W.L. Weller Special Reserve is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon, and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. We keep this one — the green-label expression — for its softness: a gentle, honeyed bourbon that drinks easily and brings a refined sweetness to the table.

About the Distillery

Weller is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of the most celebrated names in American whiskey. The brand honors William Larue Weller, a 19th-century distiller credited with championing the use of wheat in place of rye in the bourbon mash. That choice defines the Weller line to this day, and Special Reserve is its accessible, everyday expression.

Style & Mash Bill

This is a wheated bourbon, built on a mash bill in which corn is softened by a measure of wheat. Using wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain is the heart of the style: where rye brings spice, wheat brings softness, lending Weller its smooth, rounded, gently sweet character. It is aged in new charred American oak, the source of its vanilla and caramel.

Tasting Notes

Expect a soft nose of honey, vanilla and caramel with a touch of baking spice. The palate is smooth and easygoing, with notes of caramel, light orchard fruit and a creamy, bread-like sweetness from the wheat. The finish is gentle and warming, never sharp — an approachable, elegant bourbon.

What to Pair It With

Weller’s soft sweetness is a graceful match for our richer and sweeter plates. Pour it alongside our American Wagyu Steaks, where its honeyed character softens the savory beef, or save it for our Flourless Chocolate Cake, a natural pairing with its caramel notes. It is also a fine companion to the Charcuterie Board. See the full dine-in menu to plan your evening.

How It’s Served at Grappa

W.L. Weller Special Reserve is poured at $13, served neat or on the rocks.

FAQ

Where is it from?

It is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

What does it taste like?

It offers honey, vanilla and caramel on the nose, then a smooth palate with caramel, light orchard fruit and a creamy wheat sweetness, finishing gentle and warming.

Is it a high-rye or wheated bourbon?

It is a wheated bourbon, made with a mash bill in which corn is softened by a measure of wheat, which gives it its soft, sweet character.

When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.