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Age: 12 Years, 7 Months (2025 Release) | Region: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA | Proof: 129 Proof
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William Larue Weller 2025 is the chiseled cask-strength pinnacle of the wheated bourbon tradition, serving as the sole wheated expression in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). Named for the 19th-century distiller who pioneered the use of wheat as a secondary grain, this release maintains a direct ancestral link to the Pappy Van Winkle and broader Weller lineages. Known as the "Velvet Hammer," it delivers extraordinary cask-strength intensity balanced by the structural softness inherent to its mashbill.

The Technical Distinction

The 2025 release is defined by extreme maturation loss and a non-chill filtered architecture that concentrates its wheated character.

  • Uncut & Unfiltered: Bottled at a robust 129 proof (64.5% ABV) exactly as it left the barrel.
  • Extreme Concentration: More than 55% of the original cask volume was lost to evaporation during its 12-year, 7-month aging cycle.
  • Wheated Mashbill: Utilizes the same celebrated recipe of corn, wheat, and malted barley found across the Pappy Van Winkle and Weller lines.
  • Decadal Maturation: Composed of barrels distilled in late 2010, early 2011, and 2013, aged in alligator-char American white oak.
Sensory Profile

Nose: Decadent waves of vanilla bean, maple syrup, and worn leather lifted by ripe cherry and pipe tobacco. Developing layers of salted caramel and toasted oak emerge with time.

Palate: Velvety and deceptively soft for 129 proof. Front-palate buttery toffee and maple syrup transition into baked apple, cinnamon, and dark chocolate through the mid-palate.

Finish: Exceptionally long with multi-minute persistence. A signature closing of crème brûlée, vanilla, developed oak, and soft tobacco.

Strategic Position

Within the 2025 BTAC—which includes the debut E.H. Taylor BiB—William Larue Weller remains the consensus reference for cask-strength wheated bourbon. It distinguishes itself from comparators like Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged through its iconic Buffalo Trace pedigree and collector vertical status.

"A structural masterpiece that defines the absolute peak of the modern wheated category."

Technical Specifications
Distillery Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY)
Style Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Cask Strength)
Age Statement 12 Years, 7 Months (Minimum)
Mash Bill Buffalo Trace Wheated Bourbon Mashbill
Proof / ABV 129 Proof / 64.5% ABV
Awards Gold Medal, SFWSC 2025
Secondary Market $1,500 – $3,500
Collector Note

The 2025 release at 129 proof sits in the moderate range of historical WLW proof history. Its status as a Gold Medal winner and a central pillar of the 2025 Antique Collection makes it a high-conviction target for vertical collectors. Bottles offered here are verified for pristine label integrity and include original packaging. Provenance is strictly authenticated to ensure investment-grade reliability.

Recommended Serving

To honor the profound decadal integration, enjoy this bourbon neat in a Glencairn glass. The 129 proof tolerates substantial dilution; a few drops of water will broaden the nose and unlock additional dessert and dark fruit complexity. Best served slowly over an extended sitting. Not intended for cocktails at this rarity tier.

 

Shipping information

Adult Signature Required: Federal law requires an adult (21+) with a valid government ID to sign for all deliveries. Carriers cannot leave alcohol unattended.

Processing Time: Most orders process within 1–8 business days. You will receive a tracking number via email as soon as your bottle ships.

Insured Shipping: We strongly recommend electing Shipping Protection at checkout. Midnight Whiskey is not liable for loss or damage once in the carrier's possession unless insurance is purchased.

Restrictions: We ship only within the permitted U.S. states and cannot deliver to P.O. Boxes or U.S. Territories.

All Sales Final: Due to alcohol regulations, we cannot accept returns for change of mind.

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