BACKGROUND: Of all the varieties in the W.L. Weller line - the others being Weller 10 Year, Weller Antique 107, Weller Full Proof, Weller C.Y.P.B., and William Larue Weller - the Special Reserve is perhaps the most common and least sought, although it, too, is highly allocated and difficult to find in most places. At 90 proof and retailing less than $20 (although secondary market prices are exponentially higher), it is considered the entry-level bourbon in the Weller lineup. Like the other offerings, Special Reserve is a wheated bourbon that replaces the traditional rye mash bill with one this is wheat-based. Because it shares the same mash bill as Pappy Van Winkle and is also produced by Buffalo Trace, Special Reserve and other Weller products (with the exception of the BTAC William Larue Weller) carry a higher cache’ among consumers than they would if there was no perceived association with a holy grail bourbon brand. NOSE: The nose possesses pleasant aromas of caramel apples, leather, and some corn dust that you would smell when opening a grain bin. PALATE: Cinnamon and sweet apple flavors are reminiscent of apple pie filling. Oak, caramel, and some generic spice notes round out the palate. Perhaps the most apparent critique is a decidedly thin and watery mouth feel FINISH: The cinnamon and caramel flavor linger much longer than expected, but the 90 proofer offers no noticeable Kentucky hug or lasting warmth. FINAL ASSESSMENT: Some bourbons are complex and offering waves of changing flavors from the front of the palate to the finish. Weller Special Reserve, however, is largely one-dimensional, and remains constant in nose, flavor, and finish. That one dimension, though, is a nice one. I would never find myself tempted to pay secondary prices for Special Reserve, but I will grab every bottle available at standard retail. Weller Special Reserve receives a three cork pops out of five.