Style: Straight wheated bourbon whiskey
Age: 11.5 years
Proof: 94 (47%)
Region: Frankfort, Kentucky
Over the past handful of years, the W.L. Weller line of bourbon whiskey has become among the most desired among drinkers and collectors alike. Buffalo Trace, the distillery that produces the Weller line, has just added the Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat to the portfolio. This new bourbon is a direct product of Buffalo Trace’s experimental series and marks the first time one of their concoctions has matriculated to one of the distillery’s main labels. This Weller expression uses Emmer wheat, which is an ancient varietal of the plant that has been traced back to ancient Mesopotamia. Let’s see if this experiment actually sets the Daniel Weller apart from other wheated bourbons.
Tasting notes
On the nose, the Daniel Weller has an aroma of butterscotch and wheat bread with a hint of honey. The palate begins with a rich baking spice and a burst of orange zest but then evolves into a round note of snickerdoodle cookie or vanilla wafer. There’s a hint of pink bubblegum, which is not uncommon in wheat whiskies. The finish is sweet, spicy, and warm, almost like taking a bite of freshly baked carrot cake. It’s an easy sipper that fans of the rest of the Weller line will definitely appreciate.
Final thoughts
Taken side-by-side with the Weller 12, it’s clear that the Emmer wheat used in the Daniel Weller makes a definite difference in the final flavor. The new Daniel Weller expression is a bit more grain-forward in its presentation but still delivers the smoothness that fans of the rest of the Weller expect. It’s a pleasant bourbon, but what makes it interesting is the difference in flavor imparted by the Emmer wheat. Because of that, it’s probably best enjoyed side-by-side with other entries in the line.
