{"product_id":"william-larue-weller-2016-btac","title":"William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2016 Antique Collection)","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.mw-master-container{\n  --mw-accent: #E1CFBD;   \/* cream\/gold label foil *\/\n  --mw-glow:   #6C2424;   \/* deep red wax cap — power color *\/\n  --mw-bg:     #2F100B;   \/* deepest red-black shadow *\/\n  --mw-text:#e0e0e0; --mw-muted:#b8b8b8; --mw-hair:#222;\n  font-family: inherit; background:var(--mw-bg); color:var(--mw-text);\n  line-height:1.7; padding:24px; margin-bottom:60px;\n}\n.mw-master-container .mw-h3{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase;\n  font-size:0.9rem; letter-spacing:2px; margin-top:40px; display:block;\n  border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-glow); padding-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:20px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-decoration:none; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent:hover{ color:#fff; text-decoration:underline; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-info-box{ background:linear-gradient(90deg, var(--mw-bg) 0%, var(--mw-glow) 100%);\n  padding:25px; margin:25px 0; border-radius:0 4px 4px 0; border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-left:4px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container .mw-grid{ display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:30px; margin:30px 0; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-grid-card{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.02); padding:25px;\n  border:1px solid var(--mw-glow); border-radius:4px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table{ width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:15px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td{ padding:14px 0; border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  color:#ccc; font-size:0.95rem; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td:first-child{ font-weight:bold; width:38%; color:var(--mw-accent);\n  text-transform:uppercase; font-size:0.75rem; letter-spacing:1px; }\n.mw-master-container details{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.03); border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-radius:4px; margin-bottom:15px; }\n.mw-master-container summary{ padding:18px; color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; cursor:pointer;\n  outline:none; list-style:none; display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;\n  text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px; font-size:0.85rem; }\n.mw-master-container summary::after{ content:'+'; font-size:1.2rem; color:var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container details[open]{ border:1px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container details[open] summary::after{ content:'-'; }\n.mw-master-container .details-content{ padding:0 20px 20px 20px; font-size:0.95rem; }\n@media (max-width:768px){ .mw-master-container .mw-grid{ grid-template-columns:1fr; } }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"mw-master-container\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"speakable\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey\u003c\/strong\u003e is the definitive wheated, barrel-proof flagship expression of the annual \u003cstrong\u003eBuffalo Trace\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique Collection line. The legendary 2016 installment stands out as a highly robust vintage, distilled in the spring of 2003 and matured for a precise 12 years and 7 months before being bottled completely uncut and unfiltered at a commanding 135.4 proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eThe Technical Distinction\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-info-box\"\u003e\n    \u003cul style=\"margin:0; padding-left:20px; font-size:0.95rem;\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWheated Bourbon Mastery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet winter wheat completely takes the place of rye as the secondary grain variable to yield a smoother, rounder liquid profile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Velocity Proof Configuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Presented entirely free of post-barrel water alteration or chill-filtration loops at an unmanipulated 135.4 proof (67.7% ABV).\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-Floor Rickhouse Dynamics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vatted from an exceptional seasonal cooperage lot rested across the third and sixth floors of Warehouses D, K, and L.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAngel's Share Concentration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Concluded its long decadal sleep after losing a massive 65.2% of its original liquid volume to natural evaporation patterns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eSensory Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:0.9rem;\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e An aromatic, deep bouquet of ripe plum, stewed fig, rich caramelized vanilla, and seasoned rackhouse oak wood develops immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Luxuriously thick and viscous; concentrated layers of dark stone fruit and rich vanilla bean paste emerge before the soft wheat softens the weight of the proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, warming, and velvet-balanced; trailing trails of sweet dried fruit, toasted oak wood, and delicate vanillins linger cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eStrategic Position\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-size:0.90rem; margin-top:20px;\"\u003eAs the solitary wheated bourbon variant in the collection, this expression trades traditional rye spice for an intensely fruit-forward, velvet elegance. The brand captured coveted \"Bourbon of the Year\" honors from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible during this cycle, positioning the 135.4-proof allocation as an ideal sidebar asset to compare against \u003ca href=\"\/products\/william-larue-weller-2018-btac\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe lower-proof 2018 William Larue Weller iteration\u003c\/a\u003e. It anchors the legacy allocation tier inside \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/whiskey\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour complete whiskey collection\u003c\/a\u003e curated by \u003cstrong\u003eMidnight Whiskey\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"mw-table\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistillery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuffalo Trace Distillery\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eFrankfort, Kentucky\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCategory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Cask Strength)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMash Bill Matrix\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuffalo Trace Wheated Recipe (Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo Age Statement; aged 12 Years, 7 Months (Distilled Spring 2003)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProof \/ ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e135.4 Proof \/ 67.7% ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottling Line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompletely Uncut and Unfiltered (Barrel Proof Run)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarehouse Sourcing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarehouses D, K, and L Asset Mappings (Floors 3 and 6)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvaporation Metrics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e65.2% Total Batch Volume Evaporation Loss\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelease Context\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2016 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (Annual Fall Allocation)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750 ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegulatory Stamp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDSP-KY-113\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin Terroir\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnited States · Kentucky\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eCollector Note\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe 2016 allocation arrives dressed under the line's traditional deep red closure wax sealing, detailed with a clear face panel displaying its cask-strength proof markers on the front display glass. Because independent storage elevations alter the wood concentration dynamics across separate seasons, this specific 135.4 baseline signature provides immediate provenance for vertical alignments. To map this landmark against the broader portfolio context, check out \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/whiskey\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe Buffalo Trace Antique Collection\u003c\/a\u003e archive index.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eRecommended Serving\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eTo fully chart its deep stone fruit complexities and rich fig aromatics safely without masking the texture, taste this spirit completely neat at room temperature first. Because it presents full barrel velocity, introducing a few drops of pure water inside a tulip glass elegantly rounds out the intense oak layers and coaxes its characteristic wheated grain sweetness forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eProduction Methodology\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis whiskey draws its core character entirely from the distillery's prized wheated mash profile, substituting standard rye grain components for soft red winter wheat to construct an inherently sweeter distillate molecule. Double distilled through copper beer columns and doubler systems at DSP-KY-113 in \u003cstrong\u003eFrankfort, Kentucky\u003c\/strong\u003e, the liquid entries the wood at a traditional 114 entry proof. The select barrels chosen for this 2016 vatting run were matured for over twelve years on the third and sixth floors of Warehouses D, K, and L before being bottled free of water reduction under the corporate parameters of the \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac Company\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eVault Integrity \u0026amp; Sourcing Standards\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eEvery bottle handled by \u003cstrong\u003eMidnight Whiskey\u003c\/strong\u003e is procured strictly through authorized, verified allocation channels and passes rigorous physical seal and label inspection points before being logged into inventory. Shipments are handled via specialized, glass-rated container packaging and absolute age-verification checks; an adult signature (21+) is strictly mandatory upon delivery. Review our complete protocols via \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/about-the-vault\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe checks each bottle goes through\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/the-vault-concierge\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eVault preservation and concierge delivery\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/faq\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ewhere our bottles come from\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat proof is the 2016 William Larue Weller?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe 2016 \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Larue Weller\u003c\/strong\u003e comes in at 135.4 proof (67.7% ABV) — representing one of the stronger historical Weller allocation runs — bottled uncut and unfiltered at barrel strength. It is a wheated bourbon distilled in the spring of 2003 and aged 12 years and 7 months. Because it is bottled straight from the barrel, the proof is set entirely by natural environmental parameters rather than standard water dilution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin-top:14px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is William Larue Weller compared to Pappy Van Winkle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eBoth are premium wheated bourbons — using soft wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain variable — and both share the ancestral grain lineage that \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Larue Weller\u003c\/strong\u003e helped popularize in the 19th century. The primary distinction is the bottling format: \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Larue Weller\u003c\/strong\u003e is presented at full barrel strength (135.4 proof in 2016), whereas the Pappy Van Winkle portfolio is proofed down with water. Within the \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac\u003c\/strong\u003e portfolio, it functions as the Antique Collection's wheated standard, separate from rye-recipe options like George T. Stagg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Product\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2016-btac#product\",\n      \"name\": \"William Larue Weller 2016 (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection)\",\n      \"description\": \"William Larue Weller 2016 is the wheated, barrel-proof bourbon of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 67.7% ABV (135.4 proof), aged 12 years and 7 months.\",\n      \"sku\": \"088004025953-16\",\n      \"mpn\": \"088004025953-16\",\n      \"gtin13\": \"088004025953\",\n      \"brand\": { \"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"William Larue Weller\" },\n      \"category\": \"Bourbon\",\n      \"offers\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2016-btac#offer\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2016-btac\",\n        \"priceCurrency\": \"USD\",\n        \"price\": \"2599.95\",\n        \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\n        \"itemCondition\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\",\n        \"seller\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Midnight Whiskey\" }\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2016-btac#breadcrumb\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Bourbon\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/collections\/whiskey\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"William Larue Weller 2016\" }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2016-btac#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What proof is the 2016 William Larue Weller?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The 2016 William Larue Weller comes in at 135.4 proof (67.7% ABV) - one of the stronger Weller releases - bottled uncut and unfiltered at barrel strength. It is a wheated bourbon distilled in the spring of 2003 and aged 12 years and 7 months. Because it is bottled straight from the barrel, the proof is set by the barrels rather than by dilution.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Why is William Larue Weller compared to Pappy Van Winkle?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Both are wheated bourbons - wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain - and both trace to the Weller recipe that William Larue Weller helped popularize in the 19th century. The difference is presentation: William Larue Weller is bottled at full barrel strength (135.4 proof in 2016), where the Pappy line is proofed down. It is the Antique Collection's wheated bourbon, distinct from the collection's rye-recipe bourbons George T. Stagg and Eagle Rare 17.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Buffalo Trace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45024652951586,"sku":"088004025953-16","price":2499.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/5566\/1602\/files\/1652189505IMG_0046_e19d5e0e-0dda-4ddb-a638-42bf10f13db7.jpg?v=1782603332","url":"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2016-btac","provider":"Midnight Whiskey ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}