William Larue Weller 2018

128 proof. Uncut. Unfiltered. Distilled in winter 2007, matured in Warehouse I. The 2018 William Larue Weller — the wheated bourbon of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

William Larue Weller is one of five annual releases in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and the only wheated bourbon in the group. Where George T. Stagg uses a rye-heavy mashbill and delivers bold spice and power, Weller substitutes wheat for rye — producing a dramatically softer, more caramel-forward character even at cask strength. At 128 proof, the wheated mashbill means the fruit and vanilla notes lead rather than spice, making it the most approachable of the high-proof BTAC expressions.

The 2018 was distilled in winter 2007 and matured in Warehouse I at Buffalo Trace — the same distillation year and warehouse as the 2019 release, differentiated by proof (128 vs 128.2) and specific barrel selection. Both are equally sought after. It sells out within hours of release annually and commands sustained secondary market premiums. For collectors of wheated bourbon, it is the annual benchmark.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep rich amber with exceptional legs from unfiltered bottling.
• Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, toasted oak, and a honeyed sweetness. More fruit-forward than the rye-heavy BTAC releases.
• Palate: Smooth and full despite the proof — toffee, dark chocolate, dried cherry, baking spice, and the silky wheat grain sweetness that defines this mashbill at its best.
• Finish: Long and warming — caramel, vanilla, and oak tapering into a clean, satisfying close.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Distilled: Winter 2007
• Warehouse: Warehouse I
• Proof: 128 (64% ABV)
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2018 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Compare vintages in the full William Larue Weller collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the 2018 WLW compare to the 2019? Both were distilled in winter 2007 and aged in Warehouse I, making them unusually close siblings in the vintage lineup. The 2018 arrived at 128 proof; the 2019 at 128.2. The differences are subtle and driven by specific barrel selection rather than fundamentally different aging conditions.
• How does William Larue Weller relate to W.L. Weller and Pappy Van Winkle? All three use the same wheated mashbill tracing back to W.L. Weller & Sons and the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Buffalo Trace has produced both the Weller lineup and the Van Winkle bourbons using the same foundational recipe since 2002. WLW is the cask-strength annual flagship of that family.
• Why is wheated bourbon smoother at high proof? Wheat produces fewer harsh congeners than rye during fermentation and distillation. At cask strength, a wheated bourbon's fruit and caramel notes remain the dominant character rather than being overtaken by spice — which is why WLW at 128 proof can still feel approachable compared to a rye-mashbill bourbon at similar proof.
• Is the 2018 still available? In very limited quantities through specialty retailers. BTAC releases sell out at primary retail immediately upon arrival each fall. Finding remaining stock requires a retailer that held allocation.