So I took you guys' advice...

[B3Nut]

and picked up a bottle of Weller Special Reserve. The MM bottle on the shelf's about gone and I find I like having a wheater on hand, and this was one that was recommended to me. I've got KC and WT101 for rye-recipe bourbons on hand presently. They had a couple bottles left of the Weller, so I grabbed one.

Now I'm itching to get home from work so I can taste it. MM's the only wheater I've had so far, so this should be interesting. The price is right, 15.99 for a 750 vs. 22.99 for MM at Woodman's. I'm thinking of picking up a rye next...maybe WT Rye 101 or a baby Saz (I've had Saz18...that was an interesting pour...very complex flavor.)

TP

[Klepackage]

Absolutely go with the Baby Saz for your rye whiskey purchase.

[funknik]

I predict you will love the Weller Special Reserve and if so, I predict you will graduate to Old Weller Anitque . . . but one thing at a time, eh?

Todd, you really can't go wrong with the Sazerac or WT Rye 101 -- I love both for totally different reasons.

The Wild Turkey has more of what I would label "pure rye" flavor -- lots of rye grain -- but also it has a lot of bourbon characteristics: a good amount of sweetness and aromatic spices like clove, cinnamon & nutmeg.

The Sazerac is a little "fruitier" and has a lot less emphasis on the rye grain to me. I taste some green apples and corn flakes here . . . a little smoother than the WT and since it seems to have less rye flavor present, I would consider it more bourbon-y.

Of course, you should buy both and formulate your own opinions.

Have Fun!

[B3Nut]

First impressions of the Weller SR, freshly-opened bottle, sampled in a brandy snifter:

Color: Nice golden/amber hue, similar to MM. Lots of legs on the glass.

Nose: A good bit of alcohol, concentrated no doubt by the snifter. Backing off with the nose brings caramel and pecans into focus. I see others have noted pecan notes in this whiskey.

Palate: a bit more alcohol burn on entry than I expect from a 90-proofer, a bit hotter than MM, almost reminds me of KC. This gives way to caramel notes and a touch of pecan pie, and the oak is right behind, but not overpowering the sweeter flavors. Still some alcohol on the finish, fading quickly leaving more sweet than char, and both staying pretty much in proportion as the flavor fades away. Adding a splash of water takes the edge off the burn and brings the pecan notes more forward.

Had a squirt of MM afterwards for comparison's sake...the Weller is a bit richer, the Makers a bit smoother. The MM has a touch of anise flavor that I like, the Weller leans more pecan. The Weller seems to be a really fine pour for the money, and looks to hold some promise. I'll try it in my usual Old Fashioned and might even try it in a Manhattan and see how it holds up. I'll revisit it neat after trying a couple cocktails with it over the next few days...let the bottle breathe a little bit beforehand.

[Klepackage]

If you're getting a lot of alcohol from the Weller SR, try opening up your mouth when nosing the glass. That drastically cuts down on the alcohol you detect.

[jburlowski]

First impressions of the Weller SR, freshly-opened bottle, sampled in a brandy snifter:

Color: Nice golden/amber hue, similar to MM. Lots of legs on the glass.

Nose: A good bit of alcohol, concentrated no doubt by the snifter. Backing off with the nose brings caramel and pecans into focus. I see others have noted pecan notes in this whiskey.

Palate: a bit more alcohol burn on entry than I expect from a 90-proofer, a bit hotter than MM, almost reminds me of KC. This gives way to caramel notes and a touch of pecan pie, and the oak is right behind, but not overpowering the sweeter flavors. Still some alcohol on the finish, fading quickly leaving more sweet than char, and both staying pretty much in proportion as the flavor fades away. Adding a splash of water takes the edge off the burn and brings the pecan notes more forward.

Had a squirt of MM afterwards for comparison's sake...the Weller is a bit richer, the Makers a bit smoother. The MM has a touch of anise flavor that I like, the Weller leans more pecan. The Weller seems to be a really fine pour for the money, and looks to hold some promise. I'll try it in my usual Old Fashioned and might even try it in a Manhattan and see how it holds up. I'll revisit it neat after trying a couple cocktails with it over the next few days...let the bottle breathe a little bit beforehand.

Great tasting notes... you should post more of them.