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Russell’s Reserve 15 Year vs W.L. Weller Full Proof
Comparing Russell’s Reserve 15 Year and W.L. Weller Full Proof reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 15 Year | W.L. Weller Full Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 15 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) +3 proof | 114 proof (57% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$250 – $400 | ~$50 – $120 ~$240 less |
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year and W.L. Weller Full Proof do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
One of my favorites.
W.L. Weller Full Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year W.L. Weller Full Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/3 spice: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 8 out of 10
heat 7/7 heat: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year: The oldest regular Russell's Reserve, at barrel proof. Fifteen years in Camp Nelson rickhouses push it toward old oak, leather and dried fruit over the usual Turkey spice.
- W.L. Weller Full Proof: Weller's wheated bourbon bottled at its barrel-entry proof of 114, without chill filtering. Coffee cake, caramel and cinnamon with a bold, warming body.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 15 Year if you want a very old, oak-heavy Wild Turkey for slow sipping.
- Go with W.L. Weller Full Proof if you want a bold, sweet wheater bottled at barrel-entry proof at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (W.L. Weller Full Proof).