To commemorate the 200th birthday of legendary distiller William Larue Weller, Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the launch of two exceptional Weller expressions: Weller Millennium No. 2 and the brand-new Weller 18 Year Old – the oldest age statement in Weller’s history.
Both releases honour Weller’s original 1847 mashbill recipe, which revolutionized American whiskey by replacing rye with wheat, giving birth to the now-iconic wheated bourbon profile known for its softness, sweetness, and smooth finish.
Weller Millennium No. 2 is a continuation of the ultra-premium series that debuted in May 2024. Like its predecessor, this second edition is a marriage of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskey, distilled in 2001, 2003, and 2006. Bottled at 99 proof, the expression is said to deliver dark cherry, rich butterscotch, and warm vanilla, layered over well-aged oak and culminating in an oak-forward crescendo.
The release is limited and available beginning today, exclusively at Buffalo Trace’s gift shop ($7,500 RRP, first-come-first-served), with select retail availability and direct-to-consumer release via Sazerac’s Legacy de Forge, powered by Blockbar.
Following mixed reactions to the first release, this edition will be closely watched. U.S. auction prices for the original Millennium climbed above $9,000, though international demand was more conservative.
Weller 18 Year Old, meanwhile, marks a new milestone for the brand. Bottled at 90 proof and matured in traditional rickhouses, it represents the classic elegance of Weller’s profile, balancing aged fruits, warm baking spices, crisp green pear, and gentle tobacco notes.
Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley commented:
“We evaluate each release across multiple proof points and 90 proof consistently provides the best balance for Weller – strength, approachability, and flavour clarity.”
Packaged in a 700ml handcrafted crystal decanter, Weller 18 Year Old carries a surprisingly accessible RRP of $499, though it will initially be available exclusively in global travel retail – including LAX, JFK, and London Heathrow duty-free locations.
With both expressions reflecting Weller’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for fans of American whiskey.
