William Larue Weller Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
Buffalo Trace distillery have released their annual “Antique Collection” of world class Bourbon & Rye Whiskies. A miniscule quantity of the Fall 2006 bottling has just arrived for the Australian market, with our allocation being one bottle of each!
Born in 1825, William Larue Weller was one of the early distilling pioneers in Kentucky. After serving in the Louisville Brigade during the 1840's, Weller remained in Louisville and continued his family heritage of whiskey distilling. Mr. Weller was famous for being the first distiller to produce Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey using 'wheat' instead of 'rye' in the mash bill. As the most distinguished Distiller of his time, Weller spent many years educating consumers about the different styles of bourbon, and the special flavours that wheat imparted to his whiskey. Weller also believed in the importance of aging his whiskey. To this day the firm of W.L. Weller and Sons sells no whiskey younger than seven years old.
'A phenomenal whiskey'. David Broom, www.whiskymag.com
William Larue Weller is the Antique Collection’s uncut wheat recipe bourbon, double distilled in the Spring of 1991. Twenty two white oak barrels were aged 12 years on the fifth floor of Warehouse M, then bottled straight from the barrel, unfiltered at 64.95% Alc./Vol. Just over half the original spirit was lost to evaporation. Described as “a mouthful of sweet molasses”, the whiskey was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Tasting note: Nose: Great intensity of aroma. A huge, old, but gentle bourbon. Cinnamon bark, cedar, high char, heavy perfumed rose, sweet vermouth, spice. It’s a ready-made Manhattan! Palate: Benylin, cherry menthol then allspice. Great length. Water brings out grippy oak. Finish: Long, slightly grippy. Comment: A phenomenal whiskey. Stephen Camisa we salute you. 64.95% Alc./Vol. Rating: 90 - tasting note sourced from David Broom, www.whiskymag.com
Other reviews...The somewhat indecisive bouquet emits wonderfully odd, even incongruous, fragrances of parchment, allspice, hemp and bitter green leaf vegetable. The palate entry is incredibly luxurious, deeply honeyed and nutty; by midpalate the taste is succulently toffee-like without being oversweet or gummy. Finishes deep, very full-bodied, chocolaty and cake frosting-like. Add mineral water before tasting. Rating: 90-95 points - www.wineenthusiast.com