Blade and Bow vs Weller: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:37 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Blade and Bow vs Weller in this head-to-head comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Blade and Bow vs. Weller Special Reserve: Sipping Showdown

Both: Budget-friendly, smooth everyday bourbons under $70.

Blade and Bow:

Value & Intrigue: Affordable with a cool bottle & historical connection.
Flavor: Warm & spicy with cherry & peanut notes.
Drawbacks: Less complex, might be too hot for some.

Weller Special Reserve:

Smoothness: Exceptionally smooth wheated bourbon, perfect for beginners.
Flavor: Sweet & easygoing with maple, caramel, & spice.
Drawbacks: Can be sweeter than preferred, limited availability.

Choose Blade and Bow for: Value, warmth, intrigue, and a fruitier-spicier profile.

Choose Weller Special Reserve for: Ultimate smoothness, a wheated profile, and sweetness.

Remember: Taste is subjective! Experiment and find your perfect bourbon match, suggests whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Cheap Weller Alternatives

Blade and Bow: Unveiling Sweet Warmth

Nose: Cherry, vanilla, oak, ethanol
Palate: Fruit, vanilla, brown sugar, baking spice, peanuts
Finish: Oak, spice, roasted peanuts
Alcohol content: 91 proof (45.5% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Basil Hayden’s

Seeking a bourbon for everyday sipping? Blade and Bow offers a pleasant warmth and intriguing backstory at a reasonable price.

Aromatic journey: The initial ethanol fades to reveal cherry, vanilla, and oak on the nose.

Flavorful sip: Expect ripe cherries, brown sugar, vanilla, and baking spice, with hints of oak and roasted peanuts on the palate.

Finish and beyond: The medium-length finish packs a satisfying spice, wood, and roasted peanut punch. A touch of water reduces the warmth and amplifies brown sugar and oak notes.

Good, not grand: While not mind-blowing, Blade and Bow is a reliable sipper with a charming warmth.

Bonus:

Attractive bottle: Eye-catching design to grace your bar.
Captivating history: Homage to the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery.
Unique aging: Solera system uses some of the distillery’s last stocks.
“Key to the past”: Unlock a distillery tour with the included key (when available).
Fair value: Decent bourbon, intriguing story, and reasonable price.

Ready for a pleasant, budget-friendly bourbon adventure? Give Blade and Bow a try!

Weller Special Reserve: Smooth Wheated Bliss in a Bottle

Nose: Maple, apple, leather, oak
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, baking spice
Finish: Old leather, cinnamon, oak
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks
Similar to: Maker’s Mark 46

Craving a bourbon that’s smooth, sweet, and easy on the palate? Weller Special Reserve, a wheated gem from Buffalo Trace, might be your perfect match. Ditch the rye spice and embrace the maple honey, apple, and oak aromas on the nose.

Sip and discover: caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon dance with a touch of dark chocolate and citrus zest. The finish is warming, and dry, and lingers with hints of leather, spice, and oak.

Good? Absolutely! Weller goes down smoothly neat, but add a drop of water for extra sweetness and oak. It’s not mind-blowing, but consistently satisfying, easy to sip, and lighter than some bourbons.

Fun facts:

Wheaty secret: Likely around 15% wheat (the exact amount is hush-hush).
Bourbon pioneer: First to use wheat in bourbon back in 1849!
Aged to perfection: 4-7 years for a smooth character.
Award-winner: Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ready to explore the smooth side of bourbon? Try Weller Special Reserve – you might just find your new favorite pour.