Antique Collection celebrates WL Weller’s 25th anniversary

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has returned for the 2024 autumn season, celebrating the 25th anniversary of William Larue Weller Bourbon.

First introduced in 2000, the collection is said to represent 'some of the finest whiskeys produced' at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

This year’s portfolio includes all five Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) staples: Eagle Rare 17-year-old, George T Stagg and William Larue Weller Bourbons, as well as two straight rye whiskeys Thomas H Handy Sazerac and Sazerac 18-year-old.

Harlen Wheatley, master distiller of Buffalo Trace Distillery, stated: "William Larue Weller Bourbon shines among the collection this year with its caramel notes and long, creamy finish. It's fitting that this year also marks the 25th anniversary of Sazerac Company's acquisition of the Weller brand. "For more than two decades, we've worked hard to craft the signature flavours that whiskey enthusiasts love, both within the Weller brand and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Our commitment to this tradition is stronger than ever, and we look forward to carrying it well into the future."

Each expression in the Antique Collection features a back label which offers a detailed history and description of the whiskey.

The limited edition Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles are sold individually and are available nationwide in the US at a suggested retail price of US$149.99. Local taxes and fees may vary.

Standout 2024 William Larue Weller The 2024 William Larue Weller entered its barrels at 72% ABV and was aged for more than 12 years on the lower floor of a rick warehouse at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered wheated recipe Bourbon is hand-bottled at 62.9% ABV and honours WL Weller, who is believed to have pioneered the wheated Bourbon recipe, substituting wheat for the traditional rye grain. The 2024 release's nose offers aromas of new leather, light pipe tobacco, caramel, marshmallow, and hints of ripe fruit. The palate displays rich caramel and toffee notes with a long finish and oak, caramel, and fruit notes. This year's Eagle Rare release was distilled in 2007 and aged for 17 years and four months. The expression is offered at 50.5% ABV. George T Stagg Bourbon was first included in the BTAC in 2002. The 2024 release was aged for 15 years and two months and is offered at (68.05% ABV. The 2024 Sazerac rye has been aged for 18 years and five months. The last of the BTAC quintet, Thomas H Handy, has been aged for six years and bottled directly from the barrel at 63.6% ABV. More information on the 2024 Antique Collection can be found on the distillery's website. Earlier this month, Sazerac announced it will be auctioning some of its ‘most prized’ spirits to aid recovery efforts following Hurricanes Milton and Helene.