Buffalo Trace Releases Weller Wheated Rarities

Buffalo Trace Distillery takes wheated whiskey to the next level with the releases of the second edition of Weller Millennium and Weller 18 Year Old, the brand’s oldest age statement to date.Following the inaugural Weller Millennium in May 2024, this second edition presents a newly-crafted blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys. Like its predecessor, each component was distilled at Buffalo Trace in 2001, 2003 and 2006 and set aside for the sole purpose of creating this blend in tribute to William Larue Weller.“Weller Millenium was crafted to feature some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium amid a period of transformation at Buffalo Trace Distillery,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “This second edition takes last year’s release a step further, with a new blend that we humbly believe is an improvement over the well-regarded first edition. By carefully selecting and blending barrels dating back to the early 2000’s, we have revisited a chapter in the Distillery’s history that shaped who we are today.”In keeping with the first edition, Weller Millennium #2 is held in a 750ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality. An illuminated display case envelopes the 99-roof bottling with exactly 99 bursts while displaying the proportions and distillation years of each vintage whiskey.As the oldest age stated whiskey in the Weller portfolio, Weller 18 Year Old ​is an ultra-aged , 90-proof wheat whiskey. It is packaged in a 700ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality, similar to Weller Millennium but without the accompanying presentation case.“Weller 18 Year Old is the culmination of curiosity, tradition and time,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The softness of the wheat has evolved into something rich and wonderfully expressive. We are extremely proud of the resulting whiskey, which showcases the versatility and potential of a wheat-forward mashbill.”Both expressions are said to celebrate the original wheated bourbon recipes pioneered by Weller in 1847. At a time when rye and corn dominated the market, his use of wheat, primarily a food crop, resulted in a smoother, sweeter whiskey.Weller Millenium will be released in limited quantities for $7,500. For its inaugural release, Weller 18 Year Old will be available via Global Travel Retail at airports including Los Angeles International (LAX), John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and London Heathrow (LHR) for $499.