HDW Century Ultra-Premium Vodka by Harlen Davis Wheatley

HDW Century Ultra-Premium Vodka by Harlen Davis Wheatley. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky — the signature expression of Harlen Davis Wheatley, the award-winning Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace, made via 100 individual distillations in an exclusive handcrafted micro-still, producing the smoothest and purest vodka Wheatley has ever created — a clean nose, delicate vanilla hints, and a flavor profile of extraordinary delicacy and precision.

Harlen Davis Wheatley has served as Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace Distillery since 2005 — overseeing the production of some of the most sought-after American whiskeys in the world, including Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project, and the entire Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The Century vodka is his personal project: a vodka made via 100 individual distillation passes through an exclusive micro-still — far beyond the 5–10 distillations typical of premium vodka production — to achieve a level of purity and smoothness that standard column distillation cannot reach.

Each additional distillation pass removes more impurities and concentrates the spirit's purest character. At 100 passes, the Century achieves what Wheatley describes as the ultimate expression of perfection in vodka: a clean, precise profile with subtle vanilla notes that reflect the Buffalo Trace distillery's grain and water expertise applied to a completely different spirit category. The small-batch handcrafted production process means Century is produced in very limited quantities compared to mass-market premium vodkas.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Exceptionally clean with a delicate vanilla character from the 100-distillation purification process. The smoothness is immediately apparent even before the first sip.
• Palate: Extraordinarily smooth and pure. Delicate vanilla hints develop on the mid-palate — a subtle nod to Buffalo Trace's bourbon expertise applied to vodka. The 100-distillation process creates a texture of exceptional silkiness.
• Finish: Remarkably clean and long. The ultimate expression of what distillation purity can achieve — smooth without being flat, clean without being characterless.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Master Distiller: Harlen Davis Wheatley
• Production: 100 individual distillations; exclusive handcrafted micro-still; small batch
• ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does HDW Century taste like? Exceptionally clean with delicate vanilla on the nose. Extraordinarily smooth and pure on the palate with subtle vanilla and silky texture. Remarkably clean, long finish — smooth without being flat.
• What does 100 distillations mean? Standard premium vodka is typically distilled 5–10 times. HDW Century goes through 100 individual passes through an exclusive micro-still. Each pass removes more impurities and concentrates purity, achieving a smoothness that multi-column distillation alone cannot reach.
• Who is Harlen Davis Wheatley? Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace since 2005, overseeing production of Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, and the Single Oak Project — some of the most coveted American whiskeys in the world. The Century is his personal vodka project applying that expertise to a pursuit of ultimate purity.
• How should I serve HDW Century? Neat at room temperature or ice cold to appreciate the purity the 100-distillation process creates. Also outstanding in a Vodka Martini where the silky texture and subtle vanilla can be fully appreciated without the interference of flavoring agents.