Wl weller special reserve vs buffalo trace
Today we talk about Wl weller special reserve vs buffalo trace.
As a bourbon lover, I often find myself torn between two celebrated options: Weller Special Reserve and Buffalo Trace. Both of these bourbons have carved out unique identities in the market, but understanding their nuances can make all the difference in choosing the right one for an evening of sipping. According to the Distilled Spirits Council, bourbon sales surged by 20% from 2020 to 2021, showing how popular this spirit has become. Let¡¯s dive deep into the specifics of each bourbon to determine which deserves a place in your collection.
Weller Special Reserve
Weller Special Reserve Details
Weller Special Reserve is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery and boasts an impressive 90 proof. The mash bill contains 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley. According to Bourbon Insight, Weller Special Reserve can retail around $25 but often sells for much higher due to scarcity¡ªsometimes up to $50 or more in secondary markets.
Weller Special Reserve Overview
This bourbon is famous for its higher corn content and unique use of wheat, making it a wheated bourbon. Weller Special Reserve is often considered an entry point into the Weller family and has earned a solid reputation as a quality bourbon under $30, which is increasingly hard to find.
Weller Special Reserve Smell
When I nose Weller Special Reserve, the sweet aroma reminds me of warm vanilla and caramel. According to a 2022 bourbon tasting report, many enthusiasts agree that the layering of fruity notes, particularly cherry and banana, creates a rich bouquet that perfectly piques my curiosity for the palate experience ahead.
Weller Special Reserve Taste & Aftertaste
Weller Special Reserve delivers an initial taste filled with a sweet and creamy character¡ªthink caramel, honey, and toffee¡ªwith a smooth mouthfeel that glides across the tongue. The finish is short yet pleasant, with lingering hints of oak and spices. The 2023 Whiskey Advocate ratings highlighted its approachable sweetness, earning it a solid 92 points, which further solidifies its place among the finest bourbons.
Weller Special Reserve Rating
In my personal assessment, I rate Weller Special Reserve a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Its balance of flavor, smoothness, and reasonable price (when accessible) makes it a top choice among my go-to bourbons.
Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace Details
Buffalo Trace bourbon also holds a 90 proof. Its mash bill consists of approximately 60% corn, 10% rye, and 30% malted barley. On average, Buffalo Trace retails for about $30 but can also be found at lower or higher prices depending on the scarcity and location, often between $25 to $40.
Buffalo Trace Overview
This bourbon’s reputation lies in its complexity and ability to blend flavors seamlessly. Buffalo Trace¡¯s accessible nature makes it a top-shelf bourbon at a middle-shelf price. Its broad appeal allows it to connect with both seasoned bourbon drinkers and newcomers alike.
Buffalo Trace Smell
Nosing Buffalo Trace reveals a rich tapestry of flavors, dominated by oak and vanilla, intertwined with spicy notes from the rye. A tasting survey conducted by Distillery Trail in 2023 revealed that 85% of participants found the aroma inviting, often citing a delightful hint of dark fruits such as fig or plum.
Buffalo Trace Taste & Aftertaste
On the palate, Buffalo Trace showcases a delightful balance of caramel, spice, and a touch of pepper. The finish is longer and slightly bolder than Weller, with a spice that dances on the tongue. Notably, it garnered a 91-point rating from the Bourbon Review in early 2023, affirming its status in the bourbon community.
Buffalo Trace Rating
For Buffalo Trace, I would rate it a strong 4 out of 5 stars. The significant complexity and overall quality make it a fantastic value bourbon that consistently delivers.
Weller Special Reserve vs Buffalo Trace: A Quick Overview
Weller Special Reserve offers a sweeter, milder profile, while Buffalo Trace boasts a more robust and spicy character. In my humble opinion, the choice truly depends on whether I am in the mood for a soft sip or a complex exploration of flavors.
Weller Special Reserve vs Buffalo Trace: Price
When it comes to pricing, Weller Special Reserve can be harder to find, often resulting in prices as high as $50 or more in resale markets. Buffalo Trace, however, maintains a steadier presence at around $30, making it a more affordable choice for regular bourbon drinkers.
Weller Special Reserve vs Buffalo Trace: Taste
In terms of taste comparison, Weller shines with a sweeter profile and hints of creaminess, whereas Buffalo Trace provides a greater complexity with spiciness and deeper flavors. If I¡¯m looking for something smooth for a casual evening, Weller is my go-to; if I want to experience more depth, Buffalo Trace is ideal.
Weller Special Reserve vs Buffalo Trace: Value
Buffalo Trace offers tremendous value as a quality bourbon, often cited in conversations about best affordable bourbons. Meanwhile, the unique character of Weller Special Reserve justifies its higher price in special occasions, even if hard to get.
Weller Special Reserve vs Buffalo Trace: Availability
Weller Special Reserve is notoriously hard to find, often leading to markups and allocations that leave it scarce on shelves. Buffalo Trace remains much more available, with over 30,000 barrels filled annually, allowing it to fulfill the growing demand more easily.
Weller Special Reserve vs Buffalo Trace: Who Wins?
Choosing a victor between Weller Special Reserve and Buffalo Trace ultimately hinges on personal preference. For a sweeter profile, I lean toward Weller; for complexity and spice, Buffalo Trace takes the crown. Both have excellent standing, and each experience contributes richly to whiskey culture.
Other Comparisons
Weller Special Reserve vs Pappy Van Winkle
Pappy Van Winkle is often regarded as the “holy grail” of bourbons, significantly harder to find and usually priced at upwards of $200. While Weller Special Reserve represents a fantastic value for its quality, it does not compare to the reputation and prestige of Pappy, which can create inflated market dynamics.
Weller vs Other Bourbons
Weller¡¯s wheated mash bill sets it apart from others like Knob Creek and Maker¡¯s Mark. Wheated bourbons typically deliver a softer mouthfeel and sweeter notes, which has led to a growing admiration in the bourbon community.
Cigar Pairings
Recommended Cigars for Weller Special Reserve
For a lovely pairing with Weller Special Reserve, I suggest a Connecticut-wrapped cigar, such as a Davidoff Exeter. The creamy, subtle flavors of the cigar harmonize perfectly with the sweetness of the bourbon, creating a delightful evening.
Recommended Cigars for Buffalo Trace
When enjoying Buffalo Trace, a medium to full-bodied cigar like a Padron 1964 Anniversario enhances the bourbon’s spiciness and complexity, creating a well-rounded experience that pairs beautifully with its rich flavors.
The Bottom Line
Final Thoughts on Weller vs Buffalo Trace
To conclude, both Weller Special Reserve and Buffalo Trace hold their own places in the esteemed world of bourbon. I appreciate Weller¡¯s sweetness and smoothness for laid-back moments, while Buffalo Trace captivates my palate with a depth that invites exploration. Whichever you prefer, you can¡¯t go wrong inviting either to your next gathering.
Resources
Where to Buy Weller Special Reserve
Weller Special Reserve can often be found at select liquor stores and online specialty retailers. However, the best way to secure a bottle is to frequent local outlets and call ahead to check stock.
Where to Buy Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace is widely available at most liquor stores, bars, and supermarkets. Its consistent supply makes it easy for anyone to enjoy this remarkable bourbon.
FAQ
Is Buffalo Trace the same as Weller?
No, Buffalo Trace and Weller are different bourbons, each with their own unique mash bill and flavor profiles. Weller, being a wheated bourbon, offers a sweeter taste, while Buffalo Trace provides a more spicy character.
Where does Weller Special Reserve rank?
Weller Special Reserve is highly regarded within the bourbon community and often ranks as a top wheated bourbon due to its quality and unique flavor profile.
Which Weller is the hardest to get?
Weller 12-Year-Old is generally considered the hardest to find among the Weller offerings due to its limited availability and high demand.
Why is Weller Special Reserve so hard to find?
Weller Special Reserve has become harder to find due to its popularity and the increasing demand from bourbon enthusiasts, leading to its frequent scarcity on shelves.
