W.L. Weller Special Reserve is the original wheated bourbon — the expression that first substituted wheat for rye as the secondary grain in a Kentucky straight bourbon mashbill, producing the soft, approachable character that defines the entire Weller and Van Winkle family of bourbons.
Widely known as the "green label" Weller for its distinctive green label design, Special Reserve is bottled at 90 proof from the same Buffalo Trace wheated mashbill used in W.L. Weller 12 Year, Weller Antique 107, Weller Full Proof, and William Larue Weller. The wheated recipe — developed by William Larue Weller in the 19th century — replaces the rye grain that gives most bourbons their spice and heat with wheat, producing a rounder, softer, sweeter profile at any proof level.
The 1.75L format — also called a handle or half gallon — is the largest standard bottle size for Weller Special Reserve, and among the most sought-after formats for allocated bourbon. At twice the volume of a standard 750ml bottle, it represents the best value format for a regular Weller drinker and is significantly harder to find in allocation than the 750ml. Wooden Cork currently has the 1.75L in stock and ships nationwide.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Honey, light caramel, vanilla, and fresh grain with subtle oak. Palate: Soft and smooth at 90 proof — the wheat grain delivering caramel, light butterscotch, and gentle spice without the rye heat of a standard bourbon. Finish: Clean and medium-length with warm vanilla and light oak. Approachable enough for everyday sipping, complex enough to reward attention.
Specs
Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky. Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Mashbill: Wheated bourbon recipe. Proof: 90 (45% ABV). Size: 1.75L (half gallon / handle).
Browse the full W.L. Weller collection at Wooden Cork, including Weller 12 Year, Antique 107, Full Proof, Single Barrel, and William Larue Weller.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is W.L. Weller Special Reserve?
The entry expression in the W.L. Weller lineup — a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace at 90 proof. Named after William Larue Weller, who pioneered the wheat-substituted bourbon recipe in the 19th century. The same wheated mashbill is used across the full Weller lineup and the Pappy Van Winkle family of bourbons.
Why is Weller Special Reserve called the "green label"?
Weller Special Reserve carries a distinctive green label — in contrast to the red label of Weller Antique 107 and the blue label of Weller 12 Year — giving it the colloquial nickname "green label Weller" among collectors and enthusiasts. The green label is one of the more recognizable packaging identifiers in the allocated bourbon market.
What is the difference between Weller Special Reserve and Weller 12 Year?
Both use the same wheated Buffalo Trace mashbill and are bottled at 90 proof, but Weller 12 Year carries a 12-year age statement, producing greater oak integration, darker fruit, and more complexity. Special Reserve has no age statement and is the more approachable, lighter-bodied expression of the two. Special Reserve also receives slightly broader distribution.
Why is the 1.75L Weller Special Reserve hard to find?
Weller Special Reserve is an allocated bourbon — Buffalo Trace controls distribution quantities across all formats. The 1.75L is allocated separately from the 750ml and in smaller quantities, making it harder to source than the standard bottle. Wooden Cork ships nationwide when stock is available.
Is Weller Special Reserve the same mashbill as Pappy Van Winkle?
Yes — W.L. Weller Special Reserve, the full Weller lineup, and the Pappy Van Winkle family all use the same wheated bourbon mashbill from Buffalo Trace. The differences are aging, proof, and allocation tier. Weller Special Reserve is the most accessible and broadly distributed expression of the wheated Buffalo Trace mashbill.
