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W.L. Weller Full Proof vs Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Comparing W.L. Weller Full Proof and Russell’s Reserve 15 Year reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | W.L. Weller Full Proof | Russell’s Reserve 15 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 15 years |
| Proof | 114 proof (57% ABV) | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) +3 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $120 ~$240 less | ~$250 – $400 |
- W.L. Weller Full Proof and Russell’s Reserve 15 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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
W.L. Weller Full Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
One of my favorites.
Flavor Profile
W.L. Weller Full Proof Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 3/6 spice: W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
oak 6/9 oak: W.L. Weller Full Proof 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: W.L. Weller Full Proof 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: W.L. Weller Full Proof 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
heat 7/7 heat: W.L. Weller Full Proof 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 15 Year if you want a very old, oak-heavy Wild Turkey for slow sipping.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (W.L. Weller Full Proof); neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year).