two dashes of Angostura, stir it down over a large ice cube, and express an orange peel over the top. The wheat sweetness plays beautifully against the bitters. Equally good neat in a Glencairn if you want to appreciate it on its own terms, or with a single cube if you prefer a touch of dilution. For a Whiskey Sour, it's excellent — that round mouthfeel gives you a gorgeous texture when shaken with fresh lemon and egg white.
