WL Weller

About W.L. Weller

W.L. Weller traces its name to William Larue Weller, a 19th-century Kentucky figure credited with popularizing wheat in the secondary grain of bourbon mash bills. 

Today, the brand lives at Buffalo Trace Distillery and highlights the “wheated” style, known for softer, rounder profiles with gentle sweetness and less rye-driven spice. The modern lineup combines everyday-friendly bottles with age-stated and higher-proof releases, providing newcomers with a clear entry point and collectors with a reason to seek out rarer pours. 

The idea is simple… Let time, barrel, and a wheated recipe do the talking.

Notable Bottles From W.L. Weller

W.L. Weller Single Barrel Bourbon

W. L Weller Single-barrel bourbon reveal how much variation a single cask can produce. Some bottles lean more into honeyed caramel and toasted oak, others show peppery baking spice or dark fruit. It's a great pick if you like the idea of tasting unique barrels and comparing bottles over time. Expect fuller texture and a defined finish that rewards slow sipping.

W.L. Weller Full Proof Bourbon

The Full Proof line delivers a more intense experience while keeping true to the trademark wheated softness. You'll notice richer caramel, deeper vanilla, and bolder spice and oak. And it's all elevated by the higher proof. It's ideal for drinkers who like more punch in the glass but prefer a gentler grain profile than rye-forward high-proof bourbons.

W.L. Weller 12 Year Bourbon

The 12-year bottle brings added depth. Think dried fruit, toasted oak, and a rounder, more concentrated sweetness. It's a step up in weight and complexity from the core bottles and a natural choice for someone who wants age-driven flavor without chasing ultra-rare releases. It's smooth enough for thoughtful sipping and interesting enough for comparison tastings.

W.L. Weller Special Reserve

The Special Reserve showcases the classic wheated softness: gentle vanilla, light caramel, and a soft, easy finish. It's versatile, good neat, with a splash of water, or as the base in a higher-quality cocktail. This bottle is a good "starter" that introduces the Weller style in an approachable bottle.

Awards and Recognition

One of W.L. Weller's most recent awards includes the Silver at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition. In 2024, it grabbed the Gold in the Global Whiskey Challenge and Silver at the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Whiskies of the World. Wine Enthusiast described Weller's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey as "A very well crafted whiskey," and gave it an 88 rating.

Who W.L. Weller is For

W.L. Weller is one for new bourbon drinkers and enthusiasts alike. Bottles also make excellent gifts - the brand itself speaking more for itself than others.