Straight wheat whiskey is a distinct federal category from bourbon: it requires wheat as the majority grain in the mash, where bourbon requires corn. Every other Weller bottling is a wheated bourbon — a corn-based mash with wheat standing in for rye as the secondary grain. This one inverts that, and Buffalo Trace does not publish the recipe beyond the category requirement. The whiskey spent eighteen years in new charred oak and was bottled at 90 proof, the strength Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley describes as the brand's classic register. Buffalo Trace announced it on 25 July 2025, timed to the 200th birthday of William Larue Weller, who from 1847 built his reputation on putting wheat where his contemporaries used rye. Wheatley has described the outcome as the softness of the wheat evolving into something rich and expressive rather than fading, which is the open question a wheat-dominant mash at this age was always going to answer one way or the other.

Every bottle sold through Midnight Whiskey is sourced as an authentic, sealed product and inspected before it ships. Orders are packed with padded, glass-rated handling and require an adult signature (21+) on delivery; we do not ship to anyone unable to verify legal drinking age. For our full sourcing and handling protocols, see our editorial and authentication standards.

Is Weller 18 a bourbon?

No. Weller 18 Year Old is a straight wheat whiskey, which is a separate federal category requiring wheat as the majority grain. Every other Weller bottling is a wheated bourbon — a corn-based mash with wheat replacing rye as the secondary grain. This one reverses that relationship, which is what makes it a departure rather than an older version of the same whiskey.

What proof is Weller 18 Year Old?

90 proof, or 45% ABV, in a 700 mL crystal decanter. That is the same strength as Weller Special Reserve and Weller 12, and well below the 107 of Antique 107 or the 114 of Full Proof. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley has described 90 proof as the classic register for the brand.

Where was Weller 18 Year Old sold?

It launched exclusively through global travel retail — duty-free shops at airports including LAX, JFK and London Heathrow — rather than through domestic distribution. Buffalo Trace announced it on 25 July 2025 alongside Weller Millennium No. 2, timed to the 200th birthday of William Larue Weller.