FRANKFORT, KY (July 25, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce two super-premium wheat whiskey innovations from the Original Wheated Bourbon brand, including the second edition of Weller Millennium, comprising a new blend of ultra-aged wheat whiskeys; and Weller 18 Year Old, the brand’s oldest age statement to date. Meticulously crafted to push the boundaries of maturation and blending, these releases boldly demonstrate the exceptional aging potential and versatility of wheat in American whiskey production.
Produced at The World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery, both innovations celebrate the original wheated bourbon recipes pioneered by William Larue Weller in 1847. At a time when rye and corn dominated the market, Weller’s use of the more delicate wheat grain – primarily a food crop – resulted in a smoother, sweeter whiskey that set his whiskeys apart. These latest expressions honor Weller’s legacy of innovation as Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its ongoing exploration of wheat in pursuit of crafting the world’s best whiskey.
Weller Millenium #2: Following the inaugural Weller Millennium released in May 2024, this second edition presents a newly-crafted blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys. Consistent with its predecessor, each component was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2001, 2003 and 2006 and set aside for the sole purpose of creating this extraordinary blend in tribute of one of its forebearers, W. L. Weller. By thoughtfully blending these individually distinct whiskeys, the resulting spirit attains a depth and complexity that transcends the sum of its parts.
“Weller Millenium was crafted to feature some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium amid a period of transformation at Buffalo Trace Distillery. This second edition takes last year’s release a step further, with a new blend that we humbly believe is an improvement over the well-regarded first edition,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “By carefully selecting and blending barrels dating back to the early 2000’s, we have revisited a chapter in the Distillery’s history that shaped who we are today.”
The second edition of Weller Millennium offers a balance of dark cherry, rich butterscotch and warm vanilla that unfolds over layers of well-aged oak. The finish is bold and enduring, culminating in an oak-forward crescendo that leaves a lasting impression.
In keeping with the first edition, Weller Millennium #2 is held in a 750ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality. An illuminated display case envelopes the 99-proof bottling with exactly 99 bursts while proudly displaying the proportions and distillation years of each vintage whiskey contained within. Due to the limited nature of these exceptionally-aged barrels, each Weller Millennium blend is a unique, one-of-a-kind release that cannot be replicated.
Weller Millenium will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States and global distributor networks, which will ship to retailers, bars and restaurants as of July 2025 at a suggested retail price of $7,500 (750ml); taxes will vary by market. A limited supply will also be available for purchase at Buffalo Trace Distillery and directly via Legacy de Forge, a new Sazerac-branded global platform powered by Blockbar for purchasing some of the world’s most coveted bottles.
Weller 18 Year Old: As the oldest age stated whiskey in the Weller portfolio, Weller 18 Year Old brings exceptional grace and depth as an ultra-aged , 90-proof wheat whiskey. This new release stands as a testament to the Distillery’s dedication to innovation, demonstrating that Kentucky-aged whiskey can mature beautifully well beyond more commonly seen age statements.
“Weller 18 Year Old is the culmination of curiosity, tradition and time,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The softness of the wheat has evolved into something rich and wonderfully expressive. We are extremely proud of the resulting whiskey, which showcases the versatility and potential of a wheat-forward mashbill.”
On the nose, this whiskey reveals gentle notes of delicately aged fruits and tobacco. The palate offers a harmonious balance of warm baking spices and crisp green pear, delivering depth without overwhelming, and leads to a lasting finish.
Weller 18 Year Old is packaged in a 700ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality, similar to Weller Millennium but without the accompanying presentation case.
For its inaugural release, Weller 18 Year Old will be available via Global Travel Retail at airports including Los Angeles International (LAX), John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and London Heathrow (LHR) as of July 2025 at a suggested retail price of $499 (700ml).
For more information, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/w-l-weller.html.
