Weller Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Highlights with Drew Mayville, Master Blender at Buffalo Trace Distillery

As a dedicated Buffalo Trace W. L. Weller Collection enthusiast, I attended the Weller tasting. The event featured the opportunity to sample Weller Millennium and included a presentation by Drew Mayville, the esteemed Master Blender of Buffalo Trace.

Our distinguished speaker, Drew Mayville, brings over 40 years of expertise from leading entities in the beverage alcohol sector. Since joining Sazerac at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2004, he has held the dual role of Master Blender and Director of Quality. His illustrious career also encompasses nearly 23 years at Seagram's, where his pioneering efforts spanned manufacturing aspects including distillery operations, quality assurance, bottling, packaging specifications, blending, and technical services for North America. Drew is notably recognized as the final Master Blender in the prestigious Seagram tradition.

 At Sazerac, Drew plays an indispensable role in the hands-on creation of Buffalo Trace's acclaimed products and other spirits within their portfolio. His commitment to excellence fuels his involvement in developing numerous award-winning spirits across various Sazerac locations. Dedicated to educating and engaging the public about premium spirits, his passion lies in crafting the highest quality products that captivate and inspire.

Buffalo Trace Distillery introduced W.L. Weller Millennium in June 2024. This super-premium, limited-edition blend combines ultra-aged straight wheated Bourbon and straight wheat whiskeys, with some components originating as early as 2000. Priced at $7,500, Weller Millennium is tailored for collectors and discerning connoisseurs eager to invest in exceptional whiskey. Although elegantly packaged, potential collectors might exercise caution given the premium cost.

Distilled in 2000, 2003, 2005, and 2006, this blend of vintage straight bourbon and wheat whiskeys underscores wheat's influence in enhancing the whiskey's profile: its presence imparts a softer, smoother, and sweeter quality. Through the meticulous amalgamation of these fine spirits, the resulting product achieves a harmonious balance that exceeds the mere combination of its elements.

This review examines four expressions within the standard W.L. Weller Collection, evaluates whether Weller Millennium's flavor warrants its pricing, and compares it to other offerings in Buffalo Trace's esteemed wheated bourbon range.

Mini Reviews and tasting notes of: Weller 107 Antique, Weller 12 Year old, Weller Single Barrel, Weller Full Proof, and Weller Millennium.

Weller 107 Antique tasting notes

Nose: Rich aroma of caramel, chocolate, vanilla, apples, toasted oak, with some noticeable alcohol.

Palate: The medium viscosity is pleasant, and it's very drinkable. Sweet, with caramel and brown sugar, cocoa, a touch of cinnamon, a notable cherry, red apple, and a hint of tobacco.

Finish: The spices start settling, becoming more buttery and creamy. The caramel, cinnamon, tobacco, and some charred oak soften, and a bit of an alcohol burn.

Weller 12 Year tasting notes

Nose: Classic bourbon aroma with strong upfront and rich scents of caramel, floral vanilla, apple, honey, and charred oak.

Palate: Warm and creamy with a medium viscosity mouthfeel. It combines vanilla, caramel, toffee, and sweet charred oak, making a first impression. The second impression has a sweet pie crust with prominent cherry, apple, juicy pear, and a touch of raspberry.

Finish: The 12-year finish is medium length. The prominent fruit notes and charred oak mingle with some ethenol heat, enveloping your mouth with sweet and smoky flavors. A very delightful and mature sipping Bourbon.

Weller Single Barrel tasting notes

Nose: It starts with a Weller cherry and citrus peel aroma and gives way to caramel, cinnamon, and toasted oak.

Palate: Creamy and silky mouthfeel, then cherry candy-covered apple flavors. The mid-palate flavors then lean to lighter notes of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, peppercorns, nutmeg, and a hit of strawberry.

Finish: The finish medium in length and has soft layers of cinnamon, peppercorns, nutmeg, and creamy caramel, vanilla, and strawberry notes with a toasted tobacco and dry oak lingering finish.

Weller Full Proof tasting notes

Nose: The nose is sweet, reminding me of Crème brûlée with toasted browned sugar, with a custard richness behind it, along with some caramel and some light vanilla. I got a touch of fruitiness, which leaned toward cherries, orange zest, and a moderate amount of oak.

Palate: The mouthfeel is slightly creamy, while the heat level is every bit of the 114 proof. There's sweetness from the caramel, brown sugar, chocolate, and some charred oak. A cinnamon spice and a touch of ground peppercorn add a decent amount of tingle to the mid palate. The fruitiness is present, but the cherry and orange zest notes are slightly more subdued.

Finish: The tannins persist well beyond the conclusion of the sip, with dominant oak and chocolate notes intricately layering the palate. A nuanced cinnamon spice subtly complements the depth, while the caramel delivers a consistent sweetness and a delicate hint of vanilla graces the finish. Although the cherry and citrus nuances are somewhat more restrained than typically encountered, they remain discernible. It is, however, the chocolate and oak that truly command attention.

Weller Millennium tasting notes

Nose: The aroma of charred oak, cinnamon, toffee, vanilla, and a ripe black cherry, honey, raisins, with a subtle white peppercorn and clove spice. The 99 proof feels right on the nose, and the ethanol never overpowers aromas.

Palate: The flavor profile of this premium whiskey is notably refined and elegantly smooth, reflecting its esteemed status. Its subtle yet distinguishable tannic quality contributes to a dynamic and full-bodied texture that envelops the palate, heightening the overall complexity. The whiskey's well-aged nature is immediately apparent through its pronounced leather and robust oak notes. Complementing these are delicate undertones of ground cinnamon, white peppercorn, and nutmeg, which offer an exquisite spiciness. Though they are more understated than their initial aromatic impression, subtle hints of black cherry, honey, and raisins add depth.

Finish: The finish presents an enduring and refined complexity, characterized by subtle sweetness. It features lingering notes of caramel and chocolate, complemented by dried fruit accents. The underlying nuances of well-aged dry oak, tobacco, and leather provide a sophisticated conclusion that resonates on the palate.

Summary & Final Thoughts: The Weller brand holds an esteemed position in my evaluations. I would consistently choose the mature Weller 12 over many higher-priced alternatives when presented with the option. My extensive experience with the distillery's products only deepens my admiration.

Regarding the Weller 12 Year Bourbon, I must question the decision to utilize a screw cap for such a premium product. A cork closure would fit a bottle that retails for over $200, aligning with its average selling price and prestige. Furthermore, I propose that this Bourbon would benefit from a slightly higher proof to enhance its flavor profile. Other expressions, such as the Weller 107 Antique, Full Proof, and Single Barrel, are remarkable. However, it would be advantageous if they were non-chill filtered to preserve their rich and robust characters.

On to Weller Millennium, the aroma is extraordinary and arguably surpasses others in its tasting category. Its complex and alluring scent is likely due to its well-aged components and the distinctive character of wheat as a principal grain.

The $7,500 price point for Weller Millennium is a subject of significant discussion, mainly due to the lack of transparency concerning its blend, inherent qualities, and presentation. Additionally, there is widespread skepticism about the high pricing of American whiskey, making it challenging for consumers to justify such an expenditure. Buffalo Trace has set a benchmark with luxury releases like O.F.C. Bourbon at $2,500 and Eagle Rare 25 at $10,000, establishing lofty expectations for perceived value.

Is the Weller Millennium truly worth $7,500? In summary, it is not. While the pricing can be rationalized by the meticulous planning and significant time involved, it does not warrant the excessive price. I would love a bottle in my collection to sip on in the evening, but not for $7500.

The tasting event was expertly hosted by Rodger Wilco, Jamie Arking, his team, and the New Jersey Sazerac Brand Manager. They provided an exceptional and enjoyable evening for all attendees. The guest speaker, Drew Mayville, shared insightful experiences and compelling stories about the Buffalo Trace and Weller brands. I was thoroughly delighted with this remarkable evening.

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