The W.L. Weller bourbon brand is a line of wheated bourbons produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
W.L. Weller bourbons are known for their use of wheat as a secondary grain in the mash bill, along with corn and malted barley. This differs from traditional bourbons, which typically use rye as the secondary grain. The inclusion of wheat in the recipe contributes to a softer, smoother, and more mellow flavor profile.
The brand is named after William Larue Weller, a bourbon distiller who lived in the 19th century. Weller was one of the early pioneers of wheated bourbons and is credited with popularizing the use of wheat in the mash bill. His bourbons were highly regarded during his time and continue to be celebrated today.
W.L. Weller bourbons have gained significant popularity in recent years, partly due to their association with the “wheated bourbon” category and their connection to the highly coveted Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, which are also produced by Buffalo Trace using the same recipe. As a result, some expressions of W.L. Weller have become increasingly difficult to find, leading to high demand and limited availability.
The W.L. Weller brand offers a range of expressions, each with its own unique qualities and varying in age, proof, and availability.