W. L. Weller 1993 12 YO Barrel proof - Antique Collection

W. L. Weller 1993 12 YO Barrel proof - Antique Collection, 60,95 %

The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, USA, produce a lot of different brands. A few of those get a special annual release in their Antique Collection, a highly regarded series that usually gets sold out as it hits the shelves. In the collection you can find whiskey from the brands George T. Stagg, Sazerac Rye, William Larue Weller (W.L. Weller), Thomas H. Handy and Eagle Rare.

Today we are looking at the 2005 release of the W. L. Weller in this series. It was distilled back in 1993 and bottled in 2005 at a barrel proof of 121.9 (60,95 % ABV).

W. L. Weller is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon. Bourbon has to be made from at least 51 % corn. Most bourbons out there are around 70 % corn.  The secondary grain is usually rye, but some bourbon producers use wheat instead. Wheated bourbons tend to be sweeter and bit nutty, and less spicy and sour.

Nose (23/25): Mild and soft on the nose. Vanilla, maple syrup, honey, caramel and soft oaky notes. There is a slight acidity or sourness here, but it is super soft.

Taste (23/25): Dark chocolate, oaky spiciness, caramel with a slightly burnt edge. Some fruitiness - baked apples.

Finish (22/25): Long and warming finish. The taste profile is much as it started.

Balance (22/25): Wow! What a delicate and refined bourbon! This is pure magic.

Score (90/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas