Tastes

VA ABC Private Barrel. Barrel 6294520. 102.1 proof. 10 years old. This barrel has a lot less vanilla than other single barrel/barrel proof EC bottles Ive had. I am usually a huge fan of the EC barrel proofs but this one wasnt overly impressive, especially for $90.

Bought a pour at a local whiskey bar. Delicious. If I ever got my hands on a bottle I’d be sooo lucky.

Oaky, sweet, a little heat. I may like the A125 a little better but this batch is close.

Im not used to this amount of rye in a bourbon or rye whiskey in general. Even then, this pour is super pleasant. I can’t get any signature bourbon notes on the nose. The palate is a little sweet but mostly spicy. The finish is long but it’s so smooth at the same time. I have had my eye on this bottle for a long time and was finally able to find on the shelf in a VA ABC store. Great bottle. A little pricey but worth at least buying once.

Caramelly sweet on the nose and oaky on the palate. So good. Great cask strength find.

That same apple that is prominent in Buffalo Trace’s mash bill 1 also make an appearance in their high wheat mash bill, which Weller is a part of. I would personally prefer the A107 or Full Proof, but Special Reserve is not a bad choice at all if you can find it around SRP. Light, sweet, cinnamon. An easy 90 proof pour.