William Larue Weller Bourbon bottled 2014

Next up: the BTAC's wheated bourbon, William Larue Weller. The 2014 release was distilled in spring 2002 and matured in 39 barrels for 12 years and 3 months before bottling in fall 2014.

The colour is very deep, dark amber - I swear it's almost purple. On the nose - my word. Leather, boot polish, cloves, thick juicy oak. Slight hint of black liquorice allsorts. The caramel and vanilla are there but they are waiting in the wings behind the richest, most aromatic oak you've ever whiffed. Yet so subtle. Water brings out meatier notes of beef bourguignon. How is this possible?

On the palate, more leather and varnish (no, that's actually good) but very hot with the ABV. Christmas spices, plums, molasses - very chewy. But also herbal with BBQ wood smoke. Water adds notes of baked apple and espresso beans. Intense and all-encompassing, but again - complexity and layers upon layers of complementary flavours.

The long finish is toasty, amazingly smooth, and features more plums and molasses. Allspice and thick oak runs in the background. This is extraordinary - one of the most beautiful bourbons I've ever had the privilege of tasting. I am partial to wheated bourbons and when I taste this, I understand why.