William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Buffalo Trace Antique Limited Edition Collection)

The William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the crown jewel of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) and arguably the most coveted wheated bourbon in the world. As a barrel-proof, uncut, and unfiltered expression, it represents the absolute pinnacle of the Weller line, using wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye to produce a softer, more rounded spirit. Each annual release is a "snapshot" of the distillery's best aging wheated stocks, typically aged between 12 and 15 years and bottled at a formidable "hazmat" or near-hazmat proof.

For the 2025 Limited Edition release, the whiskey comes in at 129 proof (64.5% ABV) and was matured for 12 years and 7 months. On the nose, it is intensely aromatic, offering a rich profile of caramel corn, new leather, and dark plums, underpinned by the sweet scent of pipe tobacco and toasted marshmallow. The palate is exceptionally dense and oily—a hallmark of the Weller mash bill—delivering powerful waves of nougat, salted almonds, and dried figs. Despite its high alcohol content, the wheat provides an inherent creaminess that allows notes of honeyed toast and baking spices to shine through without being overwhelmed by "burn."

The finish is legendary for its length and evolution, transitioning from a heavy maple sweetness to a drying, sophisticated oak tannin with a lingering echo of white pepper. As a perennial "Spirit of the Year" contender, the William Larue Weller is the ultimate prize for collectors and connoisseurs looking for the maximum expression of a wheated bourbon. It is best enjoyed with a few drops of limestone water to "open up" the tightly wound layers of dark fruit and antique wood.