Weller - The Original Wheated Bourbon
Weller is the original wheated bourbon, crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Named after William Larue Weller, a pioneering distiller who used wheat instead of rye in his bourbon recipe. Today, Weller bourbons are among the most sought-after and allocated whiskies in the world, with expressions ranging from Special Reserve to the ultra-rare Single Barrel.
🏆 The Original Wheated Bourbon — W.L. Weller was a pioneer in using wheat instead of rye in bourbon mash bills. This creates a softer, sweeter, more approachable profile that has become the signature of wheated bourbons, including the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, which uses the same mash bill as Weller.
The Weller Legacy: The Original Wheated Bourbon
Weller is widely regarded as producing some of the best whiskey in the world, particularly in the bourbon whiskey category. William Larue Weller was a pioneer in using wheat instead of rye in his bourbon mash bill, creating a softer, sweeter, more approachable profile that has become the signature of wheated bourbons. Today, Weller bourbons are among the most sought-after and allocated whiskies in the world.
Understanding what is whiskey made of helps appreciate Weller's unique character. As a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, Weller uses at least 51% corn, but instead of rye, wheat is used as the secondary grain. This creates a softer, sweeter profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit. The difference between bourbon and whiskey is important here — Weller is bourbon because it meets all legal requirements, but its wheated mash bill sets it apart from rye-based bourbons.
Weller Product Line
- Weller Special Reserve (Green Label) - The entry-level expression. Aged 7+ years, 90 proof. Notes of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon. The most accessible Weller, but still highly allocated.
- Weller Antique 107 (Red Label) - Higher proof (107 proof) and more intense. Aged 7+ years. Notes of dark fruit, toffee, and baking spice. Extremely popular and increasingly rare.
- Weller 12 Year (Black Label) - Aged 12 years, 90 proof. The most age-stated Weller expression. Notes of dried fruit, oak, and honey. Highly sought after and difficult to find.
- Weller Full Proof (Blue Label) - Bottled at cask strength (114 proof) without dilution. Aged 7+ years. Intense caramel, vanilla, and oak. Released annually in limited quantities.
- Weller CYPB (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) - Created based on fan input. Aged 7+ years, 95 proof. Notes of vanilla, honey, and baking spice. Extremely limited and highly collectible.
- Weller Single Barrel - The rarest Weller expression. Single barrel selection, 97 proof. Each barrel is unique. Released in extremely limited quantities.
- William Larue Weller - Part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). Aged 12-15 years, bottled at barrel proof (typically 60-65% ABV). One of the most sought-after bourbons in the world. Extremely limited annual release.
The difference between bourbon and whiskey is important when understanding Weller's place in the spirits world. Unlike rye whiskey or standard bourbons, Weller's wheated mash bill creates a softer, sweeter profile that is often compared to Pappy Van Winkle — which uses the same mash bill. This has made Weller the "poor man's Pappy," though prices have risen significantly in recent years.
For those who enjoy cocktails, Weller Antique 107 makes an exceptional whisky sour or best whiskey for old fashioned drinks. The higher proof stands up beautifully in cocktails. When comparing whisky vs whiskey, Weller represents the pinnacle of American wheated bourbon craftsmanship.
The Weller vs Pappy Van Winkle Connection
Weller and Pappy Van Winkle share the same wheated mash bill (corn, wheat, malted barley) and are produced at the same distillery. The key differences are:
- Age - Pappy is aged 15, 20, or 23 years; Weller is aged 7-12 years
- Selection - Pappy uses the "honey barrels" from the center of the rickhouse
- Proof - Pappy is bottled at lower proof (45.2-47.8%); Weller has various proofs
- Availability - Both are highly allocated, but Pappy is significantly rarer
Many bourbon enthusiasts consider Weller 12 Year and Weller Antique 107 to be the best alternatives to Pappy Van Winkle, offering similar flavor profiles at a fraction of the price — though Weller prices have increased dramatically in recent years.
Why Is Weller So Hard to Find?
- Limited production - Buffalo Trace produces far less Weller than demand requires
- The "Pappy effect" - Weller's similarity to Pappy Van Winkle has driven demand
- Highly allocated - Most retailers receive very few bottles per year
- Secondary market - Weller bottles often sell for 2-5x retail on secondary markets
- Discontinued expressions - Some Weller expressions (12 Year, CYPB) are released in tiny quantities
- Global demand - International demand for American whiskey has skyrocketed
Weller Secondary Market Prices
Due to high demand and limited supply, Weller bottles command significant premiums on the secondary market:
- Weller Special Reserve - Retail $30, Secondary $80-120 (2.5-4x)
- Weller Antique 107 - Retail $50-60, Secondary $150-250 (3-5x)
- Weller 12 Year - Retail $40-50, Secondary $300-500 (6-10x)
- Weller Full Proof - Retail $50-60, Secondary $250-400 (4-7x)
- Weller CYPB - Retail $50-60, Secondary $400-700 (7-12x)
- Weller Single Barrel - Retail $60-70, Secondary $500-900 (8-13x)
- William Larue Weller (BTAC) - Retail $100-130, Secondary $1,500-2,500 (12-20x)
Investing in Weller Bourbon
Weller has become one of the most collectible whiskey brands in the world. Key factors driving value:
- Age statements - Weller 12 Year is increasingly rare as age-stated bourbons disappear
- Wheated mash bill - The same recipe as Pappy Van Winkle
- Limited annual releases - Full Proof, CYPB, and Single Barrel are released in tiny quantities
- Discontinued expressions - Older bottlings of Weller 12 and Antique 107 are highly collectible
- The BTAC connection - William Larue Weller is part of the legendary Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Other whiskey brands produced at Buffalo Trace include Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and Stagg. However, Weller's unique position as the "affordable" wheated bourbon has made it one of the most sought-after labels in the industry.
From low cost whisky entry points (Special Reserve) to ultra-premium expensive whiskey investment bottles (William Larue Weller, CYPB, Single Barrel), Weller offers something for every collector. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to bourbon whiskey, Weller is an essential part of any collection.
Shop the complete Weller collection at WhiskyTreasury, where we offer authentic bottles with worldwide shipping. Due to extreme rarity for all Weller expressions, availability is extremely limited. Contact us for current allocation and pricing.