William Larue Weller Bourbon 750ML

William Larue Weller Bourbon 750ML is a barrel-proof, uncut, and unfiltered wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, bottled at 750ml and 64.5% ABV (129 proof, 2025 release). Named "World Whisky of the Year" in Jim Murray's 2019 Whisky Bible, this annual limited release stands as one of the most sought-after American whiskeys ever produced.

Quick Facts: ABV: 64.5% (129 proof, varies annually)  |  Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA  |  Barrel Proof, No Age Statement  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Production & Heritage

William Larue Weller has been released annually since 2005 as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), a lineup of five limited-edition expressions that has become the most anticipated fall release in American whiskey. Buffalo Trace Distillery, located on the banks of the Kentucky River in Frankfort, has operated continuously on the same site since 1775, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. What sets this bourbon apart at the production level is its wheated mashbill — corn, wheat, and malted barley — which substitutes soft winter wheat for the rye grain used in most bourbon recipes, a method pioneered by William Larue Weller himself in the 19th century. Each batch is hand-bottled directly from the barrel without chill filtration or dilution, meaning the proof fluctuates with every annual release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with rich maple syrup and vanilla bean, then unfolds into layers of sweet pipe tobacco, cedar cigar box, and toasted oak. Underneath, candied peanuts and a faint caramel sweetness add depth without heaviness.

Taste: The entry is immediately full-bodied, with intense vanilla and ripe cherry compote flooding the palate. At mid-palate, toasted oak and warm baking spice emerge, tempered by the soft, round texture that wheated bourbons are known for. Despite the barrel-proof intensity, the wheat-forward mashbill keeps the heat remarkably in check.

Finish: Exceptionally long and warming, with lingering oak tannins, dark dried fruit, and a persistent vanilla sweetness. The finish shifts slowly from sweet to dry, rewarding patience with each sip.

How to Drink William Larue Weller

Neat is the definitive way to experience this bourbon — pour it, let it rest for five to ten minutes, and allow the barrel-proof intensity to open up. A few drops of water can unlock additional fruit and grain sweetness without diminishing the richness. While most collectors drink it straight, the robust proof makes it a formidable cocktail base: an Old Fashioned made with William Larue Weller gains extraordinary depth from the maple and oak character; a Boulevardier benefits from the bourbon's full body standing up to Campari and sweet vermouth; and a Mint Julep allows the inherent wheat sweetness to shine alongside fresh mint without needing excessive sugar.

Best For

• Gifting a serious bourbon collector during the holiday season
• Anchoring a Buffalo Trace Antique Collection vertical tasting
• Celebrating a milestone — retirement, promotion, or significant anniversary
• Adding a trophy bottle to a curated whiskey library

Frequently Asked Questions

What does William Larue Weller taste like? William Larue Weller delivers a rich, full-bodied profile dominated by vanilla bean, maple syrup, cherry compote, and toasted oak, with a long warming finish. The wheated mashbill creates a notably softer, rounder mouthfeel than rye-recipe bourbons at comparable proof.

How does William Larue Weller compare to Rebel Cask Strength? Both are wheated barrel-proof bourbons, but William Larue Weller carries significantly more age and complexity; Rebel Cask Strength from Lux Row Distillers bottled at around 120 proof is a younger, more accessible expression that lacks the deep oak integration and layered dark fruit character found in WLW.

Is William Larue Weller good for sipping neat? Absolutely — despite its barrel-proof strength, the wheated mashbill delivers a remarkably smooth and full palate that rewards neat drinking, especially after a short rest in the glass to let the alcohol integrate.

Where is William Larue Weller made? William Larue Weller is distilled, aged, and bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, a National Historic Landmark that has been producing whiskey on the same grounds since 1775.

What foods pair well with William Larue Weller? Dark chocolate truffles complement the bourbon's vanilla and oak richness. Smoked brisket mirrors its depth and barrel char. Pecan pie echoes the caramel and nutty undertones. Aged Gouda highlights the sweet-savory interplay, and crème brûlée matches the caramelized sugar notes almost note for note.

What sizes does William Larue Weller come in? William Larue Weller is released exclusively in 750ml bottles as part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

Is William Larue Weller worth the price? William Larue Weller positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier of American whiskey, and its limited annual allocation, consistent critical acclaim — including a 95-point rating from Whisky Advocate and multiple Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — supports its standing as one of the benchmark barrel-proof wheated bourbons in the world.

Why William Larue Weller?

No other wheated bourbon in production matches the combination of barrel-proof intensity, age, and critical recognition that William Larue Weller brings to the table. Its designation as "World Whisky of the Year" in Jim Murray's 2019 Whisky Bible — competing against every category of whisky globally — remains one of the highest honors ever awarded to an American bourbon. The uncut, unfiltered bottling philosophy means each release is a direct snapshot of what happened inside those barrels, with no manipulation between wood and glass. For collectors and drinkers who want to understand what wheated bourbon can achieve at its absolute ceiling, this is the reference point.