Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:40 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 Larceny Small Batch vs Weller Special Reserve in this in-depth comparison and decide which 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
Larceny vs Weller: Comparison
Larceny: Larceny offers a sweet and spicy experience, well-suited for those who enjoy a rich bourbon profile. Presents a valuable option for bourbon enthusiasts looking for quality without a high cost.
Weller Special Reserve: Weller Special Reserve, is a premium wheated bourbon that delivers a complex and delightful tasting experience.
Commonality: Both Larceny and Weller Special Reserve are celebrated for their wheated mash bills, offering a softer, sweeter bourbon experience. They cater to those seeking a smoother alternative to the traditional rye-spiced bourbons, highlighting the versatility and range within the bourbon category.
Verdict: Larceny stands out as a more accessible option, offering a compelling combination of flavor and affordability. Weller Special Reserve commands a higher price, reflecting its premium status and nuanced flavor profile, appealing to those willing to invest more in their bourbon experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: What is Similar to Weller
Larceny: A Sweet Steal
- Nose: Banana bread, vanilla, butterscotch
- Palate: Banana, caramel, oak
- Finish: Caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Bernheim
Sniffing secrets: First, a little warmth, but then BAM! Banana bread takes the stage, joined by vanilla and butterscotch for a sweet escape.
Sweet sips: The heat fades fast, revealing a caramel dream team with more banana bread and a touch of oaky spice. Not the thickest, but it holds its own.
Finish finesse: Pleasant sweetness and a gentle warmth leave you wanting more. Add a splash of water for a smoother, even sweeter ride.
Not the smoothest, but still a good sip: Larceny might not be the smoothest wheated bourbon out there, but it’s enjoyable and affordable. Think sweet, rich flavors with a manageable heat (easily tamed with water).
Bonus points: Aged 6-12 years, award-winning, and named a “Best Buy.” Plus, the name’s a fun story (no actual larceny involved!).
Remember: This is just the starting point. Add your own experiences and tasting notes to make it your own!
Weller Special Reserve: Wheaty Delight with a Touch of Leather
- 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: Old Elk
Sweet symphony: Weller Special Reserve greets your nose with a smooth serenade of maple honey, apples, and a touch of aged leather and oak. Think warm apple pie with a hint of mystery.
First sip surprise: Caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon lead the dance on your palate, before dark chocolate and citrus join in, adding depth and complexity. It’s like a dessert that keeps revealing new flavors.
Lingering warmth: The finish is a pleasant goodbye, leaving a dry warmth on your tongue. Notes of aged leather, spicy cinnamon candy, and oak spice linger, leaving you wanting more.
Neat or with a twist: This wheated bourbon shines neat, offering smooth sips with minimal bite. But add a drop of water, and it unveils even more sweetness and oak, taking the experience to a new level.
Wheaty wonder: Weller embodies the classic wheated bourbon – smooth, sweet, and satisfying. While it might lack a bit of body, it delivers a delightful pour nonetheless.
Bonus facts: This ain’t your ordinary bourbon! Weller uses wheat instead of rye, making it uniquely smooth. Aged 4-7 years, and it even snagged a gold medal!
Remember: This is just the beginning! Add your own experiences and tasting notes to make your review truly your own.
What do Larceny and Weller have in common?
Both Larceny and Weller belong to the category of wheated bourbons.
Wheated bourbons feature a softer and more approachable flavor profile in comparison to bourbons that utilize rye as their secondary grain.
As a result, wheated bourbons tend to exhibit a slightly sweeter taste, contributing to their overall appeal.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Larceny Small Batch | $29 |
| Weller Special Reserve | $60 |