It can be termed the “poor man’s Pappy,” but one thing is for sure; it occupies its space in the hearts and glasses of every bourbon aficionado on this earth. While Weller may come at a low price, the brand has since come to represent quality and fine craftsmanship. The article expounds on how Weller Bourbon came about, how it is brewed, and what special elements have catapulted this brand to the stratosphere in the whiskey world.
Legacy of Excellence: The Origins of Weller Bourbon
Weller Bourbon was founded by its founder, William Larue Weller. In the 19th century, Weller’s wheat-based recipe created a legendary bourbon style, defining its flavor.
William Larue Weller sought to make a bourbon as smooth and soft as he possibly could, something the masses could afford. Using wheat instead of rye, Weller’s bourbon is smoother and easier to drink, a hallmark since its inception. Weller started up the distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1849 and began distilling bourbon. Today, his recipe is known as “wheaten” bourbon mash bill and forms the basis of all Weller products.
Distinctive Flavor Profile The Weller Mash Bill
The secret to Weller Bourbon’s unique flavor profile is the recipe’s mash bill. Weller’s wheat-forward recipe provides signature smoothness and subtle sweetness, unlike rye-based bourbons. The soft, round profile and velvety mouthfeel have won over the hearts of drinkers.
Weller Bourbon’s mash bill contains 70% corn for sweetness, with a small amount of barley aiding fermentation. The precise balance of grains is crucial to achieve Weller Bourbon’s elegant blend of sweetness, vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Weller Bourbon Aging Process and Craftsmanship
While the mash bill is the backbone of flavor, aging is just as essential to producing a great bourbon. Weller Bourbon ages in new charred oak barrels. Charring the interior of barrels gives bourbon its deep amber color and complex flavors, a requirement for all bourbons. It absorbs the compounds extracted from the wood as the bourbon ages, giving it the typical vanilla, caramel, and oak flavors. The Buffalo Trace Distillery bottles and distills in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of the most revered distilleries.
Iconic bourbons that have been produced include Pappy Van Winkle, which shares the same distillation process and aging warehouses with Buffalo Trace. In here, Weller’s house style is made for it as each process is given delicate care; starting from distillation down to the bottling process.
Weller Bourbon Expressions: There is a Range for Every Palate
Weller Bourbon is available in a variety of expressions, each providing a slightly different experience for the bourbon drinker. These include:
Weller Special Reserve offers smooth, sweet, vanilla-forward flavors at 90 proof, making it perfect for sipping neat or in cocktails.
Weller Antique 107: This is the next step up from Special Reserve. Bottled at a higher proof (107 proof), it is a full-bodied whiskey with a richer flavor profile. The higher alcohol brings out deeper caramel and spice notes and a more intense oak presence. It’s a favorite among those who enjoy a stronger, bolder bourbon experience.
Weller 12-Year Old: The name gives out the age of the blend, which is 12 years. This makes the finish richer and more complex. The additional ages bring out oak, spice notes, and dark fruit beyond the smoothness of the wheat. Weller 12-Year-Old’s limited availability and high demand have made it a cult favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.
Weller Full Proof bottles at 114 proof, offering a more pronounced flavor for drinkers who enjoy stronger bourbon. A rich, full-bodied whiskey with brown sugar, vanilla, baking spices, and smooth wheat flavor for easy sipping.
Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon): This bottling resulted from a public contest where people voted to create the perfect bourbon recipe. The winning 95-proof recipe balances sweetness, spice, rich caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors for a harmonious bourbon.
Popularity and rarity of Weller Bourbon
Years of craftsmanship have made Weller Bourbon an affordable alternative to Pappy, offering similar complexity at a lower price.
Increasing demand for Weller Bourbon has made it unavailable in stock in some markets. As with many notable bourbons, Weller expressions are scarce, and a bottle might be difficult to find. Collectors and enthusiasts sought out bottles, often paying premium prices for the rarer expressions like the Weller 12-Year-Old. The difficulties of obtaining a bottle only amplified the mystique and allure of the brand.
Conclusion
Weller Bourbon has the marriage of history, innovation, and craftsmanship. Weller’s house style, crafted from distillation to bottling, has stood the test of time, becoming a fine bourbon. It gives a unique experience for the drinkers, be they casual or enthusiasts. With diverse expressions and a rich legacy, Weller Bourbon will remain synonymous with excellence for generations to come.
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