Buffalo Trace, W.L. Weller Special Reserve, 45%

Review #463

W.L. is for William Larue and the Special Reserve claims to be “The Original Wheated Bourbon”. It got all the classic Bourbon notes in the smell, like vanilla and honey, but it is actually not very sweet! There is more focus on the spices and the oak. The flavours feels a bit subdued though, and I don’t sense that it is 45 %...

Again, in the taste, the focus is on the wood. Oak spices, vanilla and burned wood. The finish gets a bit sweeter. The vanilla comes forward and is accompanied by some soft caramel. It is not a long finish though…

I was tempted to check the ABV in this bottle… Subdued smell, a watery oaky taste and a finish that fades quite fast. With that said, it is drinkable and I would recommend to play with some water! That really suits this Bourbon, and it would probably have gotten a point or two extra if it was reviewed with a couple of drops. But be very careful you don’t drown it! I will give this 79/100 (19/19/21/20).