W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) Limited Edition

The W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) is a unique, crowd-sourced expression that stands as one of the most interesting experiments in the Buffalo Trace portfolio. Launched in 2018, this "white label" Weller was born from an interactive online campaign where over 100,000 whiskey fans voted on their ideal bourbon parameters. The consensus was clear: enthusiasts wanted a wheated mash bill, aged for 8 years on the highest floors of the rickhouse, and bottled at 95 proof.

On the nose, the C.Y.P.B. is notably bright and fruit-forward compared to the darker, oakier Weller 12. It opens with inviting aromas of creamy vanilla, honeyed citrus, and toasted marshmallow. Because these barrels were aged on the top floors—where temperatures fluctuate most intensely—there is a surprising depth of sweet oak and butterscotch that belies its 8-year age statement. The palate is exceptionally smooth and "crushable," offering a harmonious blend of caramel apple, baking spices, and soft milk chocolate, all carried by the velvety mouthfeel characteristic of Buffalo Trace’s wheated recipe.

The finish is medium-to-long and remarkably clean, trailing off with a gentle cinnamon warmth and a touch of dried apricot. While it lacks the raw power of the Full Proof or the antique complexity of William Larue Weller, the C.Y.P.B. excels in its balance and approachability. It is widely considered the "Goldilocks" of the Weller lineup—not too hot, not too woody, but just right for those who prioritize elegance and sweetness.

As a limited annual release, it remains a high-priority "tater" bottle for collectors, often fetching significant premiums on the secondary market. To get the most out of its delicate profile, it is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass, though its 95-proof structure also makes it an elite choice for a high-end wheated Old Fashioned.