{"product_id":"william-larue-weller-2018-btac","title":"William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2018 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  \u003c!-- TL;DR (speakable, GEO) --\u003e\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 masterwork of the annual \u003cstrong\u003eBuffalo Trace\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique Collection line. The iconic 2018 installment was distilled in the winter of 2006, cellared comprehensively for a total of 12 years and 3 months, and bottled completely uncut and unfiltered at an authoritative 128 proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ELEMENTAL DISTINCTION --\u003e\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 Cask Excellence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy winter wheat replaces standard rye as the secondary crop grain to engineer an inherently softer, sweeter distillate texture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnmanipulated Barrel Strength:\u003c\/strong\u003e Presented completely free of post-maturation dilution or filtration at a precise 125.7 proof (62.85% ABV).\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDynamic Environmental Aging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Matured thoroughly across four independent storage tiers inside Warehouses C, I, K, L, M, and Q.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAngel's Share Concentration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sacrificed a substantial batch volume evaporation loss of 56.9% to the surrounding Kentucky microclimate over more than a decade in oak.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCritical Acclaim Peak:\u003c\/strong\u003e Captured near-perfect honors across the allocation cycle, achieving a verified 96-point score from the tasting editors at Whisky Advocate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- SENSORY + STRATEGIC GRID --\u003e\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 Intensely rich bouquet of dark chocolate-covered cherries, sweet vanilla bean, caramelized fig pudding, and warm toffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Luxuriously thick, dense, and mouth-coating; robust waves of clover honey and maple syrup glide alongside pecan-pie sweetness, savory tobacco, and structural oak oils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, velvety, and deeply warming, keeping its wheated grain sweetness active alongside dark brown sugar, seasoned wood, and toasted vanilla beans.\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;\"\u003eThis milestone allocation remains the lone wheated bourbon representative of the annual portfolio series, celebrated by collectors for achieving legendary critical standing. At 125.7 proof, it delivers a deeply robust flavor-forward experience that operates as the natural counterpart to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/george-t-stagg-2018-btac\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe 2018 George T. Stagg\u003c\/a\u003e rye-mash partner from the same release block. It serves as a cornerstone addition to premium vaults curated by \u003cstrong\u003eMidnight Whiskey\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- TECHNICAL SPECS --\u003e\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, Soft Red Winter 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, 6 Months (Distilled Winter 2006)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProof \/ ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e125.7 Proof \/ 62.85% 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 C, I, K, L, M, and Q Asset Mappings (Floors 2, 3, 4, and 5)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvaporation Metrics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e56.9% Total Batch Volume Evaporation Loss\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCritical Honors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e96 Points · Whisky Advocate Rating Evaluation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelease Context\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2018 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  \u003c!-- COLLECTOR NOTE --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eCollector Note\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe 2018 allocation arrives encased under the line's traditional deep red closure wax sealing, detailed with a clear front description statement directly on the display glass. Because weather patterns and floor locations cause completely unique concentration profiles within independent storage seasons, this specific 125.7 signature provides clear, unrepeatable provenance for vertical layouts. For premium preservation, keep this asset stored upright inside a cool environment away from direct UV exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- RECOMMENDED SERVING --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eRecommended Serving\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eTo navigate this full-strength barrel delivery cleanly without fatigue, enjoy this spirit at room temperature. While sipping neat isolates its incredible oil weight and caramelized vanilla notes beautifully, introducing a few drops of pure water safely expands the hidden strings of sweet clover honey, maple syrup, and pecan pie while tempering the alcohol heat curve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ACCORDION DEEP-DIVES --\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eProduction Methodology\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis whiskey draws its character entirely from the distillery's prized wheated mash profile, substituting standard rye grain variables for soft red winter wheat to construct an inherently rounder distillate molecule. The specific barrels chosen for this 2018 vatting run were distilled in the winter of 2006 and cellared inside carbon steel black iron fermenters at DSP-KY-113 in \u003cstrong\u003eFrankfort, Kentucky\u003c\/strong\u003e. Double distilled through copper beer stills and doubler systems, it entries the oak at 114 proof before aging inside Independent Stave Level 4 charred cooperage runs under the long-standing management 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\"\u003ehow we authenticate each bottle\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/the-vault-concierge\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe Vault and concierge service\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/faq\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour published sourcing standards\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 2018 William Larue Weller?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe 2018 \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Larue Weller\u003c\/strong\u003e is bottled at 125.7 proof (62.85% ABV), uncut and unfiltered, at barrel strength. It is a wheated bourbon aged 12 years, distilled in the winter of 2006. The proof reflects the barrels—each Antique Collection release of \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Larue Weller\u003c\/strong\u003e carries its own strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin-top:14px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes William Larue Weller different in the Antique Collection?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Larue Weller\u003c\/strong\u003e is the wheated bourbon of the Antique Collection—wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain, the recipe associated with \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Larue Weller\u003c\/strong\u003e, the 19th-century distiller who popularized wheated bourbon. It is bottled at barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered, which sets it apart from the proofed-down, chill-filtered Eagle Rare 17 and Sazerac 18 lines managed under the \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac\u003c\/strong\u003e portfolio.\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-2018-btac#product\",\n      \"name\": \"William Larue Weller 2018 (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection)\",\n      \"description\": \"William Larue Weller 2018 is the wheated, barrel-proof bourbon of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 62.85% ABV (125.7 proof), aged 12 years.\",\n      \"sku\": \"088004025953-18\",\n      \"mpn\": \"088004025953-18\",\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-2018-btac#offer\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2018-btac\",\n        \"priceCurrency\": \"USD\",\n        \"price\": \"2479.95\",\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-2018-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 2018\" }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2018-btac#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What proof is the 2018 William Larue Weller?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The 2018 William Larue Weller is bottled at 125.7 proof (62.85% ABV), uncut and unfiltered, at barrel strength. It is a wheated bourbon aged 12 years, distilled in the winter of 2006. The proof reflects the barrels - each Antique Collection release of William Larue Weller carries its own strength.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What makes William Larue Weller different in the Antique Collection?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"William Larue Weller is the wheated bourbon of the Antique Collection - wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain, the recipe associated with William Larue Weller, the 19th-century distiller who popularized wheated bourbon. It is bottled at barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered, which sets it apart from the proofed-down, chill-filtered Eagle Rare 17 and Sazerac 18 in the same collection.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Buffalo Trace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45852906225698,"sku":"088004025953-18","price":2349.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/5566\/1602\/files\/1652189505IMG_0046.jpg?v=1782498102","url":"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/william-larue-weller-2018-btac","provider":"Midnight Whiskey ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}