William Larue Weller 12 Year Old 2003 Barrel Proof

Every year bourbon lovers from around the world look forward to the Antique Collection in which 5 bourbons are released, i.e. Thomas H. Handy, Sazerac, George T Stagg, Eagle Rare and this William Larue Weller. Call it the counterpart of Diageo’s special Releases in America. This William Larue Weller from 2003 matured for 12 long years in the hot Kentucky climate. And despite the fact that more than 13.000 bottles were released, it is very hard to find nowadays;

Wow, very aromatic and complex nose. Toffee apples, caramelized orange peel, raisins, butterscotch and a single drop of balsamic vinegar. Sirop de Liège and almond cake with cherry liqueur. Cinnamon, gummi bears, cola candy and maraschinos. Some mint with a hint of pine cones. A-ma-zing! But it can take water too. It becomes sweeter still and more candy-like, but loses nothing of its complexity.

Ka-boom! Hefty arrival, but it remains drinkable without water (thanks to saliva glands that go into overdrive). Honeysweet on all kinds of sugars and loads of fruit, just like the nose promised. The cola candy comes to the fore and brings a smile to my face. Soon that is joined with lots of other flavors such as sugared almonds, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, candied sugar, ginger and quite a bit of liquorice. The tannins are starting to get a grip on the whiskey, but the spirit fights back and remains sweet. Diluted it becomes mercilessly sweet and keeps the tannins at bay.

The finish is one of spicy peppers and cinnamon with just a few bitter oranges at the death, even if you added some water.

Spectacular bourbon! And a good swimmer as well. By now this bottle fetches some 750 to 1000 EUR. Crazy! A big thank you to my Canadian buddy Robert for the very generous sample.