W.L. Weller is a brand of [ingredient=bourbon bourbon] made in Frankfort, Kentucky by the Buffalo Trace distillery. Like all bourbons, it is difficult to trace the evolution of a brand name. Certainly the Weller family was active in the bourbon distilling business around 1800. In 1849, William Larue (W.L.) Weller invented a style of bourbon that replaced the rye in the grain bill with wheat, making a softer spirit.

The Weller brand came into being with the opening of the Stitzel-Weller distillery on Derby Day 1935. In 1972, the distillery was sold to Norton Simon, who then sold it in turn to United Distillers, who sold it to Sazerac/Buffalo Trace.

W.L. Weller is still a 'wheated' bourbon, and there are four main variations: a 7 and a 12 year, 90 proof bourbon, a bottling called "Antique" that is 107 proof, and a bottling called "William Larue Weller"  introduced in 2005, which is barrel proof and unfiltered. 

 

Some popular cocktails containing WL Weller

  • Spagetti Western — Bourbon, Rye, Chinato, Averna, Bitters
  • Pear Collins — Bourbon, Falernum, Bitters, Pear juice, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, CioCiaro
  • Cranberry shrub cocktail — Bourbon, Orange liqueur, Bitters, Cranberry shrub, Grade A dark amber maple syrup
  • The Williamsburg — Bourbon, Sweet vermouth, Dry vermouth, Herbal liqueur
  • Boulevardier Riff (Fred Sarkis) — Bourbon, Cynar, Bonal Gentiane Quina, Orange bitters, Salt
  • Two Trick Pony — Beer, White whiskey, Bourbon, Bitters, Lemon juice, Orgeat, Demerara syrup, Orange peel
  • Western Paradise — Bourbon, Apple brandy, Drambuie, Bianco Vermouth, Bitters
  • LIOF — Bourbon, Rye, Falernum, Bitters, Lemon peel
  • Pere Weller — Bourbon, Falernum, Amaro Nonino, Bitters, Pear juice, Lemon juice, Simple syrup