The Weller Effect

I’m sure you’ve noticed a trend of empty Weller shelves over the past few years. It’s not William Larue Weller that you can’t find. It’s not even W.L. Weller 12 or Weller Antique. It’s the entire Weller line that can’t be found. A year and a half ago I wrote a post about Weller Antique and Special Reserve being the “available” wheated bourbon option. Since then, things have changed drastically. I haven’t seen Weller Antique in months and Special Reserve sparingly. Retailers tell stories of guys cleaning them out as soon as a Weller bottle hit the shelf. Is this the bourbon version of trickle down economics? read more

We continue Bourbonr “Wheated Week” with a review of Buffalo Traces E.H. Taylor Seasoned Wood. Going into this review, I thought “I better tread lightly.” Without tasting, one side bourbonr’s will curse Buffalo Trace’s name for this new release. They’ll claim it’s overhyped garbage from a greedy distillery. Sure, they’ll probably try a sample at a bar or from a friend but be prepared for some fireworks in their tasting notes. Now to the other side. This is the guy that can’t wait to spend whatever dollar amount it takes to get this new bottle. If he doesn’t turn around and flip it for a profit expect tasting notes in ALL CAPS. Words like “phenomenal” and “best ever” will flow freely. Where do I fall into these two camps? I’m not exactly sure. But, I wanted to try it first before voicing too much of an opinion. read more

Typically, a bourbon mash bill includes three ingredients: corn (at least 51%), rye and barley. Distilleries replace the rye portion of the mash bill with wheat to create a “wheated” or “wheater” bourbon. Wheated bourbon is softer and often a sweeter bourbon. What does “soft” taste like? Eat a piece of rye toast next to a piece of wheat toast. You’ll quickly understand the difference. Legend has it that Marge Samuels, wife of Maker’s Mark founder Bill Samuels, made 150 different loaves of bread to select the original Maker’s Mark mash bill. read more

Last week we did a blind tasting with BourbonHunt Pro members. There were no clues given. No outline for what we’d be tasting. Just 3 samples labeled 1, 2 and 3 and a week to taste. I’ve already discussed the merits of blind tasting but it’s always cool to see it in action. Here are the blind results. read more

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Feb. 29, 2016) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its homage to former Distillery owner Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. with a special release bourbon whiskey aged in seasoned wood oak barrels.  This 100 proof, Bottled-In-Bond, small batch wheat recipe bourbon was aged well over a decade and is a special one-time-only release. read more

This is exciting news as Jim Beam has announced a limited edition release of Booker’s Rye. It should be released later this year. If I had to guess I’d say summertime and the price tag will be in the $100 range. Similar to Booker’s 25th. I’ve gone ahead and offered my services as the official Booker’s Rye taste tester. Beam, I’ll be waiting for your call 🙂 Here’s the label: read more

Sazerac continues to revamp the 1792 brand with the release of 1792 Single Barrel. This label received approval but is just now going into distribution. The single barrel is preceded by the Sweet Wheat and Port Finish bourbons. Next up, 1792 Barrel Proof.

So far, I’ve enjoyed the new 1792 releases. Even better the price is usually good. For $40 I’d probably just grab a store pick 1792, but hopefully, Barton held back the best barrels for themselves. read more

New bourbon and whiskey brands are popping up across the country. Before bottling each brand must receive approval of their label from the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Below are the approved labels from yesterday.

Knob Creek 2001 Limited Edition. read more