Buffalo Trace Debuts Two New Bourbons In Its William L Weller Range

Forbes

24-07-2025

The new Weller 18 YO from Buffalo Trace Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery
On the eve of the centenary of William LaRue Weller's birth, Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced two new additions to its Weller lineup: the second edition of Weller Millennium, a blend of vintage wheated bourbons and wheat whiskeys, and Weller 18-Year-Old, now the oldest age-stated expression in the brand's history. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the two new additions to Buffalo Trace's Weller range.
Both bottlings continue the distillery's commitment to wheat-based whiskey. The tradition dates back to 1847 when William Larue Weller chose to use wheat instead of rye in his mash bill. That decision resulted in a smoother, softer whiskey that stood apart from the bolder, spicier styles of the day, heralding the beginning of wheated bourbons. These new expressions build on that legacy, exploring how wheat evolves with extended aging and careful blending.
Weller 18-Year-Old marks a milestone as the oldest whiskey to carry the Weller name. Bottled at 90 proof, this ultra-aged wheat whiskey showcases the softer side of extended maturation, highlighting how wheat-based bourbon, when handled carefully, can retain its elegance and sophistication over time.
'This whiskey reflects the patience and precision we apply to every step of the process,' said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. 'Wheat can fade with age, but here it has developed into something remarkably nuanced and expressive.'
According to Wheatley, the whisky features 'aged fruit and a hint of tobacco' on the nose. The palate offers 'a mix of baking spice and crisp green pear, with a finish that lingers without overwhelming.'
Weller 18 is housed in a 700ml crystal decanter, topped with the same hand-etched stopper used in the Millennium release, though without the accompanying display case. It will first appear in select international airport retail shops, including LAX, JFK, and London Heathrow, starting in July 2025. The suggested retail price is $499 for a 700ml bottle.
The Weller Millenium #2 Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery
Following the debut release in May 2024, the second edition of Weller Millennium features a new blend of straight wheated bourbons and wheat whiskeys distilled in 2001, 2003, and 2006. All were produced at Buffalo Trace and set aside specifically for this limited series. The result is a whiskey with depth, character, and a layered complexity that reflects both time and intention. The mash bill for the Weller Millennium #2 is not disclosed. As it's a blend of wheated bourbon and wheated whiskey, it's unlikely to qualify as a bourbon.
'This second release goes even further than the first,' said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director. 'By working with barrels from the early 2000s, we're not just blending whiskey—we're revisiting a moment in our history.'
According to the distillery, Weller Millennium #2 opens with 'notes of dark cherry, butterscotch, and vanilla, with oak taking the lead on a long, warming finish.' The whiskey is bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV). It's presented in a custom crystal decanter etched with Weller's original 'W' mark, accompanied by a lit display case that highlights the whiskey's components and their respective distillation years.
Only a limited number of bottles will be available starting July 2025 through Sazerac's domestic and international distribution partners, as well as at the distillery and via Legacy de Forge, Sazerac's direct-to-consumer platform powered by Blockbar. The suggested retail price is $7,500, with local taxes varying.
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