W.L. Weller Full Proof Bourbon Whiskey

W.L. Weller Full Proof is a wheated straight bourbon whiskey bottled at barrel entry proof of 114 (57% ABV), produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Unlike the standard Weller Special Reserve, this expression skips chill filtration and dilution, delivering a bolder, richer take on the classic wheated mash bill with notes of caramel, brown sugar, and warm baking spice. It's a bourbon built for whiskey lovers who want more depth without sacrificing the signature Weller softness.

The Weller name traces back to William Larue Weller, who in 1849 pioneered the use of wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain in bourbon — a mash bill that later inspired legends like Pappy Van Winkle. Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery carries on that wheated tradition, and Full Proof honors Weller's original philosophy of crafting bourbon with a gentler, sweeter character while still packing serious flavor at a higher proof.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Brown sugar, toasted oak, vanilla bean, light dried fruit
• Palate: Caramel sweetness, warm cinnamon spice, honeyed wheat, toasted nuts
• Finish: Long, with lingering oak char, brown butter, and a gentle peppery warmth

Product Details

Perfect For

W.L. Weller Full Proof shines in a variety of settings. Here's where this bourbon truly earns its keep:

• Home Bar Essentials: A must-have for collectors who appreciate wheated bourbon character at a higher proof.
• Weeknight Sipping: Pours generously in a rocks glass with a single large cube to open up the caramel and spice notes.
• Gift Ideas: A standout pick for the bourbon enthusiast on your list who already has the standard Weller lineup.
• Cocktail Upgrades: Adds serious backbone to an Old Fashioned or Manhattan thanks to its higher proof point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is W.L. Weller Full Proof a good bourbon for the price?

Yes, W.L. Weller Full Proof delivers exceptional value for a Buffalo Trace-produced wheated bourbon at barrel proof strength. Compared to other high-proof wheated bourbons on the market, it offers a rich, full-flavored pour that punches well above its everyday price point.

How does W.L. Weller Full Proof compare to Weller Special Reserve?

W.L. Weller Full Proof is bottled at a significantly higher proof (114 vs. 90) and skips the added water dilution, resulting in a bigger, spicier, more intense flavor profile. If you enjoy Special Reserve but want more depth and heat, Full Proof is the natural next step.

Can you mix cocktails with W.L. Weller Full Proof?

Absolutely, its higher proof makes it an excellent choice for classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan where you want the bourbon's flavor to hold up against other ingredients. It also sips well neat or with a splash of water for those who prefer a gentler pour.

What does wheated bourbon mean?

Wheated bourbon uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill, resulting in a softer, sweeter, and gentler flavor profile. W.L. Weller was the distiller who pioneered this style in 1849, and that same wheated tradition carries through in every bottle of Full Proof.

Is W.L. Weller Full Proof hard to find?

Weller Full Proof can be harder to find than standard Weller expressions due to high demand for the Weller lineup overall. When you do find a bottle, it's a smart buy for both everyday sipping and building out a serious bourbon collection.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.