W.L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

The W.L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the "powerhouse" of the Weller lineup, designed for those who find the standard 90-proof expressions too polite and the Antique 107 just a few steps short of perfection. Introduced in 2019, this "Blue Label" expression is unique because it is bottled at exactly 114 proof—the same proof at which the spirit originally entered the barrel. By avoiding chill-filtration, Buffalo Trace ensures that the bourbon retains all its natural oils and esters, resulting in a significantly more viscous and "chewy" mouthfeel than its siblings.

On the nose, the Full Proof is a decadent explosion of classic wheated bourbon aromatics. It opens with deep vanilla bean, dark maraschino cherries, and salted caramel. Because it lacks the heavy rye spice of a typical high-proof bourbon, the aroma is softer and more "bakery-forward," offering notes of toasted cinnamon bread and creme brulee. On the palate, the 57% ABV provides a robust but controlled heat that carries flavors of rich toffee, toasted oak, and bittersweet chocolate. The signature "Weller Cherry" note is particularly concentrated here, leaning more toward a dense cherry crumble than fresh fruit.

The finish is long, warming, and sophisticated, transitioning from a maple syrup sweetness to a drying, tannic oak with lingering hints of clove and espresso. While it doesn't carry the extreme age of the 12-Year or the "hazmat" intensity of William Larue Weller, the Full Proof is widely considered the most balanced high-proof wheater for daily (or special occasion) sipping. It offers the raw character of a barrel-pick without the unpredictability of varying proofs.

As one of the most allocated bottles in the "Bluegrass" state and beyond, it remains a high-target for collectors. To fully unlock the creamy layers of dark fruit and vanilla, try adding a single teaspoon of room-temperature water; it tames the ethanol "sting" and lets the toasted marshmallow notes take center stage.