What makes Weller Special Reserve different from most bourbons?

It uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, which softens the spice and pushes sweetness forward. That is the same wheated style used in the Van Winkle line.

Is it good for beginners?

Yes. Its low proof and soft, sweet profile make it one of the easier bourbons to start with. Drinkers who want punch and spice will find it mild.

How does it compare with other Weller releases?

It is the entry-level Weller, lower in proof and lighter in body than Antique 107 or Full Proof. Expect less depth and a shorter finish than those.

How should I drink it?

Neat or over a single large ice cube shows the caramel and vanilla best. It also works in simple whiskey drinks, though its light body can get lost in strong mixers.

Is it a wheated bourbon?

Yes. Wheat is the flavoring grain in the mash bill, which is why it tastes softer and sweeter than rye-recipe bourbon.

Where is the W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon cheapest?

At Hwy 7 Liquor Warehouse, for $16.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 465 ratings.

W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

Best price now

$16.99at Hwy 7 Liquor WarehouseChecked Nov 5

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Hwy 7 Liquor Warehouse

W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

Best price now

$16.99at Hwy 7 Liquor WarehouseChecked Nov 5

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Hwy 7 Liquor Warehouse

Ask our agent about this product

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Price facts

Last seen at $16.99 at Hwy 7 Liquor Warehouse on Nov 5.

Our take on the W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

W.L. Weller Special Reserve is a Kentucky straight bourbon wheated in the style of the Van Winkle line, made with wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye. That gives it a softer, sweeter profile: caramel, honey, vanilla and light oak rather than spice and pepper. It suits drinkers who find rye-heavy bourbons sharp and want an easy-sipping everyday pour, and it is a common entry point into wheated bourbon. Against rye-recipe rivals it trades spice for smoothness and lacks their backbone in cocktails.

Best forWheated bourbon beginnersNeat or on-the-rocks sippingDrinkers who dislike rye spiceEveryday house bourbon

Pros

Soft, sweet wheated mash bill
Caramel, honey and vanilla notes
Easy to sip neat at lower proof
Recognizable Weller family profile
Mixes well in simple whiskey drinks

Cons

Little rye spice or bite
Thin body compared with higher-proof pours
Light oak and short finish
Not a bold cocktail whiskey

W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon prices at every store

Hwy 7 Liquor WarehouseNew
Availability unknown
$16.99Checked Nov 5
Visit Hwy 7 Liquor Warehouse

W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon price history

Lowest price we've seen: $16.99 on Nov 5 at Hwy 7 Liquor Warehouse. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 5.

What reviewers say

4.5 / 5465 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 across 465 ratings, it draws praise as a smooth, approachable wheated bourbon. Drinkers call it an easy sipper and a fair introduction to the Weller line, while some find it simple and light next to stronger pours.

What people mention

SmoothnessPraisedDrinkers describe it as soft and easy to sip neat, with little alcohol burn.
FlavorPraisedReviewers note caramel, honey and vanilla sweetness with light oak.
ComplexityMixedSome find it simple and one-dimensional compared with other wheated bourbons.
BodyCriticisedA few call it thin and watery next to higher-proof pours.
FinishCriticisedSome say the finish is short and fades quickly.

From Hwy 7 Liquor Warehouse

W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

Specifications

Variety: Bourbon
Size: 375 ml

Questions and answers

What makes Weller Special Reserve different from most bourbons?: It uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, which softens the spice and pushes sweetness forward. That is the same wheated style used in the Van Winkle line.
Is it good for beginners?: Yes. Its low proof and soft, sweet profile make it one of the easier bourbons to start with. Drinkers who want punch and spice will find it mild.
How does it compare with other Weller releases?: It is the entry-level Weller, lower in proof and lighter in body than Antique 107 or Full Proof. Expect less depth and a shorter finish than those.
How should I drink it?: Neat or over a single large ice cube shows the caramel and vanilla best. It also works in simple whiskey drinks, though its light body can get lost in strong mixers.
Is it a wheated bourbon?: Yes. Wheat is the flavoring grain in the mash bill, which is why it tastes softer and sweeter than rye-recipe bourbon.
Where is the W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon cheapest?: At Hwy 7 Liquor Warehouse, for $16.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the W L Weller Special Reserve Bourbon?: Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 465 ratings.