William Larue Weller, known as WLW, is a highly sought-after bourbon that is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This bourbon is renowned for its exceptional quality and unique aging process. WLW is aged for a minimum of 12 years, which contributes to its complexity and depth of flavor.
The aging process of WLW is crucial in developing its distinctive characteristics. The bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels, which impart rich flavors and aromas to the spirit. Over the course of 12 years, the bourbon undergoes a transformative journey as it interacts with the wood and absorbs the flavors from the barrel. This extended aging period allows the bourbon to mellow and develop a smoothness that is highly prized by whiskey enthusiasts.
One of the remarkable aspects of WLW is its cask strength bottling. This means that the bourbon is bottled directly from the barrel without any dilution, resulting in a higher alcohol content compared to most other whiskeys. The exact alcohol by volume (ABV) can vary from batch to batch, but it typically falls within the mid-120s range.
The high proof of WLW is a testament to its intense flavors and concentrated character. It showcases the full potential of the bourbon, allowing enthusiasts to experience it in its purest form. The cask strength bottling also provides the opportunity for whiskey enthusiasts to experiment with dilution, adding water to their preferred taste and exploring the whiskey's flavor profile at different strengths.
I have had the privilege of tasting WLW on multiple occasions, and each time, it has left a lasting impression. The depth of flavor, the richness, and the complexity of this bourbon are truly remarkable. The extended aging period of 12 years contributes to the development of a wide range of flavors, including notes of caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate, and spices. The high proof adds an extra dimension of intensity, allowing the flavors to linger on the palate.
It's worth noting that WLW is released annually as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, and each batch may have slight variations in flavor profile due to the nature of barrel aging and the uniqueness of each individual barrel. This adds to the allure and excitement surrounding the release of WLW, as enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the chance to taste and compare different vintages.
William Larue Weller is aged for a minimum of 12 years, which contributes to its exceptional quality and depth of flavor. The extended aging period allows the bourbon to mellow and develop complex flavors, while the cask strength bottling showcases its full potential. WLW is a true gem in the whiskey world, and its limited availability only adds to its desirability among enthusiasts.