New Weller Ultra-Aged Whiskey Expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery

 

Frankfort, KY (July 25, 2025) - Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce two super-premium wheat whiskey innovations from the Original Wheated Bourbon brand, including the second edition of Weller Millennium, comprising a new blend of ultra-aged wheat whiskeys; and Weller 18 Year Old, the brand's oldest age statement to date.  Meticulously crafted to push the boundaries of maturation and blending, these releases boldly demonstrate the exceptional aging potential and versatility of wheat in American whiskey production.

Produced at The World's Most Award-Winning Distillery, both innovations celebrate the original wheated bourbon reciped pioneered by William Larue Weller in 1847.  At a time when rye and corn dominated the market, Weller's use of the more delicate wheat grain - primarily a food crop - resulted in a smoother, sweeter whiskey that set his whiskeys apart.  These latest expressions honor Weller's legacy of innovation as Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its ongoing exploration of wheat in pursuit of crafting the world's best whiskey.

Weller Millennium #2:  Following the inaugural Weller Millennium released in May 2024, the second edition presents a newly-crafted blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys.  Consistent with its predecessor, each component was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2001, 2003, and 2006 and set aside for the sole purpose of creating this extraordinary blend in tribute of one of its forebearers, W.L. Weller.  By thoughtfully blending these individually distinct whiskeys, the resulting spirit attains a depth and complexity that transcends the sum of its parts.

"Weller Millennium was crafted to feature some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium amid a period of transformation at Buffalo Trace Distillery.  This second edition takes last year's release a step further, with a new blend that we humbly believe is an improvement over the well-regarded first edition," said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  "By carefully selecting and blending barrels dating back to the early 2000's, we have revisited a chapter in the distillery's history that shaped who we are today."

The second edition of Weller Millennium offers a balance of dark cherry, rich butterscotch and warm vanilla that unfolds over layers of well-aged oak.  The finish is bold and enduring, culimating in an oak-forward crescendo that leaves a lasting impression.  Suggested retail price is $7,500 for the 750ml hand-crafted crystal decanter.

Weller 18 Year Old:  As the oldest age stated whiskey in the Weller portfolio, Weller 18 Year Old brings exceptional grace and depth as an ultra-aged, 90 proof wheat whiskey.  This new release stands as a testament to the distillery's dedication to innovation, demonstrating that Kentucky-aged whiskey can mature beautifully well beyond more commonly seen age statements.

"Weller 18 Year Old is the culmination of curiosity, tradition and time," said Harley Wheatley, Master Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  "The softness of the wheat has evolved into something rich and wonderfully expressive.  We are extremely proud of the resulting whiskey, which showcases the versatility and potential of a wheat-forward mashbill."

On the nose, the whiskey reveals notes of delicately aged fruits and tobacco.  The palate offers a harmonious balance of warm baking spices and crisp green pear, delivering depth without overwhelming, and leads to a lasting finish.

This 700ml handrafted crystal decanter carries a suggested retail price of $499 and will be available via Global Travel Retail at airports including LAX, JFK adn LHR.

Sazerac Rye 100 Proof Whiskey from Buffalo Trace

 

FRANKFORT, KY (July 21, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces a new, higher-proof addition to its renowned Sazerac Rye Whiskey portfolio, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof. Developed in response to demand from bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts, this innovative expression is designed to offer enhanced flavor, versatility and control in cocktail creation while maintaining the smooth, approachable profile that defines Sazerac Rye.

After extensive development to ensure the elevated proof complements rather than overwhelms its signature flavor, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof delivers a richer, more structured whiskey that stands up beautifully in both bold and classic cocktails such as the Sazerac and Manhattan.

“As the whiskey of America’s first cocktail, Sazerac Rye has played a central role in rye whiskey’s resurgence,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Bartenders have increasingly embraced 100 proof ryes for the balance, strength and versatility they provide. Sazerac Rye 100 Proof offers greater control over flavor and balance, empowering creativity behind the bar. It’s built to be the perfect cocktail whiskey.”

A longtime favorite among bartenders, Sazerac Rye Whiskey honors both the character of New Orleans and the history of American spirits. Known for its spicy, peppery, and dry profile, rye whiskey plays a vital role in cocktails that demand a harmony of sweet and dry ingredients.

“Sazerac Rye 100 Proof was crafted specifically with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts in mind,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. With the renewed interest in classic cocktails that rely on a rye whiskey base, we focused on ensuring this higher-proof spirit delivers complexity and structure without losing its signature profile. We’re proud of the result and look forward to seeing it elevate cocktails around the world.”

Similar to its 90-proof counterpart, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof features aromas of clove, vanilla, anise, and pepper. On the palate, it reveals subtle notes of candied spices and citrus, leading to a smooth finish with hints of licorice. The higher proof amplifies these flavors, offering a richer, more balanced drinking experience.

As of July 1, 2025, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof is now available at retailers, bars and restaurants in select markets via Sazerac’s United States distributor networks at a suggested retail price of $29.99 per 1L bottle; taxes and fees will vary by market.

Additionally, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof joins the Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) program as its newest single barrel offering. This provides select accounts the opportunity to hand-pick their own barrel of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof. As part of the launch celebration, the first 100 on-premise accounts to select a barrel will receive a limited-edition commemorative barrelhead to display in their bar or restaurant.

For more information, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

 

Buzzard's Roost Ambuzzadors Select Single Barrel Rye 2025

 

We have been enjoying multiple bottles from Buzzard's Roost for a couple of years and we were recently introduced to the fan club - Ambuzzadors - that was started in 2022.   Twice a year these die hard fans are invited to Whiskey Row to the Buzzard's Roose headquarters for a barrel pick.  The cool thing about these bottles is that they are extremely exclusive; they do not go into distribution and they are available only online at at Whiskey Row.

We recently received a 100mL sample bottle of the Buzzard's Roost Ambuzzadors Select Single Barrel Rye 2025 to taste, and this one.... is a HIT!  Caramel-gingerbread in color, this has concentrated and defined aromas of peach, apricot, coffee bean, chocolate bits and dried earth.  For a bottle that has a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, we were really taken back by the citrus flavors that held on from beginning to end along with rich, butter cream icing and toasted nuts.  The finish sticks around and reminds you that your next sip if just moments away.  Aged for 5 years and finished for 18 months in a lightly charred custom toasted barrel.   This bottle convinced us to sign up for Ambuzzadors and who knows, maybe we will be on the next barrel pick!

ABV:  57.5% (115 proof)

Distillery:  Buzzard's Roost

Suggested retail price:  $85.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2021 Maldonado Family Vineyards Proprietary Red Wine

 

Located in the Jamieson canyon region of Napa Valley are some vineyards producing some very tasty and affordable wines under the Maldonado Family Vineyards label and also a second label dubbed Farm Worker.  Owner and winemaker Hugo Maldonado created this Mexican-American family owned winery was previously a vineyard manager at Newton, providing him the tools of the trade to eventually leave his footprint in the valley.

The 2021 Maldonado Family Vineyards Proprietary Red Wine is a secret blend of reds and it provides a satisfying and extremely approachable expression for those who tend to shy away from a 100% bolder Cab.  This one suggests that it is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, but the important thing here is how this wine makes you feel. 

Scarlet red in the glass with shades of plum skin, the aromas of juicy plum, marzipan, petrichor, flower boquet and spice dance together wonderfully.  We gave this some time in the glass without decanting to bring out the aromas and flavors of blueberry pie, cocoa powder, English breakfast tea, raspberry compote and scorched earth.  The finish is straight forward but this could definitely be a daily drinker for someone who loves a red blend.  

ABV:  15.3%

Napa Valley, CA

Winery:  Maldonado Family Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $48.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

High Bank Distillery Co Whiskey War Barrel Proof Whiskey

Adam Hines and his dad turened a motorcycle ride through Kentucky and Tennessee into a dream, which eventually became an award-winning and groundbreaking distillery..... in Ohio!  After tons of blood, sweat and tears, High Bank Distillery Company has found its foothold and Hines is dubbed the most awarded Master Distiller in Ohio.   For those of you who only believe that good whiskey is born in Kentucky, you are sorely wrong.

We tasted the High Bank Whiskey Company Whiskey War Barrel Proof expression, which is a blend of small batch handcrafted straight whiskeys.  This is batch number 107 and according to the ditillery, has an age statement of at least 5 years.  This was actually honored as the Best Blended Whiskey in America a few years ago at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  No pressure here, but this bottle need not rest on its laurels.  We gave this the once over and admittedly......  it is deserving of all the praise.

The color of the whiskey is sunflower disk florets with streaks of gold.  The nose presents some abundant mixed fruits - think Apple Jacks or Fruit Loops cereal!  Joining in are aromas of cinnamon, vanilla bean, carmelized sugar and tanned leather.  In the mouth is more of the same but adding drops of soy sauce and dustings of white pepper on a very memorable finish that you immediately want to go back and re-visit.  There's a nice viscous coating and despite the nearly 119 proof on this batch, you only get a suble hug and not a searing burn, which can happen with higher proofs.  

We hope that this is only the beginning of a beautiful friendship with High Bank Distillery Company.  It is easy to see why they are awarded so many accolades.  This is a beautiful bottle!

ABV:  59.43% (118.86 proof)

Distillery:  High Bank Distillery Company

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

Bardstown Bourbon Company Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish Whiskey

Bardstown Bourbon Company is known for their unique offerings that set them apart from every other distillery in the United States.  It seems that there isn't anything they won't try and if you're a finished whiskey fan, BBC is definitely in your wheelhouse!  Once in awhile, this innovative and forward-thinking company issues a distillery-only release, which is the case with this Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish blend of whiskeys.

Mizunara Oak trees grow twisted in the hardest-to-reach corners of Japan.  The wood is incredibly rare and highly acclaimed for many industries.  This incredibly rare whiskey was comprised of just SIX barrels of Mizunara Oak, aged for 28 months to provide the unique and unforgettable flavors in this 375mL bottle.  The whiskeys that make up this incredible blend carry age statements from nine to fifteen years, each with it's own unique mash bill.

Blend            Origin            Age            Mash Bill

47%               KY              15 Yr           75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

33%               KY              14 Yr           78% Corn, 10% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

15%               IN                9 Yr             45% Corn, 51% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

5%                 TN              18 Yr            84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley

We lept at the opportunity to taste and share our thoughts on such a small batch, highly anticipated release.  Saddle brown color with flashes of ripe berries when touched by light, this bottle is oozing with aromas of toffee, roasted nuts, Kentucky butter cake and oak.  Unique and mouthwatering, flavors of brown butter, vanilla, Three Musketeers candy bar, toasted S'mores and baking spices round out the evolving and changing flavor profile.  On the sweeter side from beginning to end, this has a rich mouthfeel that quickly puts a satisfying smile on your face.

If there was a down side to this bottle, it is that it can only be found at the Bardstown Bourbon Company  distillery gift shop and Louisville tasting room while it lasts.  But the hunt is half of the fun, isn't it?  This bottle was absolutely exceptional!

ABV:  54.65% (109.3 proof)

Distillery:  Bardstown Bourbon Company

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

 

Green River US Army 250th Anniversary Commemorative Bourbon

 

In case you haven't heard by now, we are HUGE fans of Green River Distilling Company.  In fact, we voted their Rye the Best Rye of 2024!  A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Army celebrated their 250th birthday and Green River showed them some serious love - in style!  How cool is it to get your own commemorative bottle and to have a portion of the proceeds be donated to various non-profit groups that support US soldiers.  This particular bottle comes in at 111.1 proof, which is an honor to Veteran's Day on November 11th.  

We can tell you this.  This bottle IS available across the US in many markets.  We just returned from Scottsdale and saw this sitting on the shelf.  If you're a Green River enthusiast, an Army veteran or want to provide a special gift to the soldier in your life, we highly suggest this bottle.

Carmel color to the rim, this bourbon is comprised of barrels in the four-to-seven year age statement.  The mashbill is 77% corn, 14% rye and 9% malted barley, presenting aromas of cinnamon stick, red fruits, pomegranate, cedar and book leather.  On the palate is a very warm and welcoming blend of caramel syrup, nutmeg, vanilla sponge cake and baking spices.  The finish is pleasantly lingering and you'll immediatley want to "try that again" as soon as the glass is empty.  The special packaging and label are just a bonus to the appeal and this bottle is all around solid!  Hooah!

ABV:  55.55% (111.1 proof)

Distillery:  Green River Distilling Co.

Suggested retail price:  $49.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Bottled in Bond Bourbon

 

In beautiful San Antonio, Texas, sits a former bank and mint building in the heart of downtown, just a stone's throw from the Alamo.  If you aren't careful, you'll just assume it is indeed another bank building and you may have to re-trace your steps.  The property at 115 Broadway used to be part of Samuel Maverick's family estate and it has a rich history as the former Lockwood Bank.  Although the building saw various tennants throughout the years, it is now the proud home of Maverick Whiskey.

The distillery's namesake, Samuel Maverick, has a long and colorful history in the southwest United States.  Maverick served in many political positions, was a Texas land magnate and he cheated death more times than most people should.  He made the most of his adventurous life and it makes perfect sense to honor him with a whiskey brand.

The Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Bottled in Bond Bourbon is our first look at any selection from Maverick Whiskey.  Burnt umber in the glass with hues of maroon peeking about, this bourbon is created in small batches and aged for more than five years in actual bank vaults under the distillery!  Maverick uses Char #3 barrels and a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% Wren's Abruzzi rye and 10% malted barley, resulting in a very aromatic introduction that includes mesquite smoke, clove, honeysuckle and brown butter.  Incredibly silky-smooth mouthfeel with Crème Brûlée, caramel corn, allspice, nutmeg, marry very well here with a finish that is framed by the toasted nut flavors that bring this all together.  This was a fantastic introdution to Maverick Whiskey for us and we will keep an eye on what is next for this distillery!

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Maverick Whiskey

Suggested retail price:  $56.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

John Emerald Distilling Company John's Alabama Single Malt Whiskey

 

In east central Alabama lies an unassuming distillery that has been slowly and steadily making a name for itself for the past decade.  They're producing whiskeys, rums, vodka, gins and other liquers that you won't find anywhere else in the country.  Today we are taking a look at John's Alabama Single Malt Whiskey, the namesake spirit from John Emerald Distilling Company.

This small batch craft distillery honors one of their forefathers, John Emerald Sharp, by offering a 100% malted barley single malt whiskey.  This whiskey speaks volumes of the locale, boasting that it was the first legal whiskey to be produced in Alabama in 100 years.  The malted barley is smoked with local peach and pecan woods, further identifying the uniqueness of this brand while adding to the overall enjoyability of this spirit.

Copper color with light hues of chocolate bar, this single malt whiskey has as subdued nose initially that is slightly reminiscent of a single malt Scotch with the earthy notes and toasted nut aromas.  We let this one sit in the glass for a bit, allowing some air to touch the liquid as we thought there would be more to this - and we were right.  Additional aromas of cooked apples, vanilla and clove present themselves, leading us to flavors of tropical fruits, dried field grass, nutmeg, vanilla and caramel candy.  This is very smooth, which you would expect in part from the proof point, but also because of the attention to detail in the overall distilling process.  The finish is a touch short, but we aren't hung up on the finsih since this one is so unique.  And we are fans!

ABV:  43.0% (86 proof)

Distillery:  John Emerald Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $49.99

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100

West Bottoms Whiskey Company Kansas City Whiskey

 

Sometimes you're lucky enough to come across something that is so enjoyable, without any preceived expectations, that you almost don't want to tell anyone about it.  But that makes no sense because that's exactly why we do this - to share GREAT spirits with our audiences.  We found exactly that with the Kansas City Whiskey from West Bottoms Whiskey Company.  

West Bottoms Whiskey Company is the brain child of Founder and Master Distiller Alex Lindsey.  This inn available in over 300 locations in Kansas and Missouri.  It is quickly becoming a destination locovative distillery in the central United States steadily creating a footprint in the whiskey world and is nowation with great pours, distillery tours and even their own Cocktail Parlor, located in a pre-Prohibition era train tunnel.  Sounds like a road trip is in order!

Bronze to gold in color, this blend of bourbon and rye whiskies also incorporates a small amount of Oloroso Sherry, a dry Spanish variety that adds fig and sweet dried fruits to the nose.  The aromas come across in the flavor profile as well, bringing along baking spices, plum, chocolate bits and a warm, lingering Kentucky, er, make that Kansas City hug!  This is such as easy sipper, we would have sworn that it was closer to an 80 proof whiskey.  We can't wait to see what else West Bottoms Whiskey has in store!

Check out Mutt's short review on YouTube

ABV:  47.0% (94 proof)

Distillery:  West Bottoms Whiskey Co.

Suggested retail price:  $39.99

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

Acre Distilling Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky

 

We know every single day that we are blessed to taste spirits and wines from all over the world.  We have really grown to appreciate craft distilleries and the unique products they are producing while making their footprint in a behemoth market.  When we partnered with Acre Distilling out of Fort Worth, Texas, we knew they would wow us with some unique Texas whiskeys and they really delivered.  This is a limited edition expression, the Acre Distilling Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky.

The distillery will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary later this year and they have become not only a tourist destination, but a staple within the community.  They have embraced the neighborhood, offering an exquisite place to have a drink with friends and also offering different tasting experiences.  Vinepair has dubbed Acre Distilling Company as "One of the Ten Best Craft Distillery Tasting Rooms in America."  Do you need any more reason to visit?

We were really excited to try this limited edition bottle, comprised of barley that is smoked, malted and distilled in house.  Forty percent of the barley is smoked over Texas pecan and Texas peach woods, creating a very unique, although also familiar, flavor profile.  The whisky is aged in used bourbon barrels from the distillery.  Although an age statement isn't provided, it would appear by the color and mouth feel that this expression falls in the twenty four to forty eight (ish) months aging.  

Cinnamon stick color in a gorgeous bottle and beautiful label.  Aromas of sweet smoke, hay mount, and scorched earth dominate.  If you didn't know any better, you would almost swear that you were tasting a Scotch from the Isle of Islay.  The peaty flavors you know from Scotch is the star here, but is joined by sea air, vanilla and hints of citrus.  As Scotch drinkers ourselves, we are actually going to store this one in the bar with our Scotch selections and share it with some folks who are fans as well.  We will re-visit this bottle often.

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Acre Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $65.00

Drink The Bottles score:  88/100