2023 William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

2023 William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Full Review, Tasting Notes & Buyer’s Guide

In the rarefied air of American whiskey, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) represents the absolute apex of annual releases. While each of the five bottles is a legend in its own right, one holds a special place in the hearts of those who cherish a sweeter, more nuanced pour: bourbon whiskey ml william Larue Weller. As the only wheated bourbon in the collection, it offers a distinct and profoundly elegant experience. The 2023 William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues this storied legacy, presenting a vintage that has been celebrated for its balance, complexity, and the sublime character that only decades in a barrel can impart.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we specialize in sourcing the unobtainable. This guide is your definitive resource for the 2023 William Larue Weller, offering an exhaustive examination of its sensory profile, the rich history of the Weller name, its esteemed home at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, and what makes it one of the most coveted bottles in the world of rare bourbon.

The Man and The Myth: William Larue Weller

To understand this bourbon is to understand the pioneer who inspired it. William Larue Weller was a 19th-century visionary and bourbon merchant who, as early as 1849, broke from tradition. While most distillers were using rye as their secondary grain, Weller championed the use of wheat, believing it created a softer, smoother spirit. His philosophy gave birth to the original “wheated” bourbon, a legacy that continues to define an entire category of American whiskey today.

The bourbon that bears his name is a tribute to his innovation. It is not merely a drink; it is a piece of history in a glass. When you search for William Larue Weller bourbon ml bottle bundle, you are seeking the direct descendant of the very recipe that started it all.

The Hallowed Home: Buffalo Trace Distillery

The 2023 William Larue Weller Bourbon is a proud product of the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, Buffalo Trace is the hallowed ground where some of the world’s most acclaimed buffalo trace bourbons and buffalo trace whiskeys are patiently crafted. The distillery’s Antique Collection is the ultimate showcase of its artistry, featuring five aged, uncut, and unfiltered expressions.

The William Larue Weller whiskey stands apart in this lineup as the premium wheated offering. It shares its mash bill with the famous Pappy Van Winkle line but is distinguished by its barrel-proof presentation and specific aging conditions, offering a pure, unadulterated look at the peak potential of this celebrated recipe.

Bourbon Deconstructed: What Makes a Wheated Bourbon Special?

For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, understanding the “wheated” difference is key:

• Standard Bourbon Mash Bill: Corn (at least 51%) + Rye + Malted Barley.

• Wheated Bourbon Mash Bill: Corn (at least 51%) + Wheat + Malted Barley.

By replacing the spicier rye with softer, sweeter wheat, distillers create a bourbon whiskey that is inherently more approachable, often with pronounced notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. William Larue Weller Bourbon whiskey is the zenith of this style—a straight bourbon whiskey that is bottled at its natural cask strength without chill filtration, preserving every ounce of its flavor and texture.

The 2023 Vintage: A Profile of Elegance and Proof

The 2023 release of William Larue Weller has been met with widespread acclaim for its harmony and depth. Here are the vital statistics that define this exceptional vintage:

• Release Year: 2023 (Fall Release)

• Proof: 124.3 (62.15% ABV)

• Age: 12 years, 6 months

• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Wheated Mash Bill

This vintage is notable for its robust proof, which carries the flavors with immense presence, and an age statement that allows the wheat’s soft sweetness to integrate beautifully with the oak. It is a quintessential example of a small batch bourbon crafted on a monumental scale.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Sweetness and Oak

Tasting the 2023 William Larue Weller is an experience of pure luxury. It is a bourbon that unfolds slowly, revealing layer after layer of complexity.

Nose

The aroma is instantly inviting and complex, with surprisingly little ethanol heat for its proof. The signature wheated character shines immediately with rich toffee, creamy caramel, and honey. Beneath this, layers of dark chocolate, cherry, and vanilla bean emerge. A profound oak presence provides a backbone of seasoned leather and baking spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—without any harsh tannins.

Palate

The first sip is a revelation in texture—incredibly rich, velvety, and coating. The wheat-forward mash bill delivers a wave of decadent sweetness: brown sugar, baked apple, and maraschino cherry. This is not one-dimensional; it’s grounded by deep, oak-driven flavors of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a medley of baking spices. The mouthfeel is unparalleled, a silky and full-bodied experience that is the hallmark of a great wheated bourbon.

Finish

The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and satisfyingly dry. The initial sweet notes slowly fade, leaving behind a lasting impression of oak, dark cocoa, leather, and a gentle, peppery spice. It’s a finish that lingers for minutes, inviting quiet contemplation.

William Larue Weller in Context: The BTAC and The Weller Family

• Within the BTAC: William Larue Weller offers a distinct contrast to the rye-spiced intensity of George T. Stagg and the bold fruitiness of Thomas H. Handy. Its claim to fame is a sublime, velvety texture and a sweeter, more nuanced flavor profile that appeals to those who appreciate elegance over sheer power.

• Within the Weller Lineup: The Weller family includes accessible entries like Weller Special Reserve and Weller Antique 107. William Larue Weller is the undisputed king of this family. It is older, presented at cask strength, and released in extreme limited quantities, offering a depth and complexity that the younger, proofed-down expressions can only hint at.

The Acquisition Challenge: William Larue Weller Price, MSRP, and Availability

The journey to own a bottle of William Larue Weller is one of the most difficult in the whiskey world. The official William Larue Weller MSRP is set at a very reasonable $99.95. However, this figure is largely symbolic for the vast majority of enthusiasts, as the bottle’s extreme rarity means it is almost never sold at this price.

The secondary market William Larue Weller price is a testament to its status. A bottle of the 2023 release consistently commands $1,200 to $1,800 or more, a figure driven by its critical acclaim, limited annual allocation, and its prestigious position as a de facto “Pappy” equivalent at barrel proof. When you investigate the William Larue Weller price, you are looking at its value as a blue-chip collectible in the rare bourbon market.

Searches for “William Larue Weller for sale” or “buffalo trace bourbon near me” will rarely yield results at a local liquor store. For a guaranteed, authentic bottle, your most reliable path is through specialized online retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What makes William Larue Weller Bourbon different from other Buffalo Trace bourbons?
A: William Larue Weller is unique within the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection as the only wheated bourbon. It uses wheat instead of rye as its secondary grain, resulting in a softer, sweeter, and more velvety profile compared to the spicier, more robust character of mash bills containing rye. It also shares a very similar mash bill with the Van Winkle (Pappy) line, making it a highly sought-after alternative.

Q2: Why is the William Larue Weller price so high on the secondary market?
A: The high William Larue Weller price is a direct result of immense demand and minuscule supply. Its reputation as one of the world’s best bourbons, its limited annual release, and its connection to the Van Winkle recipe create a perfect storm of desirability that drives its value far beyond its original MSRP.

Q3: How does the 2023 William Larue Weller compare to Pappy Van Winkle?
A: They are close relatives, sharing the same wheated mash bill from Buffalo Trace. The key difference is that William Larue Weller is released at its full, uncut barrel proof, while Pappy Van Winkle is bottled at a specific, lower proof. This gives WLW a more intense, powerful, and undiluted flavor experience that many connoisseurs prefer.

Q4: What is the best way to enjoy William Larue Weller?
A: To appreciate its full complexity, it is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass. Allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes opens up the aromatics beautifully. A few drops of water can be added to tame the proof and release even more nuanced flavors, but it is remarkably approachable neat for its high alcohol content.

Q5: Where can I find a legitimate bottle of William Larue Weller for sale?
A: Finding a bottle at a local store (“bourbon for sale near me“) is a near-impossible feat. The most secure and reliable method to buy bourbon whiskey online of this caliber is through established, specialized retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store. We provide authenticity guarantees and secure shipping for these invaluable spirits.

Conclusion: The Unrivaled Wheat King

The 2023 William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon-Whiskey is not just a drink; it is an experience. It represents the culmination of over 170 years of innovation, patience, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From its irresistibly fragrant nose to its long, contemplative finish, every aspect of this whiskey is crafted to perfection.

For the collector, it is a trophy and a cornerstone of any serious assemblage. For the connoisseur, it is the ultimate expression of the wheated bourbon style—a symphony of sweetness, power, and elegance that stands alone at the summit.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we understand the passion and pursuit that defines the world of rare spirits. We are dedicated to being your trusted curator, connecting you with legendary bottles like the 2023 William Larue Weller. It is, in every sense, a rare find.

Explore our curated collection of rare and allocated bourbons at Rare Finds Liquor Store. From the most sought-after Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles to other legendary American whiskeys, we are your premier online destination to buy bourbon online.