Weller Full Proof
Overall Score: 8/10
Value: 4.5/5 at MSRP
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company, Inc.
Release Date: Fall 2023 (Store Pick)
Proof: 114
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years per TTB regulations)
Mashbill: Undisclosed (Buffalo Trace “Wheated” Mashbill - Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley)
Color: Caramel
MSRP: $50 (2023) - Store Pick $70
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Let's take a deep dive into Weller Full Proof Bourbon, exploring the sweet spots and surprises of its flavor journey.
The nose boasts a delightful mix of sweet crème brûlée, light brown sugar, and a custard richness, intertwined with an evolving scent of red fruits, strawberries, and an undercurrent of floral and butterscotch notes.
Despite expectations of a pronounced wheated whiskey profile, the taste remains pleasantly subdued, allowing a “Sweet” essence reminiscent of raw sugar and a generic fruitiness to shine through, complemented by a thinner mouthfeel than anticipated. The expected fruit notes from the nose blend into a more general fruitiness without detracting from the bourbon's rich texture.
The finish is unique, presenting a dryness akin to that of a dry wine, alongside a lingering fruity sweetness that redeems any earlier weaknesses on the palate. While some may find the finish's artificial strawberry flavor note and the palate's generic fruitiness as weaker points, the overall experience remains highly satisfying.
For all the hype, is it a buy or a pass?
Read the individual reviews by the bourbon bro’s below to see if we can sway you in either direction.
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8/10
Value: at MSRP - 4.5/5
at over $200 - 3/5
THE NOSE:
The nose was sweet, which I like. It reminded me of Crème brûlée. Lightly browned sugar with a custard richness behind it.
I did get the faintest hint of fruitiness, which leaned more toward citrus or orange.
THE TASTE:
I was really expecting the wheated whiskey profile to be very present with the full proof, but to my satisfaction it was surprisingly subdued.
The overall flavor I got was “Sweet”, perhaps similar to raw sugar. I did my best to dig for additional notes, and once again found myself noticing just a hint of orange. The mouth feel is good, but on the thinner side.
THE FINISH:
The finish is present, but dried my mouth similarly to what a dry wine will do. Which is not something I typically notice with whiskey. Not unpleasant, but it stuck out to me.
I didn’t get many flavor notes on the finish. What I kept thinking of was something similar to the artificial strawberry flavor in some candies. This was the weakest aspect of the pour for me.
BUY OR PASS?
I was very happy with Weller Full Proof overall, but given how hard it is to obtain, and how most likely you’ll be spending secondary prices if you do, I think it has become associated with a tier of bourbon that it doesn’t quite reach. If you’re lucky enough to find it at a retail price it’s a must buy for me, because it is absolutely worth it. If nothing else for the experience!
The Hunter Says
Score: 8/10
Value: at MSRP - 4.5/5
at over $200 - 3/5
THE NOSE:
From the beginning, you're hit with an array of red fruits and strawberries, not to mention a nostalgic whiff of Smarties candy – and yeah, it's as good as it sounds. There's a subtle floral undertone that's rather intriguing.
Give it some time, and you're treated to the aroma of a pineapple upside-down cake fresh out of the oven, with hints of peaches weaving through. And just when you think you've got it figured out, it evolves into a beautiful blend of butterscotch and purple grapes.
It's a complex and evolving nose that keeps you coming back for more.
THE TASTE:
Now, this is where things get a bit contentious. For me, the palate was the weakest link in the chain. Don't get me wrong, the mouthfeel is exceptional – rich and enveloping.
The fruity flavors are there, but they sort of meld into a generic "fruitiness" without any specific notes standing out. The wheated aspect of the bourbon, which can sometimes be a bit much for my taste, is thankfully subdued here, making it a smoother ride than anticipated.
THE FINISH:
This is where the Weller Full Proof redeems itself. The finish is a standout, bringing all that fruitiness from the nose and somehow making it sing even louder.
It lingers, coating your palate for minutes, ensuring that the experience doesn't end the moment you set down your glass.
BUY OR PASS?
When you consider the suggested retail price of $70, the Weller Full Proof is a solid 4.5 out of 5. If you're lucky enough to snag it at this price, you're in for a treat, and patience in hunting it down at retail will be richly rewarded.
However, once we venture into the secondary market, where prices can soar to $200+, I've got to dial the value score back to a 3 out of 5. At that point, the bourbon enters a competitive arena where frankly, there are other bottles I'd rather chase.
So, if you can find it at or near MSRP, don't hesitate. But if you're contemplating the secondary market surge, it might be worth exploring other options that offer more bang for your buck.
