2015 William Larue Weller - 67.3%
Released back when they still included total barrels used on the fact sheet. The 2015 edition of William Larue Weller blended 105 barrels from Warehouses I, K, and L (2nd and 6th floors). Angel's Share after 12+ years yielded a loss of 72.3% of the original distillation volume. For those unfamiliar, William Larue Weller (WLW) is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). WLW joined the collection in this cask strength format in 2005.
Notes: Nose jumps out of the glass. Massive oak. Baking spice. Anise. Caramel. Very layered - soft and hard caramel. Pine, old oak, greener wood fibers. Honey. Nuts. Palate is thick but also shoots high immediately. Wood driven with barrel spice and oak. Black tea. Flan and honey ground it. Structure is big and long thanks to the ABV and the massive oak. Dips back into caramel for the finish.
Pour This For: Lots of crossover with 20+ year cask strength armagnac.
Score: 8 (Stash One) The craft here is that it packs flavor at every turn and never lets bitterness in conjunction with ABV drop or washout flavor. Given the dominant oak, it maintains an impressive complexity. My favorite WLWs deliver some fruit (often cherry) as well. Not so much here where notes lean more dry and baked.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour