WL Weller 7YR. (90º)

Unbelievably I had my first go with this young bourbon about 4 weeks ago. I was familiar but not so fond of the 7 YR (107 proof). Because of a couple of tries of different purchases of the 7/107 I pretty much lost any interest in pursuing the 7 YR 90 proof. Figuring they were one and the same with a lot of water added to the 90 proof... I guess Kentucky water must really make a difference!

To make my case, because I wasn't impressed with intitial tastes of the 107 I did something I rarely ever do. I added water to a nice shot. Small amount initially. Still not appealing so I added more. I figure before it was all over with I had turned my rocks glass and subsequent shot into about 40% Weller / 60% water. It was tolerable but noticibly forged.

So I finally get around to trying the 7/90 with low expectations, and what a surprise it turns out to be! This was much more like the Weller 12 YR 90 proof which I am fond of. There was a little bit more zip (in the direction of the 107) when compared to the 12. The 12 being a little more tame and mellowed, I guess from the 5 additional years in oak. A sweet toasted maple and a nicely balanced barage of spice kicks in.

The price was equally exceptional. From what I've tasted thus far, this is destined to become one my top picks for the "Best Buy" classification. A good practical product for a good practical price.

You know there was a point in time when I was confused about the very same topic. When I first came across the listing of the WL Weller Reserve 90º I assumed it was a mislisting for the 12 year old 90º. Reason being the 12 year old was ONLY listed in .750 and I´m pretty sure it at least use to be bottled in Liter bottles as well. The Reserve 90º was only listed in Liter bottles and no .750 (at the time, but that has since changed to reflect both .750 and Liters)

Then I became acclimated to the fact that the Reserve is the other 7 Year Old Weller at 90º. The difficulty I had with this though, was I wasn´t thrilled with the 7 Year Old Antique 107º. I was certain that the Reserve 90º was just a watered down version of the 107º. Which I still would think thats the logical explanation, but boy Kentucky water must be some of the damn finest whisky complimenting liquid on the planet. The difference for me between the two is night and day.


I´ve considered that I got a sub par batch of the Antique 107º because a lot of people I trust have had nice(r) things to say about it. At some point down the line I´d get another bottle but I´d like to be certain it´s not the same lot as the last two I purchased.

27 YR old ayyyye? Let see, to start from scratch, I just wonder if the Whisky Dogg and Detective wouldn't be retired and on a second set of livers and kidneys dialisis by the time the first batch was bottled!

:shock: