Luxardo cherries | Dark fruit | Musty oak funk | Sweet | Bold with a warming heat

Cinnamon | Red Hots candy | Dark cherries | Musty oak | Warmth intensifies | Heat, spice, and funk complement the underlying sweet cherry note | Nicely balanced & enjoyable

Heat continues to intensify | Floral note | Red Hots candy | Cinnamon candy | Spice holds and lasts for a really long time

First introduced in 2005, William Larue Weller has historically offered a rare glimpse at what a relatively high age, high quality, barrel proof wheated bourbon should taste like. Aged on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors of warehouses K, L, D, Q, and C, it’s surprising to note 64% of the original whiskey was lost to evaporation, or the “Angel’s Share” as this is often referred to. Unlike some of the recent past years’ vintages which focused more heavy-handedly on cherry notes, this year’s edition incorporates more spice and surprisingly, a funky oak note. Because of this somewhat unusual funky oak note for the brand, the whiskey’s age is more evident, which will satisfy those who enjoy a bit of oak funk, albeit at the expense of those hoping for another cherry bomb. This combination brings more balance to the whiskey, as no single flavor component overpowers another. Adding a few drops of water tames some of the heat and subdues the bourbon’s gripping intensity, but still allows the long spicy finish to show through. This year’s William Larue Weller is another high quality release for the brand, trading wow factor for overall balance. While it isn’t a showstopper, it once again maintains a high bar for what a wheated barrel proof bourbon should be.