Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:43 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 Redemption Wheated vs Weller Special Reserve in this in-depth 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
Redemption Wheated vs Weller Special Reserve: Comparison
Redemption Wheated: A distinctive wheated bourbon featuring a mash with 45% winter wheat, noted for its vanilla, caramel, and marshmallow flavors but with a peppery twist and a thin body.
Weller Special Reserve: Celebrated for its smoothness and sweetness, this wheated bourbon delivers a classic flavor profile with caramel, vanilla, and chocolate notes, along with a warming finish.
Verdict: Redemption Wheated offers an intriguing take on the wheated bourbon category, blending classic sweetness with unexpected spice, ideal for those seeking a unique twist on tradition. Weller Special Reserve remains a benchmark for wheated bourbons, offering a reliably smooth and sweet sip that’s both approachable and satisfying, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Similar Bourbons to Weller Special Reserve
Redemption Wheated: Wheaty Wonder or Peppery Puzzle?
- Nose: Vanilla, oak, pear
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, marshmallow
- Finish: Short, caramel, spice, sour
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Redemption Bourbon
Redemption Wheated takes a unique approach, using 45% winter wheat in its mash. But does this lead to a wheaty paradise or a peppery surprise? Let’s explore its taste and see if it lives up to the hype.
Sweet & Light Nose, Thin on Body:
The aroma is pleasantly sweet and light with hints of vanilla, pear, and oak. On the palate, the body feels thin, but the flavors are present. Vanilla and caramel take center stage, joined by a touch of marshmallow and oak.
Short Finish with a Twist:
The finish is short and warm with lingering caramel, but a peppery twist emerges after a few sips. Some may find it unexpected for a wheated bourbon.
Good, But Not Great:
Redemption Wheated isn’t bad, but the peppery note and short finish might not please everyone. Adding water tones down the pepper, but the sourness lingers.
Affordable Wheated Option:
While not reaching the heights of Weller or Pappy, it’s more interesting than Maker’s Mark and affordable. If you’re budget-conscious and crave wheat, it’s worth a try. But for a smoother experience, consider Woodford Reserve Wheated.
Bonus Facts:
- Made by MGP of Indiana, known for rye whiskeys.
- Aged 4 years in new oak barrels.
- Each bottle has a batch number.
- Owned by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits.
Weller Special Reserve: Smooth, Sweet, and Easy to Sip
- 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: Weller 12
Weller Special Reserve is known for its smoothness and sweetness, making it a popular choice for bourbon lovers and newcomers alike. But is it all hype, or does it deliver on taste? Let’s dive in!
Sweet Aromas & Classic Flavors:
The nose opens with maple honey and apple pie, followed by subtle hints of aged leather and oak. The first sip brings a familiar wave of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon, joined by rich dark chocolate and a touch of citrus.
Lingering Warmth & Spice:
The finish is warming and dry, leaving behind notes of old leather, spicy cinnamon candy, and oak. It lingers pleasantly, reminding you of the flavors you just enjoyed.
Smooth & Easy on the Palate:
Weller Special Reserve goes down smooth, with minimal burn. But if you want to amplify the sweetness and oak, add a drop of water. It unlocks more nuanced flavors, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Is it Worth It?
Weller Special Reserve lives up to its reputation as a smooth and sweet wheated bourbon. While it might not be the most complex, it’s a satisfying sip that delivers flavor and enjoyment.
Bonus Facts:
- Uses around 15% wheat in the mash (exact amount is a secret!).
- Was the first bourbon to use wheat back in 1849!
- Aged 4 to 7 years.
- Won Gold at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Made by the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Ready to try it? Look for Weller Special Reserve, but be prepared – it can be hard to find!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Redemption Wheated | $46 |
| Weller Special Reserve | $60 |