W.L. Weller Full Proof Bourbon

Product Description

W.L. Weller Full Proof: Honoring the Man Who Made Wheated Bourbon Legendary

William Larue Weller, born in 1825, was a pioneering whiskey merchant and distiller who championed the use of wheat instead of rye in the mash bill, creating a softer, smoother style of bourbon that set his whiskeys apart when he first produced it in 1849. Full Proof, launched by Buffalo Trace in June 2019, honors that legacy in a genuinely distinctive way: bottled at 114 proof, the exact same strength the spirit was when it first entered the barrel, and left completely non-chill filtered.

That "Full Proof" name is worth understanding precisely: it doesn't mean this bourbon is bottled at barrel or cask strength, which would reflect a higher, evaporation-driven proof reached during aging. Instead, Full Proof is deliberately proofed to match its original barrel entry strength, preserving all the naturally occurring residual oils and flavors developed during distillation and aging, which can even cause the whiskey to appear cloudy when chilled, a genuine sign of its untouched character. It's the highest-proof standard release in the entire Weller lineup, eclipsing Antique 107 by 7 full proof points, second only to the ultra-rare, barrel-proof William Larue Weller from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

That quality has earned real recognition: Weller Full Proof took home a Double Gold in the Straight Bourbon category at the 2023 New York World Spirits Competition, along with a Masters award at the 2023 American Whiskey Masters. For wheated bourbon fans chasing genuine depth and richness beyond what Special Reserve or the standard 12 Year offers, Full Proof delivers real, undiluted character worth the search.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla, dark cherries, and caramel.

Palate: A rich balance of caramel and toasted oak, with a mouth-coating thickness and layered sweetness that opens up further with time in the glass.

Finish: Long, with crème brûlée, chocolate, and lingering cinnamon spice.

Food Pairings

W.L. Weller Full Proof's caramel and dark cherry character pairs beautifully with equally rich fare. Try it alongside dark chocolate, aged cheddar, or a charcuterie board with dried cherries and toasted nuts.

Serving Suggestions

W.L. Weller Full Proof is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass to fully appreciate its rich, undiluted character. It also holds up beautifully in a classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan for those who prefer a bolder cocktail base.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Full Proof" actually mean? It refers to the bourbon being bottled at 114 proof, the exact strength the spirit entered the barrel at, rather than diluted down for standard bottling. This is different from "barrel proof" or "cask strength," which reflects the higher proof a whiskey reaches after evaporation during aging.

What is the alcohol content? 57% ABV (114 proof).

Is this bourbon chill filtered? No. It's bottled non-chill filtered, preserving natural oils and flavor compounds, which may cause slight cloudiness when chilled.

Has this bourbon won any awards? Yes. It earned a Double Gold in the Straight Bourbon category at the 2023 New York World Spirits Competition, along with a Masters award at the 2023 American Whiskey Masters.

How does this compare to other Weller expressions? Full Proof is the highest-proof standard release in the Weller lineup, higher than Special Reserve, 12 Year, and Antique 107, second only to the ultra-rare, barrel-proof William Larue Weller.

How should I enjoy it? Neat in a Glencairn glass, or mixed into a classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Explore More

Curious about wheated bourbon? Shop our full W.L. Weller collection for more from the original wheated bourbon brand.

Looking for more exceptional Kentucky bourbon? Shop our full Bourbon collection to discover more standout single barrel and small batch releases.

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