The Weller brand of bourbon holds a prestigious place in the pantheon of American whiskey, known for its smooth, wheated mash bill and connection to the famed Pappy Van Winkle line. Among the most coveted expressions in the Weller collection is the Weller Millennium, a limited-edition release that has achieved near-mythical status among collectors and enthusiasts alike. While Weller bourbons are celebrated for their quality and heritage, the Weller Millennium stands out as a unique expression, both in its scarcity and its link to the turn of the century.
In this article, we will explore the history of the Weller brand, delve into what makes Weller Millennium so special, and examine its role in the modern bourbon landscape. We’ll also discuss its tasting notes, the factors contributing to its rarity, and its value in today’s whiskey market.
The History of Weller Bourbon
To understand the significance of the Weller Millennium, we must first take a look at the history of the Weller brand and its place in bourbon lore. Weller is one of the most storied names in bourbon, dating back to the mid-19th century. The brand was established by William Larue Weller, a Kentucky distiller credited with pioneering the use of wheat in the mash bill, replacing the traditional rye component. This substitution resulted in a smoother, softer taste, which set Weller’s bourbons apart from their more robust rye-based counterparts.
William Larue Weller’s innovation in using wheat as the secondary grain in his bourbons marked the beginning of what is now known as “wheated bourbon.” This approach mellowed the sharpness typically associated with rye-based bourbons, giving Weller’s whiskey a signature flavor profile that many modern drinkers appreciate for its smoothness and approachability. The Weller distillery grew in prominence throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its bourbons being highly regarded in Kentucky and beyond.
In the mid-20th century, Weller’s distillery came under the ownership of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, an iconic operation also responsible for producing Pappy Van Winkle. Both brands shared the same wheated recipe, leading to their intertwined legacies. While the Stitzel-Weller Distillery closed in 1992, its heritage lives on in both Weller and Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, which are now produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the most respected distilleries in the world.
What Is Weller Millennium?
Weller Millennium is a highly sought-after limited-edition release that was bottled in the year 2000 to commemorate the turn of the millennium. This special bottling was part of the Stitzel-Weller legacy and has since become one of the most treasured finds for bourbon collectors. The Weller Millennium release is a 19-year-old bourbon, crafted from the same wheated mash bill that made the Weller and Pappy Van Winkle brands so famous. Bottled at 90 proof, this bourbon was aged to perfection, showcasing the depth and complexity that comes with nearly two decades of maturation in oak barrels.
The Weller Millennium was never intended to be a widely distributed release. It was produced in extremely limited quantities and initially available only through select channels, such as charity auctions and specialized retailers. This scarcity, combined with the whiskey’s extraordinary quality and the iconic Stitzel-Weller provenance, has made Weller Millennium a “holy grail” item for bourbon enthusiasts around the globe.
Why Weller Millennium Is So Special
Several factors contribute to the Weller Millennium’s reputation as one of the most desirable bourbons ever produced. These include its age, quality, rarity, and its association with the Stitzel-Weller legacy.
1. Aging and Quality
The Weller Millennium is an aged bourbon, bottled after 19 years of maturation in oak barrels. The extended aging process imbues the bourbon with rich, complex flavors that are difficult to achieve in younger expressions. Bourbon tends to develop deeper caramel, vanilla, and oaky notes as it spends more time in the barrel, while also smoothing out the rough edges that younger whiskeys sometimes have.
At 19 years old, Weller Millennium strikes a perfect balance between oak influence and the retention of its original wheated mash bill characteristics. It is an exceptionally smooth and flavorful bourbon, with a rich, full-bodied profile that includes notes of caramel, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and spices.
2. The Wheated Mash Bill
Weller Millennium shares the same wheated mash bill that has made other Weller bourbons and Pappy Van Winkle so famous. Wheat as a secondary grain creates a softer, creamier mouthfeel compared to rye, which imparts a spicier flavor. This characteristic makes wheated bourbons like Weller Millennium particularly appealing to those who prefer a smoother, more approachable whiskey without sacrificing complexity.
The wheated mash bill also contributes to the bourbon’s aging potential. Wheated bourbons generally age well, developing deep, layered flavors over time. In the case of Weller Millennium, the 19-year aging process allowed the wheat-based recipe to fully mature, resulting in an exceptionally well-rounded spirit.
3. Connection to the Stitzel-Weller Distillery
One of the most significant factors contributing to Weller Millennium’s legendary status is its connection to the now-defunct Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Stitzel-Weller is one of the most iconic names in bourbon history, having produced some of the most celebrated wheated bourbons, including early iterations of Weller and Pappy Van Winkle.
Bourbons produced at Stitzel-Weller are considered by many to be among the best ever made. The distillery’s closure in 1992 only added to its mystique, and any bourbon with ties to Stitzel-Weller is highly prized by collectors. Weller Millennium is one of the last bourbons to carry the Stitzel-Weller pedigree, making it a crucial part of bourbon history.
4. Rarity
Weller Millennium is rare in the truest sense of the word. As a one-time release, it was produced in extremely limited quantities, and bottles were primarily distributed through exclusive channels. Since it was never part of the standard Weller lineup, it’s exceedingly difficult to find on the secondary market today.
The scarcity of Weller Millennium has only increased over time, as more bottles have been consumed or placed into private collections. When bottles do appear at auction, they often command high prices, further cementing Weller Millennium’s status as one of the most coveted bourbons in the world.
Tasting Notes of Weller Millennium
Weller Millennium offers a rich and multi-layered drinking experience that reflects its extended aging and wheated mash bill. Below is a detailed look at the tasting profile of this exceptional bourbon.
- Nose: The nose is inviting, with prominent aromas of caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch, underscored by notes of toasted oak and a hint of leather. As the bourbon opens up, additional layers of dried fruit, tobacco, and cinnamon spice emerge, showcasing its depth and complexity.
- Palate: On the palate, Weller Millennium is full-bodied and velvety, with a luxurious mouthfeel. The initial flavors are sweet and rich, with caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate taking center stage. These flavors are balanced by more subtle notes of dried cherries, raisins, and figs. The oak influence is evident, but not overpowering, adding a layer of spice and earthiness that complements the sweetness of the wheat.
- Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of oak, vanilla, and spice. A touch of sweetness remains on the palate, accompanied by a gentle warmth that gradually fades. Despite its 90-proof strength, Weller Millennium is remarkably smooth, with no harshness or excessive heat on the finish.
Overall, Weller Millennium offers a masterclass in balance and complexity, with each sip revealing new flavors and nuances. It’s a bourbon that rewards patience, and it is best enjoyed slowly, allowing time for the whiskey to evolve in the glass.
Weller Millennium in the Modern Bourbon Landscape
In today’s bourbon market, where scarcity and demand often drive prices to astronomical heights, Weller Millennium occupies a rarefied space. Its limited release, connection to the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, and exceptional quality have made it one of the most sought-after bourbons for collectors and connoisseurs alike. The secondary market value of Weller Millennium reflects its desirability, with bottles often fetching thousands of dollars at auction.
Despite its rarity, Weller Millennium holds a special place in the broader narrative of American whiskey. It represents a link to the past, carrying forward the traditions of wheated bourbon and the craftsmanship of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. As bourbon continues to grow in popularity, with more enthusiasts discovering the joys of wheated bourbon, Weller Millennium serves as a reminder of the legacy that helped shape modern bourbon appreciation.
Collectibility and Value
For collectors, Weller Millennium is considered a trophy bottle, one that represents the pinnacle of bourbon collecting. Its connection to the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, its limited release, and its exceptional quality have driven demand to extraordinary levels. Collectors often seek out Weller Millennium not only for its drinking experience but also as an investment, knowing that its rarity and provenance will likely continue to drive up its value over time.
Because of its limited availability, acquiring a bottle of Weller Millennium can be a challenge. When bottles do appear on the market, they are often sold at premium prices. Some collectors view Weller Millennium as a piece of bourbon history, a tangible link to the golden age of Stitzel-Weller, and are willing to pay significant sums to add it to their collection.
Conclusion
Weller Millennium is much more than just a bottle of bourbon—it’s a symbol of excellence, history, and craftsmanship. Its status as one of the last bourbons produced from the storied Stitzel-Weller Distillery, combined with its exceptional quality and limited availability, has made it a legend in the bourbon world. For those lucky enough to experience it, Weller Millennium offers a rich and rewarding journey through the flavors and traditions of wheated bourbon, making it one of the most coveted and celebrated bottles in whiskey history.
