William Larue Weller 2019 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The 2019 Wheat King: A Deep Dive into William Larue Weller Bourbon Kentucky Straight Whiskey

In the pantheon of great American whiskeys, certain vintages achieve mythical status. The 2019 William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is one such bottle. As a cornerstone of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), William Larue Weller is consistently lauded, but the 2019 release is often singled out by connoisseurs as a particularly stunning example of the wheated bourbon craft. This expression represents a perfect harmony of age, proof, and flavor that has solidified its place as one of the most sought-after American whiskeys of the last decade.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we pride ourselves on connecting serious collectors with legendary vintages. This guide offers an exhaustive analysis of the 2019 William Larue Weller , from its acclaimed tasting profile and historical significance to its current standing in the rare bourbon market, providing everything you need to appreciate this iconic spirit.

The Legacy of an Innovator: William Larue Weller

The story of this bourbon begins with its namesake, a 19th-century bourbon pioneer. William Larue Weller was a visionary merchant who defied convention in the 1840s by championing wheat as a secondary grain instead of the more traditional rye. This revolutionary approach resulted in a softer, smoother, and more approachable bourbon whiskey, creating the entire “wheated” bourbon category.

The bourbon that carries his name today is a direct homage to his innovation. It is more than just a spirit; it is a liquid testament to a man who dared to be different. When you pursue a bottle of William Larue Weller Bourbon 2024, you are acquiring a piece of American distilling history.

The Distillery of Dreams: Buffalo Trace

The 2019 William Larue Weller is a proud product of the world-renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This National Historic Landmark is the hallowed source of some of the most allocated buffalo trace bourbons and buffalo trace whiskeys on the planet. The distillery’s Antique Collection is its annual magnum opus, featuring five uncut, unfiltered, and aged expressions.

The William Larue Weller whiskey holds a unique position in this lineup as the premium wheated offering. It shares its core recipe with the legendary Van Winkle line but is distinguished by its barrel-proof presentation, offering a pure, unadulterated glimpse into the peak potential of this celebrated mash bill.

Bourbon Fundamentals: The Wheated Advantage

Understanding what sets this bourbon apart is key to appreciating its value:

• Standard Bourbon: Corn (≥51%) + Rye + Malted Barley. Rye adds spice and sharpness.

• Wheated Bourbon: Corn (≥51%) + Wheat + Malted Barley. Wheat contributes a softer, sweeter, and creamier profile.

William Larue Weller is the apex predator of the wheated category. It is a straight bourbon whiskey bottled at its natural cask strength, without chill filtration, ensuring every nuance of its flavor and texture is preserved from barrel to bottle.

The 2019 Vintage: A Profile of Perfection

The 2019 William Larue Weller release was met with immediate and widespread critical acclaim. It is frequently ranked as one of the best whiskeys of the year. Here are the key details that define this legendary vintage:

• Release Year: 2019 (Fall Release)

• William Larue Weller 2019 Proof: 128.0 (64% ABV)

• Age: 12 years, 5 months

• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Wheated Mash Bill

The William Larue Weller 2019 proof is a major point of discussion. At 128 proof, it is powerfully robust, yet it carries its strength with an unexpected grace, a characteristic that is central to every positive 2019 William Larue Weller review.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Power and Elegance

A William Larue Weller 2019 review would be incomplete without delving into the sensory experience. This is a bourbon that engages all the senses from the moment the cork is pulled.

Nose

The aroma is profoundly rich and complex, with a deceptive warmth that belies its high proof. The signature wheated character announces itself with bold notes of rich toffee, honey-drizzled wheat, and thick caramel sauce. This is layered with decadent scents of dark chocolate, baked cherry pie, and a dusting of baking spices—cinnamon and nutmeg. A deep, resonant oak provides a structured backbone, offering hints of seasoned leather and vanilla.

Palate

The first sip is a revelation in texture and density. It is incredibly viscous and velvety, coating the palate entirely. The flavor entry is a burst of sweet, wheat-driven character: brown sugar, caramel apple, and maraschino cherry. This is not a simple sweetness; it is complex and grounded by deep, mature flavors of dark chocolate truffles, roasted pecans, and espresso bean. The oak is present and accounted for, providing a perfect counterpoint of gentle tannins and spice. The mouthfeel is often described as “chewy” and is a hallmark of this exceptional vintage.

Finish

The finish is seemingly eternal, warm, and beautifully balanced. The initial wave of sweetness gradually recedes, leaving behind a long, evolving fade of oak, dark cocoa, leather, and a faint, pleasant peppery spice. It’s a finish that invites reflection and lingers long after the glass is empty.

Context and Comparison: The 2019 WLW in the Pantheon

• Within the 2019 Buffalo trace bourbon whiskey BTAC: The 2019 William Larue Weller bourbon was considered the star of the 2019 Antique Collection by many critics. Its combination of a wheated mash bill, high proof, and perfect age integration created a profile that was both powerful and exceptionally drinkable, often overshadowing its siblings that year.

• Against Other WLW Vintages: When comparing William Larue Weller 2019 to other years, it is often placed in the top tier alongside legends like the 2016 release. Its high proof and flawless balance make it a benchmark for the expression.

Market Analysis: William Larue Weller 2019 Price, MSRP, and Availability

The William Larue Weller 2019 MSRP was set at approximately $99. This figure, however, is a distant memory for the secondary market. The universal acclaim of this vintage, combined with the inherent scarcity of all BTAC bottles, has driven its value to staggering heights.

The current William Larue Weller 2019 price on the secondary market consistently ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 or more, making it one of the most valuable BTAC bottles from the last several years. This William Larue Weller price reflects its reputation as a near-perfect expression and a must-have for completists and investors alike. Finding William Larue Weller 2019 for sale is a challenge that requires connections and resources.

Searches for “William Larue Weller for sale” or “buffalo trace bourbon near me” will not yield this specific bottle at a local shop. For a guaranteed, authentic bottle, your most reliable avenue is through specialized online retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What makes the 2019 William Larue Weller Bourbon 2021 so special compared to other years?
A: The 2019 William Larue Weller is celebrated for its near-perfect balance of a high proof (128) and a mature 12-year age statement. The flavors are intensely concentrated and powerful, yet the mouthfeel remains incredibly velvety and smooth for its strength. This harmony is what sets it apart and is a common highlight in every 2019 William Larue Weller review.

Q2: How does the William Larue Weller 2019 proof impact the drinking experience?
A: The William Larue Weller 2019 proof of 128.0 is a defining feature. It delivers a bold, full-bodied experience that carries immense flavors without an overwhelming ethanol burn. The high proof contributes to its thick, “chewy” mouthfeel and ensures that the bourbon holds its character even with a few drops of water, which can open up additional aromatic complexities.

Q3: Is the William Larue Weller 2019 a good investment?
A: Absolutely. Acclaimed vintages of William Larue Weller are among the most stable and appreciating assets in the rare bourbon market. The 2019, in particular, due to its stellar reputation, has shown strong and consistent value growth. It is considered a blue-chip bottle for any serious collection.

Q4: What is the best way to enjoy the 2019 WLW?
A: To fully appreciate its complexity, it is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass after allowing it to breathe for 10-15 minutes. This unlocks the full spectrum of its aromas and flavors. A few drops of water can be added to further explore its depth, but it is remarkably approachable neat for its proof.

Q5: Where can I find a legitimate bottle of William Larue Weller 2019 for sale?
A: Finding this specific vintage at a local store (“bourbon for sale near me“) is highly improbable. The most secure method to buy bourbon whiskey online of this caliber and provenance is through established, trusted retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store. We guarantee authenticity and provide secure, discreet shipping for our clients.

Conclusion: The Unforgettable Vintage

The 2019 William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon-Whiskey is more than a top-tier spirit; it is a landmark achievement in bourbon production. It captures a moment in time where every variable—grain, barrel, and time—aligned to create something truly extraordinary. From its intoxicating aroma to its profound, enduring finish, it is a whiskey that commands respect and delivers an unforgettable experience.

For the collector, it is a trophy of the highest order. For the connoisseur, it is a reference point for the heights that wheated bourbon can achieve. It is, without a doubt, a crown jewel for any cabinet.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we understand the dedication required to pursue such legendary vintages. We are committed to being your premier source for the world’s most coveted spirits. The 2019 William Larue Weller is the very definition of a rare find.

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