Chris OaksW.L. Weller Millennium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Green Label Bottle
Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced a new release for 2024! Weller Millennium is an ultra-aged expression that adds a new dimension to the esteemed W.L. Weller lineup. This latest bottle release features a blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys. These distillations occurred near the turn of the millennium, hence the name, and have been aging at the distillery grounds in Frankfort, KY ever since. Let’s dive into this Weller Millennium review and get to the details.
The W.L. Weller collection is renowned for its unique wheated bourbon recipes, which replace rye with wheat to create a softer, smoother profile. In this expression, “The Original Wheated Bourbon” leans into their experience with wheated mash bills across multiple distillations to achieve the ultimate blend for this new super premium whiskey.
W.L. Weller Lineup
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W.L. Weller Antique -
W.L. Weller Full Proof -
W.L. Weller Special Reserve -
W.L. Weller 12 Year -
W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. -
W.L. Weller Single Barrel -
William Larue Weller -
Daniel Weller -
Weller Millennium
W.L. Weller Millennium Review & Tasting Notes
The W.L. Weller Millennium is a remarkable release that offers a deep and complex flavor profile, a result of its extended aging process. This expression presents a sophisticated palate that will appeal to both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Unfortunately, very few people will get the opportunity to even see a bottle in-person, with even less people getting the opportunity to taste this limited release. However, no official bottle count or allocation has been provided to calculate those odds.
Nonetheless, this ultra-aged bourbon promises to be a standout addition to any collection it’s added to! It’s unique positioning is obviously an ultra-aged spirit for American Whiskey, containing a 3% blend of 2000 vintage barrels, a 7% blend of 2006 vintage barrels, a 40% blend of 2005 vintage barrels, and a 50% blend of 2003 vintage barrels. While we know some of that distillate is the famous Weller wheated bourbon, some distillate is also wheated whiskey. However, W.L. Weller doesn’t specify the specific breakdown for each of those category types in this Millennium blend.
Color
Deep mahogany with dark amber highlights.
Nose
Complex aromas of rich caramel, toffee notes, and aged oak woodiness.
Palate
Rich and velvety with notes of dried fruit, toffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of fits, raisins, and stone fruit. The wheat component adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Finish
Lingering notes of prominent oak, caramel, and a subtle dryness.
Barrel
Aged in new, charred American oak barrels for decades in the historic warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Release Date & Availability
The W.L. Weller Millennium is set to be released in June, 2024. Given its ultra-aged nature and limited production, this bourbon will be available in select markets and through allocated distribution. Interested buyers should check with local retailers for availability and be prepared for high demand. However, its steep price tag and inevitable markup means that it will take a special collector to pull the trigger on a bottle that costs several thousands of dollars.
Proof & ABV
This expression is bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV), offering a balanced and approachable strength that complements its complex flavor profile.
Mash Bill
The W.L. Weller Millennium features the signature wheated bourbon mash bill, replacing rye with wheat to create a smoother, more mellow flavor profile. However, its blend also includes wheat whiskey, with at least two mash bills presumably. No information has been provided regarding the mash bills at this time.
MSRP & Secondary Price
The suggested retail price (MSRP) for the W.L. Weller Millennium is $7500. With a price tag in the thousands before markup, there’s no telling how high this bottle will soar on the secondary market. We’ve saw prices listed for as much as $9,500 on the secondary market.
Verdict
The W.L. Weller Millennium is a stunning example of Buffalo Trace’s commitment to producing exceptional bourbon and unique expressions. Its extended aging process results in a complex and deeply satisfying whiskey that is sure to be coveted by collectors and connoisseurs alike. This release solidifies W.L. Weller’s reputation for producing some of the finest wheat-forward bourbons on the market. That concludes our Weller Millennium review but check back often for the latest bourbon releases and whiskey updates!
Chris Oaks
