William Larue Weller 2017 128.2 Proof

128.2 proof. Uncut. Unfiltered. The 2017 William Larue Weller is the wheated bourbon counterpart to George T. Stagg — and one of the most sought-after releases in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

William Larue Weller is one of five annual releases in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection — and the only wheated bourbon in the group. Where George T. Stagg uses a high-rye mashbill and delivers bold spice and power, Weller substitutes wheat for rye, producing a dramatically different character: softer, rounder, with more pronounced fruit and caramel even at cask strength. At 10 to 14 years of age and 128.2 proof, the 2017 delivers all of that character completely unfiltered and undiluted.

The 2017 release is particularly notable for having emerged from prime barrel positions in Buffalo Trace's warehouses — the specific locations selected for maximum flavor development. It sells out within hours of release every year and commands significant premiums on the secondary market. For collectors of wheated bourbon, it's the annual benchmark.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep, burnished amber.
• Aroma: Rich caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, toasted oak, and a warm honeyed sweetness. More fruit-forward than the rye-heavy BTAC releases.
• Palate: Smooth and full-bodied despite the proof — toffee, dark chocolate, dried cherry, baking spice, and a silky wheat grain sweetness that distinguishes it from any rye-mashbill bourbon at this level.
• Finish: Long and warming — caramel, vanilla, and oak tapering into a clean, satisfying close.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Age: 10–14 years
• Proof: 128.2 (64.1% ABV)
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2017 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Explore the full William Larue Weller collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does William Larue Weller differ from W.L. Weller bourbons? W.L. Weller (Special Reserve, 12 Year, Antique 107, Full Proof) is the accessible wheated bourbon line from Buffalo Trace. William Larue Weller is an entirely separate, annual limited release in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection — uncut, unfiltered, cask strength, and aged significantly longer. They share the wheated mashbill but represent completely different tiers of production.
• Why is William Larue Weller so hard to find? The BTAC is produced in very limited quantities annually and allocated to retailers across the country. Demand has dramatically outpaced supply for years. Retail allocations are typically small and sell out immediately upon arrival.
• How does the 2017 William Larue Weller compare to other vintage years? Each annual release varies in age, proof, and barrel selection. The 2017 came in at 128.2 proof — one of the higher proof releases in recent years — and is widely regarded as one of the strongest expressions in the series' history. Secondary market values reflect this consistently.
• Is William Larue Weller related to Pappy Van Winkle? Yes — both use the same wheated mashbill that traces back to W.L. Weller & Sons and Stitzel-Weller Distillery, where Pappy Van Winkle himself worked. Buffalo Trace acquired the Weller brand and has produced both the W.L. Weller line and the Van Winkle bourbons using the same foundational recipe since 2002.