Weller CYPB, also known as Weller Craft Your Perfect Bourbon, is a limited edition whiskey that has gained quite a following among bourbon enthusiasts. This particular expression of Weller is the result of a collaborative effort between the distillery and its fans. The goal was to create a bourbon that would appeal to the majority of whiskey lovers, and the outcome is a wheated recipe bourbon that has been aged for eight years and bottled at 95 proof.
The age of Weller CYPB, as stated above, is eight years. This is a significant amount of time for a bourbon to mature and develop its flavors. During these eight years, the whiskey has been aging in the highest warehouse floors, which are known to have the most extreme temperature fluctuations. This constant change in temperature allows the whiskey to interact more with the wood of the barrels, resulting in a more complex and flavorful spirit.
The decision to age Weller CYPB on the highest warehouse floors is an interesting one. The higher floors of a bourbon warehouse tend to have higher temperatures, as they are closer to the roof. This increased heat can accelerate the aging process, causing the whiskey to mature more quickly. However, it also carries the risk of over-aging the whiskey and potentially imparting too much oak flavor. By choosing to age Weller CYPB on the highest floors, the distillers were likely aiming to strike a balance between rapid maturation and maintaining the desired flavor profile.
Bottled at 95 proof, Weller CYPB is slightly higher in alcohol content compared to the standard 90 proof for most bourbons. This higher proof adds an extra kick to the whiskey, intensifying the flavors and giving it a bit more heat on the palate. It also allows for more versatility in cocktails, as the higher proof can stand up to other ingredients without being overwhelmed.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and evaluate a wide range of whiskeys, including various expressions of Weller. While I have not personally tried Weller CYPB, I can speak to the general characteristics of aged wheated bourbons. Wheated bourbons, which use wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye, tend to be smoother and more mellow compared to their rye-heavy counterparts. The additional aging of eight years would likely have further enhanced these qualities, resulting in a well-rounded and flavorful whiskey.
Weller CYPB is a wheated recipe bourbon that has been aged for eight years on the highest warehouse floors and bottled at 95 proof. The combination of the wheated recipe, extended aging, and higher proof likely results in a complex and flavorful whiskey that appeals to a wide range of bourbon enthusiasts.