W.L. Weller Special Reserve Review (2025): The Original Wheated Bourbon
Is W.L. Weller Special Reserve worth the hype in 2025? We cover its specs, wheated flavor profile, cocktails, and value. 21+ | Drink Responsibly.
Table of Contents
Quick Specs
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Wheated)
ABV / Proof: 45% ABV / 90 proof
Average Price: $40–$50 (MSRP lower, secondary higher)
Availability: Allocated / limited
Best For: Neat, rocks, light cocktails
Tasting Notes
Nose: Honey, vanilla, soft oak, and light fruit
Palate: Caramel, baked bread, gentle spice, green apple
Finish: Medium, sweet, with notes of toffee and light oak
How To Drink It
Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to open up its soft wheated sweetness. Works in cocktails like an Old Fashioned, but given its scarcity, most drinkers prefer to sip it neat or on the rocks
Value & Who Will Like It
At retail pricing (~$30–$40), Weller Special Reserve is one of the best-value bourbons in the market. But due to secondary markups, it can climb to $80–$100+. Best for those who enjoy sweeter wheated profiles similar to Van Winkle or Maker’s Mark.
Alternatives
W.L. Weller Special Reserve — the original wheated bourbon, soft and approachable
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year (Lot B) — premium wheated, deeper and richer
Michter’s US*1 Bourbon — refined, balanced, and versatile
Verdict
W.L. Weller Special Reserve continues to earn its place as a beloved wheated bourbon in 2025. Smooth, sweet, and approachable, it offers incredible value at retail — though availability makes it harder to find.
Score: 8.5 / 10
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[…] W.L. Weller Special Reserve — soft wheated profile, sweet and approachable […]
[…] W.L. Weller Special Reserve — softer wheated profile from the same mashbill family; far more accessible. […]