Buy William Larue Weller 2017 Bourbon | 128.2 Proof Barrel Strength Wheated Bourbon

Introduction

The William Larue Weller 2017 Bourbon is one of the crown jewels of the acclaimed Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) — a rare, uncut, and unfiltered wheated bourbon bottled at a staggering 128.2 proof (64.1% ABV). Released in 2017, this exceptional expression pays tribute to William Larue Weller, the pioneering distiller who introduced wheat into bourbon mash bills, forever changing the landscape of Kentucky whiskey. weller antique 107

Every year, BTAC enthusiasts eagerly await this bottle — and the 2017 edition is considered one of the finest in the collection’s history, known for its perfect balance of boldness, sweetness, and complexity.

Rich, full-bodied, and incredibly smooth despite its high proof, the William Larue Weller 2017 represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship from Buffalo Trace Distillery — an authentic taste of bourbon heritage preserved at cask strength.

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The Legacy of William Larue Weller

William Larue Weller (1825–1899) was a visionary in the early days of American whiskey. He was one of the first distillers to replace rye with wheat in his mash bill — resulting in a smoother, sweeter bourbon profile. His innovation later inspired the legendary Pappy Van Winkle line and set the standard for all wheated bourbons to follow.

Today, the Weller line continues to honor his legacy, but the William Larue Weller BTAC expression stands at the top of the family — unfiltered, uncut, and aged to perfection. Each annual release showcases the purest form of Weller’s original recipe, drawn straight from the barrel at Buffalo Trace’s Frankfort, Kentucky distillery.

The 2017 edition in particular has earned widespread acclaim for its layered depth, refined heat, and beautifully integrated flavors that rival some of the finest bourbons ever bottled.

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The 2017 Release Details

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery

• Collection: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)

• Name: William Larue Weller (2017 Release)

• Type: Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon

• Mash Bill: Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley (no rye)

• Age: Approximately 12 years

• Proof: 128.2 (64.1% ABV)

• Barrel Entry Proof: 114

• Unfiltered & Uncut: Bottled straight from the barrel

• Region: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA

The 2017 batch was distilled in Winter 2005 and aged in Warehouse K. It was bottled in 2017 at full barrel strength — one of the higher proofs in the series, delivering an exceptional depth of flavor and warmth without harshness.

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Tasting Notes

Appearance:

Deep amber to mahogany, showcasing its long maturation and dense, oily legs in the glass.

Nose:

A complex and inviting bouquet of brown sugar, caramelized oak, and vanilla cream leads the way. Layers of dark chocolate, toffee, and cinnamon are followed by hints of baked cherries, orange peel, and tobacco leaf. As it opens, traces of nutmeg, honey, and toasted almond emerge — a testament to its wheated sweetness.

Palate:

Full-bodied and luxurious. The first sip bursts with flavors of rich toffee, dark cocoa, and maple syrup, balanced by waves of oak, clove, and dark fruit. The wheated mash bill lends a buttery smoothness that softens the high proof, allowing flavors of caramel, vanilla, and molasses to shine through.

Finish:

Exceptionally long, warming, and refined. Notes of baking spice, tobacco, and oak fade into a lingering sweetness of honey and vanilla bean. Despite its 128.2 proof, the heat is beautifully integrated — bold but never overpowering.

This is a bourbon that rewards slow sipping and patience, evolving with every minute in the glass.

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Expert Reviews & Accolades

The 2017 William Larue Weller has earned near-universal praise from critics and collectors alike. Many enthusiasts rank it among the best BTAC releases of the decade for its exceptional balance and depth.

• Whisky Advocate: 95 Points – “A bold, elegant wheated bourbon with remarkable control at full proof.”

• Breaking Bourbon: Rated “Outstanding” – “Everything you want in barrel-proof Weller — complexity, warmth, and smoothness.”

• Distiller.com: “2017 stands as a benchmark release, rivaling even the best Pappy Van Winkle 15-year.”

The combination of 12 years of aging, a wheated recipe, and unfiltered barrel strength results in an unparalleled flavor experience.

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Why Collectors Covet the 2017 Weller

The William Larue Weller 2017 is more than just bourbon — it’s a collector’s masterpiece. Each year’s release is allocated in extremely limited quantities, making older vintages highly sought after.

Reasons for its Rarity and Value:

1. Part of the BTAC Line: Among the most prestigious whiskey collections globally.

2. Uncut & Unfiltered: Bottled exactly as it came from the barrel — pure and authentic.

3. High Proof & Balance: 128.2 proof, yet elegant and drinkable.

4. Age Statement: Aged for around 12 years — ideal for complexity without over-oaking.

5. Limited Release: Only a few thousand bottles were distributed globally.

6. Collector Demand: Prices have appreciated significantly over time on the secondary market.

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How to Enjoy William Larue Weller 2017

This bourbon is best savored neat or with just a few drops of water to open up its layers of flavor. For optimal experience:

• Use a Glencairn glass to focus the aromas.

• Let it rest for a few minutes after pouring — the nose evolves beautifully.

• Sip slowly to appreciate its transitions from sweet to spicy to oak-driven warmth.

Given its proof, it also performs exceptionally well in a premium Old Fashioned or Manhattan, offering depth and complexity beyond standard bourbons.

Food Pairings:
Pair with dark chocolate, pecan pie, smoked brisket, or aged cheeses to enhance its caramel and spice notes.

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Investment & Market Insights

Since its release, the 2017 William Larue Weller has become a prized bottle in the whiskey investment market. Collectors value it for its limited production, iconic brand heritage, and consistently high quality.

• Original Retail Price (2017): Around $99 USD

• Current Market Value: Often exceeds $1,500+ (depending on condition and provenance)

• Rarity: Increasingly scarce on the secondary market

Owning a 2017 Weller is owning a piece of bourbon history — a reminder of why the Antique Collection continues to dominate whiskey rankings year after year.

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Every sip tells the story of Kentucky’s heritage, from hand-selected grains to the long years of barrel aging inside Buffalo Trace’s legendary rickhouses. The result is a bourbon that commands respect — whether you drink it, collect it, or simply admire it.

For whiskey enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone searching for the pinnacle of American bourbon craftsmanship, William Larue Weller 2017 is an essential treasure.

A masterful balance of strength, flavor, and tradition — a bourbon worthy of its legendary name.