Buffalo Trace Distillery has unleashed two new gems for whiskey lovers, showcasing the rich legacy of William Larue Weller with the release of Weller 18 Year Old and Weller Millennium #2. These ultra-premium whiskeys, steeped in tradition and crafted with care, are set to captivate enthusiasts with their deep flavors and exclusive availability. Both expressions pay homage to Weller’s pioneering use of wheat in whiskey-making, a choice that revolutionized the industry in the 19th century by delivering a smoother, sweeter spirit compared to the dominant rye and corn-based whiskeys of the era.
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Weller 18 Year Old marks a historic moment as the oldest age-stated whiskey in the Weller lineup and the brand’s first dedicated wheat whiskey. Bottled at 90 proof, this 18-year-old expression is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to pushing boundaries while honoring tradition. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley describes it as a blend of “curiosity, tradition, and time,” noting that the wheat’s natural softness has matured into a rich and expressive profile. The whiskey offers a complex nose of aged fruits and tobacco, leading to a palate filled with balanced spice and delicate notes of pear. Its dark amber-brown hue hints at the depth within, delivering flavors of dark chocolate, cinnamon, maple syrup drizzled over warm pancakes, ripe plum, and creamy vanilla custard. A touch of oaky tannin adds structure without overpowering the experience, making it a refined sipper for those who appreciate a well-aged spirit.
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Packaged in a 700ml handcrafted crystal decanter, Weller 18 Year Old features a custom crystal topper etched with W.L. Weller’s iconic “W” stamp, a nod to the brand’s heritage. For now, this whiskey is exclusive to global travel retail, available at select airports like Los Angeles International (LAX), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and London Heathrow (LHR) starting in July 2025. With a suggested retail price of $499, it’s a rare find for travelers seeking a premium addition to their collection. While broader availability may come later, its limited release ensures it will be a coveted bottle for whiskey hunters.
On the other end of the spectrum, Weller Millennium #2 elevates luxury with its second edition, following the highly acclaimed debut in May 2024. This ultra-premium blend of wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys, bottled at 99 proof, combines barrels distilled in 2001, 2003, and 2006. The precise blend—2.9% from 2001, 46.5% from 2003, and 50.6% from 2006—creates a spirit that transcends its individual components, offering a bold and intricate flavor profile. Andrew Duncan, Buffalo Trace’s Global Brand Director, emphasizes the significance of this release, stating it revisits a transformative period in the distillery’s history. The result is a whiskey with notes of candied cherry, peppermint, leather, balsa wood, and cloves, balanced by dark cherry, rich butterscotch, warm vanilla, and a lingering oak-forward finish.
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Weller Millennium #2 is presented in a 750ml handcrafted crystal decanter, complete with a custom crystal topper bearing the Weller “W” stamp. The bottle is housed in an illuminated display case with sliding doors, featuring a gold placard detailing the blend’s vintage proportions. This luxurious packaging, with exactly 99 light bursts, underscores the whiskey’s 99-proof strength and its exclusivity. Priced at $7,500, it’s a statement piece for collectors, available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s U.S. and global distributor networks starting in July 2025. A small number of bottles will also be offered at the Buffalo Trace Gift Shop to celebrate William Larue Weller’s 200th birthday on July 25, 2025, and through Legacy de Forge, a new Sazerac-branded online platform powered by Blockbar. An auction package including a signed bottle, a stay at the Stagg Lodge, and a distillery tour adds to the allure for dedicated fans.
Both whiskeys reflect Buffalo Trace’s dedication to Weller’s legacy, who in 1847 chose wheat as the primary grain to craft a smoother, more approachable whiskey. This innovation set his spirits apart in a market dominated by sharper rye and corn profiles. Today, the Weller brand, often compared to its sibling Pappy Van Winkle for sharing a wheated mashbill, has become a powerhouse in its own right. While once considered more accessible, Weller’s popularity has surged, making these new releases highly sought-after. The 18-year-old wheat whiskey introduces a new dimension to the lineup, distinct from the wheated bourbon used in both Weller and Pappy Van Winkle, with at least 51% wheat in its mashbill for a softer, more nuanced character.
For whiskey enthusiasts, these releases are a chance to experience the evolution of Weller’s vision. The Weller 18 Year Old offers a graceful, mature sip that balances richness with subtlety, perfect for savoring slowly by a fireplace or sharing with friends over a hearty meal. Meanwhile, Weller Millennium #2 is a bold, complex blend that pushes the boundaries of what wheated whiskey can achieve, appealing to those who crave a unique and luxurious tasting experience. Both are packaged to impress, with their crystal decanters and etched toppers making them as much a visual centerpiece as a sensory delight.
However, securing these bottles will be no easy feat. Their limited availability—Weller 18 at select airports and Weller Millennium #2 through exclusive channels—means collectors and enthusiasts will need to act fast. The high price points reflect their rarity and craftsmanship, but for those who value the history and artistry behind each sip, these whiskeys are worth the chase. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a whiskey lover looking to elevate your palate, Buffalo Trace’s latest Weller releases offer a taste of tradition, innovation, and unparalleled quality.
