W.L. Weller Full Proof is one of the most sought after expressions in Buffalo Trace's celebrated wheated bourbon lineup, a bold, uncut take on the recipe that made the Weller name legendary. William Larue Weller pioneered the use of wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain, creating the softer, rounder, sweeter style of bourbon that became his signature, and the Weller line carries that philosophy forward using Buffalo Trace's proprietary wheated mashbill, the same revered recipe family as Pappy Van Winkle. What sets Full Proof apart is in its name: the whiskey is bottled at 114 proof, the exact strength at which it entered the barrel, cut with only enough water to return it to that barrel entry proof and no lower. It is also non chill filtered, which preserves the natural oils, fatty acids, and esters developed during distillation and long aging, giving it a notably rich, weighty mouthfeel and deeper flavor, and which may cause it to turn cloudy if chilled, a sign of its authentic, unfiltered character. The result is a powerful yet remarkably balanced wheated bourbon. The nose offers vanilla, dark cherries, and caramel, the palate delivers a dense, layered delivery of deep caramel, toasted cinnamon, dark stone fruit, and oak, and the long finish lingers with crème brûlée, rich vanilla bean, and chocolate. Released in painfully limited, allocated quantities, Weller Full Proof has become a genuine cult bottle and a cornerstone of any serious bourbon collection, equally rewarding enjoyed neat, with a few drops of water, or over a single large cube.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
W.L. Weller |
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Full Proof |
| Age Statement |
No age statement (believed approximately 6 to 8 years) |
| Mashbill |
Buffalo Trace wheated mashbill (approx. 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley; proprietary) |
| Maturation |
Aged in new charred oak; bottled at barrel entry proof; non chill filtered |
| Bottling |
Allocated, limited release |
| ABV |
57% |
| Proof |
114 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep caramel amber.
Nose: Vanilla, dark cherries, and caramel.
Palate: Dense and layered, with deep caramel, toasted cinnamon, dark stone fruit, and oak.
Finish: Long, with crème brûlée, rich vanilla bean, and chocolate.
FAQ
What does full proof mean? It means the bourbon is bottled at the same proof at which it entered the barrel, in this case 114 proof, cut with only enough water to return it to that entry strength.
What proof is it? 114 proof, or 57 percent ABV.
What is a wheated bourbon? A bourbon that uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, giving a softer, smoother, sweeter profile. Weller shares a mashbill family with Pappy Van Winkle.
Why is it non chill filtered? To preserve the natural oils and esters for a richer mouthfeel; this can make the whiskey look cloudy when cold, which is normal.
How should I drink it? Neat, with a few drops of water, or over a single large cube to open up the caramel and oak.
Where can I buy W.L. Weller Full Proof online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
