Introduction
Today, we're diving into one of the heavy hitters from Buffalo Trace's coveted Antique Collection: William Larue Weller 2023. This bourbon is part of the BTAC (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection) lineup, often considered the pinnacle of American whiskey releases each year. At 133.6 proof and aged for 12.5 years, this wheated bourbon is one that collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike scramble to get their hands on. Whether it's the higher proof or the intense flavors, Weller consistently garners attention—and often hefty price tags. But is it worth the hype?
This review is taken from our episode "Ford v. Ferrari / William Larue Weller Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: This is a cherry pie bomb. There’s clove, fresh corn on the cob with salted butter—it’s got that real fresh corn vibe. The more time I spent with it, the more I got a really nice nutty almond note. It’s a very pleasant nose, though I was hoping for more complexity. I’m giving it an 8/10.
Bob: I kept seeing 'earthy' in tasting notes, and I think that’s a perfect descriptor. It’s much earthier than I expected from Weller. It reminds me of fall in Ohio—walking through a dried cornfield. You get a dusty, cherry pie note, almost like holding a sheaf of wheat while eating that cherry pie. It’s a really interesting contrast to typical Weller profiles. I’m giving it a 9/10.
Taste
Brad: I got cherry cola, stone fruit, cinnamon, and a burst of sweetness right at the start. But here’s the wild thing: it tasted like a perfectly crafted Manhattan. I don’t know why—I’ve never had a whiskey that gave me that impression as much as this one did. It’s a 9/10 for me.
Bob: I’m right there with you. It’s got those bright red, candied maraschino cherry notes, but with a complex undertone of bitters and sweetness that just works. For me, this is what wheated bourbon aspires to be: easy to drink, but with depth and complexity. The heat is noticeable, but the complexity makes it worthwhile. This is a perfect 10/10 on taste.
Finish
Brad: The finish brings some cinnamon and black pepper, with a slight marshmallow sweetness. It almost edges into a pruney stone fruit flavor, but that marshmallow note really holds it together. I’m sticking with a 9/10 here.
Bob: This is a long-lasting finish that lingers beautifully, though it’s definitely the weakest part of the overall experience for me. It’s got a mouthwatering fade, like the end of a song that just keeps going. I’m going with an 8.5/10.
Balance
Brad: For me, it’s a little less balanced than last week’s George T. Stagg, but it’s still really solid. The complexity on the palate makes up for any shortcomings in the nose. I’m giving it an 8.5/10.
Bob: I think this is incredibly well-balanced, especially for a wheated bourbon. Everything works in harmony here, even if the finish doesn’t quite measure up. I’ll go with a 9/10.
Value
Brad: This falls squarely into our 'luxury whiskey' category, with a supposed MSRP of around $120—but good luck finding it for that. Realistically, this is going for upwards of $1,500 on the secondary market. While it’s fantastic, I have a hard time recommending anyone spend that kind of money. For me, this is a 5.5/10 on value.
Bob: I think I’m a little more generous here. If you can get it at retail or even $500, it’s absolutely worth it. Anything higher, and you’re paying for rarity more than the whiskey itself. Still, this is one of the best whiskeys I’ve had in the last year, so I’m giving it a 7.5/10.
Final Scores
- Brad: 40/50
- Bob: 44/50
- Average: 42/50 (84/100)
Conclusion
At 42/50, this is an incredibly well-made bourbon, especially for fans of wheated whiskey. While it falls just below our 35/50 recommendation baseline for buying, it’s close enough that if you can find a pour at a bar—or get lucky in a lottery—it’s absolutely worth trying. However, unless you’re a collector or have a high whiskey budget, paying the secondary market prices might not be justifiable. For us, this is a celebration pour, a whiskey to enjoy on special occasions. If you can find it, drink it—don’t let it sit on a shelf.
