W.L. Weller Millennium Whiskey Review Exclusive Tasting Notes

Discovering W.L. Weller Millennium Whiskey

We’ve seen a lot of innovation coming from Buffalo Trace, especially evident in their incredible releases. On a recent Buffalo Trace distillery tour, I got to experience some of their finest, including the W.L. Weller Millennium whiskey. This whiskey, aged to perfection, stands out for several reasons, and here’s why.

What is W.L. Weller Millennium Whiskey?

W.L. Weller Millennium whiskey is an intriguing blend of straight bourbons and wheat whiskeys. These whiskeys entered their barrels around the turn of the millennium, with the youngest dating to 2006 and the oldest to 2000. The unique point? It’s a wheat whiskey, not a wheated bourbon like the rest of the Weller line-up. Buffalo Trace’s aim was to explore beyond their usual wheated bourbons, taking the grain’s performance in ultra-aged conditions to a new level.

The Unique Craftsmanship

The attention to detail in crafting W.L. Weller Millennium whiskey is clear. It’s presented in a handmade crystal decanter with the signature Weller brand’s W hand-etched. Such elegance marks its place in the realm of premium whiskeys.

Pricing and Availability

W.L. Weller Millennium whiskey is priced at $7,500 per bottle. Despite this high price, it remains shy of the cost of the Eagle Rare 25-Year, set at $10,000. This limited production means you’ll rarely find it in stores, and much of it ends up in the hands of bars and restaurants with the right connections. Nonetheless, you might spot it in retailers who enjoy showcasing high-priced offerings.

Tasting Notes and First Impressions

When first sampled, W.L. Weller Millennium whiskey presented a concentrated flavor of singed orange rind. While rich and smooth, it lacked the complexity that one might expect from a whiskey of this price. Re-tasting confirmed these initial impressions, marking it enjoyable but straightforward.

Marshmallow
Anise
Root beer
Orange slice

W.L. Weller Millennium whiskey’s nose is heavenly, perhaps the best in the Weller family. However, its flavor remains one-dimensional, which might be a letdown for some.

Is it Worth the Price?

In short, W.L. Weller Millennium whiskey might not be worth the $7,500 price tag for everyone. While the amount of planning and effort that went into it is evident, Buffalo Trace has shown they can offer better bottles at this price. For many, investing in a more affordable Weller option might prove to be a more rewarding experience.

Final Thoughts

W.L. Weller Millennium whiskey is a unique addition to the Buffalo Trace distillery’s impressive lineup. If you appreciate premium whiskeys and don’t mind splurging, this might be for you. However, for those seeking complexity, other Weller options like the Eagle Rare 25-Year might satisfy better.