William Larue Weller Bourbon
Introduction
William Larue Weller (WLW) — the pinnacle of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection (BTAC) — is America’s most coveted bourbon. With only 3,000–5,000 bottles released yearly, this barrel-proof wheated legend commands religious devotion. This guide cuts through the mystique: pricing realities, hunting strategies, and hard truths for collectors.
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WLW Key Facts & Market Reality
| Attribute | Specification | 2024 Market Reality |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $99 | $1,500–$3,000+ (resale) |
| Proof | 120–136 (varies yearly) | Highest in BTAC lineup |
| Age | 12–15 years | Uncut, unfiltered |
| Mash Bill | Wheated (same as Pappy/Weller) | Softer than rye-heavy BTACs |
| Release Month | October (BTAC drop) | 48-hour sellout in lotteries |
| Critic Scores | 98–100/100 (Wine Enthusiast, Whisky Advocate) | “Perfect” bourbon status |
People Also Ask: WLW FAQs
1. “Is WLW better than Pappy Van Winkle?”
Answer:
Subjectively, yes for enthusiasts:
- WLW: Barrel-proof (120–136), intense oak/fig/molasses.
- Pappy 15-Year: 107 proof, smoother caramel/dried fruit.
→ Pappy has more name recognition; WLW has critic preference.
2. “Why is it impossible to find at MSRP?”
Answer:
- Rarity: 5,000 bottles for 330M Americans.
- Allocation: 95% to bars/wholesalers; 5% to public lotteries.
- Flipper Economy: $99 → $2,500 profit drives hoarding.
3. “How does WLW compare to Weller Full Proof?”
| Metric | WLW | Weller Full Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 12–15 years | 6–8 years |
| Proof | 120–136 | 114 |
| Price (MSRP) | $99 | $55 |
| Secondary | $1,500–$3,000 | $200–$400 |
| Taste | Oak bomb, leather, figs | Cherry, vanilla, cinnamon |
4. “Can I fake age my own WLW?”
Answer:
No — alchemy fails:
- Small barrels over-oak in weeks; WLW’s magic requires decade+ in Buffalo Trace’s Warehouses C/I.
- Closest legal alternative: Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series ($65) with stave-aged depth.
5. “Does WLW appreciate faster than stocks?”
Answer:
Yes, but with risk:
- 2020 WLW: MSRP $99 → $3,500 today (3,400% gain).
- Risk: Counterfeits, breakage, storage costs.
→ S&P 500 gained 58% in same period.
Where to Buy (Legitimate Channels)
| Source | Odds | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Lotteries (OH/PA/VA) | 1:10,000 | $99 | State residency |
| Charity Auctions | Moderate | $2,000–$5,000 | Tax-deductible + premium |
| Reputable Secondary | High | $1,800–$3,500 | Verify bottle codes/wax |
| Distillery Gift Shop | <0.1% | $99 | Camp overnight in October |
The Counterfeit Crisis
30% of secondary WLW is fake. Spot fakes with:
- Laser Code: Verify via Buffalo Trace Decoder.
- Wax: Authentic = Thick, deep red, no bubbles. Fake = Thin, orange-tinted.
- Label: Real bottles have embossed lettering; fakes use flat print.
Investment vs. Drinking Value
| Purpose | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking | ✅ Worth $1,500+ if wealthy | Once-in-a-lifetime flavor experience |
| Collecting | ✅ Strong hold | Gains 15–25% yearly (unopened) |
| Flipping | ❌ High risk | 2022 bottles dipped 40% post-release |
Conclusion: The God of Wheated Bourbon
“WLW is bourbon’s Mona Lisa — a masterpiece worth seeing, but only the elite own it.”
Buying Strategy:
- For Drinkers:
- Enter every state lottery; pray.
- Alternative: Old Rip Van Winkle 10-Year ($800 resale) for similar wheated profile at half WLW’s cost.
- For Collectors:
- Buy via charity auctions for provenance.
- Store sealed at 60°F/60% humidity.
- Avoid:
- Facebook groups (60% fake bottles per TTB raids).
- Payment methods without buyer protection (Zelle, CashApp).
Pro Tips:
→ Taste Before Owning: High-end bars charge $150/ounce (e.g., The Aviary NYC).
→ Insure Bottles: Use Valuable Collections Insurance.
→ Drink Opened Bottles Fast: Barrel-proof wheaters oxidize quicker than rye.
Start the Hunt:
In a world of hype, WLW delivers divinity — but never sell your soul for a bottle. 🥃👑