The World’s Best Wheated Bourbons According To The NY World Spirits Competition

Wheated bourbon, particularly those from Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller, have garnered a dedicated following in recent years. Notably, two Weller bottlings made the final round of Best-in-Class Wheated Bourbon at the 2024 New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC). Here’s a glimpse into the unique characteristics of W.L. Weller wheated bourbon expressions and their distinct tasting notes.

W.L. Weller, Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, 45% ABV, 750 ml, was the Best-in-Class Wheated Bourbon.

William Larue Weller, the visionary who founded W.L. Weller in Kentucky in 1825, was a pioneer in the whiskey industry. His decision to use wheat as the secondary grain to corn instead of rye led to the creation of a smoother whiskey, now known as ‘wheated bourbon.’ This legacy continues to shape the brand’s identity.

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery later acquired the W.L. Weller brand. The Sazerac Company now owns the brand and produces the bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The Stitzel-Weller Distillery passed through several hands and eventually ended up in the hands of Diageo. The brand is known for its wheated bourbons, continuing William Larue Weller’s Legacy.

W.L. Weller bourbons offer a sensory journey. The floral, caramel, and vanilla notes on the nose and the smoothness associated with wheated bourbons create a unique tasting experience. The palate presents a sweet, oily viscosity, featuring caramel, butterscotch, and a hint of wood spice. The medium-length and smooth finish leaves a lingering impression of vanilla, caramel, and oak.

The NYWSC Judging Panel described the wheated bourbon as expressing:

Aromas of honey, butterscotch, and delicate floral notes on the nose, followed by sweet vanilla, creamy caramel, hints of citrus zest, and wood spices.

W.L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, 57% ABV, 750 ml, was the other finalist in the wheated bourbon category.

The bourbon is intensely aromatic on the nose, with pronounced caramel, vanilla, seasoned oak, dried fruits, and subtle wood spice aromas. It’s full-bodied, intense, and robust on the palate, with bold caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla flavors accompanied by baking spices, especially cinnamon, dark chocolate, and nuts. The overproof alcohol is noticeable but generally well-integrated. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, and seasoned oak.

The NYWSC Judging Panel described the Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon as expressing “intense aromas of vanilla and caramel accompanied by spice, chocolate, and seasoned oak notes.”

The Full Proof expression offers a more intense and complex experience than the Special Reserve, showcasing deeper flavors and a higher alcohol content. The Special Reserve has a 45% ABV, while the Full Proof has a 57% ABV. Moreover, the Special Reserve is likely chill-filtered, a process that removes some fatty acids and proteins that can cause cloudiness in whiskey when it’s cold, while the Full Proof is not. Unfortunately, the process also removes some flavor elements.

Both expressions have similar aroma and flavor profiles, but Full Proof has more pronounced chocolate and dried fruit notes and has more viscosity and palate weight. Both expressions use the same wheated bourbon mash bill and age for similar periods, around 6.5 to 7.5 years, but the differences in proof and filtration result in distinct tasting experiences.

The aging process for W.L. Weller Special Reserve and Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbons is similar in that both expressions age for approximately the same duration. However, there are some notable differences in their aging environments and locations.

The NYWSC featured two outstanding finalists for Best-in-Class Wheated Bourbon. Both bourbons are excellent and display unique aroma and flavor profiles despite an identical mash bill. The Weller Special Reserve is easier to find than the Weller Full Proof expression. At an average price under $80, it’s also cheaper, while the Full Proof expression generally costs between $250 and $300.

See the New York World Spirits Competition website for a complete list of the bourbon whiskey medalists. See also Want An Alternative To Pappy And Weller? 10 Top Ranked Wheated Bourbons.