Let's get this out of the way - the current line up of Weller's are Bourbons, not Wheat Whiskey. That means that this spanking new Weller 18 Years Old, unlike Bourbons which have a mashbill of at least 51% Corn, has at least 51% Wheat.

And so expect this to be something different, as we're getting a totally different mashbill altogether - in fact, this is a rare instance outside of Buffalo Trace's 4 primary mashbills! Buffalo Trace, which produces the Weller brand, currently runs 2 Bourbon mashbills, 1 Wheated Bourbon Mashbill and a Rye Mashbill. And thus in the instance of the current Weller line up, this will be along the proportions of 76.5% Corn, 20% Wheat and 3.5% Malted Barley, which whilst featuring a good amount of Wheat, still qualifies as a Bourbon, with its over 51% Corn content.

Now for this new Weller 18 Year Old Straight Wheat Whiskey, this will come from a completely unique mashbill altogether, that necessarily has to feature 51% Wheat in order for it to qualify as a Straight Wheat Whiskey -- so get ready for it!

What begets this occasion? 

Weller tells us below:

"William Larue Weller began his career as a wholesale whiskey dealer and distiller carrying on his family's distilling legacy in 1849 at just 24 years old. Devoted to the craft, he revolutionized the industry by marketing wheated bourbons that remain highly sought after worldwide. In 1860, he brought his brother Charles into the distilling business forming W.L. Weller and Bro. 18 years later, his two sons joined him, further solidifying the Weller family's dedication to excellence and eventually becoming "W.L. Weller and Sons".

Today, we celebrate the special occasion of Weller welcoming the rest of his family into the industry with Weller Wheat Whiskey Aged 18 Years. This remarkable release, the first ever aged-stated wheat whiskey in the Weller lineup, pays tribute to the profound impact wheat has on whiskey, offering a complex sweetness with layers of green apple and rich, aged fruit notes."

The new Weller 18 Years Old Straight Wheat Whiskey is due to be bottled at 90 Proof or 45% ABV.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team