Emma Jones
The History of Weller Bourbon
If you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve likely heard of the W.L. Weller bourbon line. Named after its founder, William Larue Weller, Weller bourbon has been around since the 1800s. In fact, it’s said that Weller was the first bourbon distiller to use wheat instead of rye in his mash bill, leading to a smoother, softer taste.
Weller bourbon continued to grow in popularity over the years, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that it reached almost cult-like status. This was largely due to the hype surrounding Pappy Van Winkle, another bourbon line from the same distillery that shared a similar mash bill with Weller. As Pappy’s popularity grew, so did Weller’s – and the demand for both lines skyrocketed.
Enter The New Weller Bourbon Line
It’s been a few years since the bourbon boom, and while Pappy Van Winkle is still as popular as ever, Weller has been making some changes. Specifically, the new Weller bourbon line features an unusual grain – sonora wheat.
Sonora wheat is a heritage grain that was once widely grown in the southern United States. It’s a soft wheat with a nutty flavor, and it’s somewhat rare in the bourbon world. According to Weller, using sonora wheat in the mash bill gives the bourbon a unique profile that’s both spicy and sweet.
What to Expect from Weller’s New Line
So, what can you expect from the new Weller bourbon line? According to early reviews, it’s a departure from the Weller we all know and love. Instead of the classic smoothness, the sonora wheat adds a bit of bite – in a good way. It’s a nice change of pace, and one that makes the new line stand out.
Of course, it’s worth noting that the new Weller line isn’t just about the sonora wheat. There are a few other changes, too. Each of the four new expressions is bottled at a higher proof than the original Weller line, ranging from 97 to 114 proof. The bottles are also slightly smaller – 750ml instead of the traditional 1 liter. And, of course, the packaging has been updated to reflect the new line.
Is the New Weller Line Worth Trying?
If you’re a fan of Weller bourbon, then absolutely. The new line is a departure from the classic Weller taste, but in a good way. The sonora wheat adds a new dimension to the flavor profile, and the higher proof makes for a bit of extra kick. It’s also worth noting that while Weller’s popularity has grown in recent years, it’s still nowhere near as hard to find as Pappy Van Winkle. So, if you want to try something new and exciting in the bourbon world, the new Weller line is a great place to start.
