William Larue Weller Bourbon

If you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a serious collector, William Larue Weller Bourbon is likely on your wishlist. As part of Buffalo Trace’s prestigious Antique Collection, this wheated, barrel-proof expression delivers unfiltered, full-flavor intensity. It’s crafted in tribute to William Larue Weller, one of the pioneers of wheated bourbon. Each release is highly anticipated—and even more quickly snatched off shelves.

What Is the Price of William Larue Weller Bourbon Whiskey?

The Weller line, in general, has developed a cult following. While retail prices are relatively modest, limited availability drives up costs. For example, Weller Special Reserve can go for around $30 MSRP, but many stores price it at $100 or more. Rarer labels like Weller 12-Year and Antique 107 are often found online for several times their sticker price.

What Is William Larue Weller’s MSRP?

The MSRP for William Larue Weller is typically around $150—a steal, considering the quality and prestige. That said, finding it at that price is like winning the bourbon lottery. Most stores allocate only a few bottles, often through raffles or waitlists.

Why Is Weller So Hard to Get?

There’s no mystery here: high demand, low supply. Weller bourbons—especially WLW—combine top-tier craftsmanship, a strong brand story, and a flavor profile that appeals to both seasoned and new bourbon lovers. Add in its BTAC (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection) status, and you’ve got a bourbon that’s as elusive as it is desirable.

Which Weller Is Most Expensive?

While Weller 12-Year and Single Barrel editions can command big secondary prices, William Larue Weller Bourbon is by far the most expensive of the lineup. Limited to just one release per year, WLW regularly sells for $1,000–$1,500 on the secondary market, depending on the batch and condition.

William Larue Weller Secondary Price

Forget about MSRP—WLW fetches serious money on resale platforms. The 2024 release is currently trending at around $1,200, with older vintages going even higher. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for well-preserved bottles, especially from standout years.

William Larue Weller Barrel Proof

One of the standout features of WLW is that it’s always bottled at barrel proof, meaning it’s uncut and unfiltered. This allows the bourbon to maintain its natural intensity—expect proofs ranging from 125 to 134 depending on the year. The 2024 release clocks in at 125.8 proof, delivering rich, layered flavors straight from the barrel.

William Larue Weller Bourbon Review

What sets William Larue Weller apart is balance. Despite its high proof, it doesn’t overwhelm. The 2024 bottling offers notes of cherry, dark chocolate, leather, caramel, and spice—all with a long, satisfying finish. Reviewers from VinePair and Breaking Bourbon both gave it glowing marks, calling it one of the best wheated bourbons you can find (if you can find it).

William Larue Weller Proof by Year

Here’s a quick snapshot of WLW’s recent proofs:

• 2024 – 125.8 proof
• 2023 – 133.6 proof
• 2022 – 124.7 proof
• 2021 – 125.3 proof

Each year brings slight variations, which is part of the fun for collectors.

William Larue Weller Age

Most William Larue Weller releases are aged around 12 years and 6 months, which is relatively old for a wheated bourbon. This extended aging adds deeper oak, vanilla, and spice notes, making it incredibly rich without being overly tannic.

Weller Antique 107

If WLW is out of reach, Weller Antique 107 is a great alternative. Bottled at a healthy 107 proof, this wheated bourbon brings warm spice, caramel, and red fruit notes in a more accessible (and affordable) form. You can often find it online, like here at Steve’s Liquor Store.

Weller Bourbon 12 Year

Another fan favorite, Weller 12-Year, is often called the “poor man’s Pappy” thanks to its similar mash bill and aging profile. It’s smooth, mellow, and rich with flavors of toasted oak, dark fruit, and baking spices. Limited but available from select stores like Caskers.

William Larue Weller 2024

The 2024 William Larue Weller release is a standout. Aged 12 years and 6 months and bottled at 125.8 proof, it hits a sweet spot of intensity and elegance. Notes of tobacco, honeycomb, cinnamon, and cherry cola make it one of the most layered WLW releases in recent memory. If you’re lucky, you can still find it at Frootbat while supplies last.

Final Thoughts

William Larue Weller Bourbon for sale is more than a search term—it’s a quest. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the hunt, looking to expand your top shelf, or simply want to experience one of the finest wheated bourbons in the world, WLW is worth the effort. And if you can’t find it, expressions like Antique 107 and Weller 12-Year offer a satisfying taste of what makes this brand so iconic.

William Larue Weller Bourbon: The Unicorn of Unicorns – Buffalo Trace’s Cask Strength Wheated Masterpiece

William Larue Weller (WLW) stands atop the bourbon pantheon as the crown jewel of Buffalo Trace’s revered Antique Collection (BTAC). Representing the pinnacle of cask strength, aged, wheated bourbon, it’s consistently rated among the world’s finest whiskeys. Finding it “for sale” at retail is a dream for most, achieved only through immense luck or deep pockets. Here’s the unvarnished truth about this legendary bourbon.

Availability & Purchasing Reality (USA):

1. Annual Limited Release: WLW is released once per year (typically Fall, announced around October/November) as part of the BTAC lineup. Production is extremely limited (estimated a few thousand bottles globally).

2. Highly Allocated: Distribution is strictly controlled via Buffalo Trace’s allocation system. Most bottles go to top-tier accounts in key markets based on sales volume and relationships.

3. Primary Purchase Avenues (The Slim Chances):

   • State Lotteries: The most equitable (though still low-odds) method in control states. Sign up for your state ABC lottery announcements.

   • Premium Retailer Raffles/Lotteries: Select large chains and independent stores hold lotteries or high-spender loyalty programs for allocated bottles. Requires significant prior spending or luck.

   • Bars/Restaurants: Elite whiskey bars may acquire a bottle, offering pours at premium prices ($50-$150+ per ounce).

4. Secondary Market (The Brutal Reality): This is where the vast majority of WLW trades hands. Expect prices ranging from $1,500 to $4,000+ USD per 750ml bottle (MSRP is ~$125). Extreme caution is required: Verify authenticity, seller reputation, and understand legal risks.

5. No Regular Retail: You will not find WLW sitting on shelves or available via regular online retailers. Any “for sale” listing near MSRP is likely a scam.

Answering the “People Also Ask” (Google):

1. “How much is William Larue Weller Bourbon?”

   • Answer: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is approximately $125 USD (though some states may price slightly higher). Due to extreme scarcity and legendary status, real-world secondary market prices consistently range from $1,500 to $4,000+ USD, depending on the release year and market conditions.

2. “What proof is William Larue Weller?”

   • Answer: William Larue Weller is bottled at uncut, unfiltered cask strength. The proof varies significantly year-to-year based on the specific barrels selected, typically falling between 120 and 135 proof (60-67.5% ABV). Each year’s proof is part of its unique identity.

3. “What is the difference between Weller Special Reserve and William Larue Weller?”

   • Answer: They are worlds apart:

   • Weller Special Reserve:

     • Entry-level Weller, widely allocated but relatively easier to find than WLW.

     • Bottled at 90 proof.

     • Age: No age statement (typically ~4-6 years).

     • Profile: Approachable, light, sweet wheat notes (vanilla, caramel, honey). MSRP ~$25-$35.

   • William Larue Weller:

     • Ultra-premium, apex BTAC release.

     • Bottled at cask strength (120-135+ proof).

     • Age: 12+ years (exact age varies yearly).

     • Profile: Deeply complex, rich, intense, full-bodied, with profound oak, dark fruit, and spice integration. MSRP ~$125 (secondary $1500-$4000+).

   • Summary: Special Reserve is an affordable wheated intro; WLW is an aged, cask strength masterpiece for connoisseurs, defined by rarity and intensity.

4. “Is William Larue Weller the same as Pappy Van Winkle?”

   • Answer: No, but they share a common wheated mash bill and distillery (Buffalo Trace). Key differences:

   • Production & Selection: WLW is part of the annual BTAC lineup selected by Buffalo Trace’s team. Pappy Van Winkle (15, 20, 23 Year) is selected and marketed by the Van Winkle family using the same wheated mash bill but different barrels and often longer aging.

   • Proof: WLW is always cask strength. Pappy is bottled at a lower proof (107 for 15yr, 90.4 for 20/23yr).

   • Profile: WLW tends to be more bold, powerful, and oak-forward due to cask strength and barrel selection focus. Pappy emphasizes smoothness, balance, and complexity at lower proofs.

   • Rarity & Price: Both are extremely rare. WLW MSRP is lower (~$125 vs Pappy 15yr ~$150 MSRP), but both command similar stratospheric secondary prices ($1500-$4000+).

5. “Why is William Larue Weller so special?”

   • Answer: Its legendary status stems from:

     • Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon: A rare combination showcasing the smoothness of wheat amplified by raw barrel power.

     • Significant Age (12+ Years): Achieves remarkable complexity and oak integration without becoming overbearing.

     • Uncut & Unfiltered: Preserves the absolute maximum flavor, texture, and character from the barrel.

     • Exceptional Quality: Consistently receives top honors (e.g., multiple “World Whiskey of the Year” titles from Whisky Advocate).

     • Extreme Scarcity: Limited annual production fuels its mythical status.

     • Buffalo Trace Pedigree: Part of the most sought-after portfolio in bourbon.

Tasting Profile (General Hallmarks of WLW):

• Aroma: Intense and alluring: Deep caramel, dark chocolate, stewed cherries & plums, rich vanilla, baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), seasoned oak, leather, tobacco, maple syrup, and often luxury fruitcake or fig notes. The high proof carries the aroma powerfully.

• Palate: Explosively rich and full-bodied, yet often surprisingly approachable for its proof. Waves of molasses, dark honey, burnt sugar, dried dark fruits (figs, raisins), espresso, dark chocolate, toasted nuts, baking spices, and well-integrated, tannic oak. The mouthfeel is typically velvety, viscous, and coating.

• Finish: Exceptionally long, complex, and warming. Evolves through layers of oak, dark fruit, spice, chocolate, and caramel. The high proof provides a lasting, satisfying warmth without excessive harshness.

Conclusion

William Larue Weller Bourbon isn’t just a bottle of whiskey; it’s a symbol of bourbon’s highest echelon. It represents the near-perfect marriage of Buffalo Trace’s prized wheated mash bill, extensive aging in prime warehouse locations, and the unadulterated power of cask strength bottling. The result is a consistently extraordinary pour that delivers profound depth, complexity, and intensity.

However, its reality is one of extreme exclusivity. The chances of acquiring WLW at its MSRP are akin to winning a major lottery. For the overwhelming majority of bourbon lovers, experiencing it means either paying an exorbitant secondary market premium (with associated risks) or seeking out an equally expensive pour at a top-tier whiskey bar.

Its astronomical secondary price reflects its legendary status and scarcity more than any inherent value proposition – no whiskey is truly “worth” thousands of dollars by liquid measure alone. Yet, for those few who taste it, WLW often justifies the hype, delivering an unforgettable experience that showcases the pinnacle of what aged, cask-strength wheated bourbon can achieve. It remains the ultimate unicorn, a benchmark of excellence that most will admire from afar, forever cementing its place in bourbon