Introduction
Weller has been a familiar name to me over the years, particularly because I’ve always appreciated the softer character that the wheat element brings to their bourbons. When I heard they were releasing Weller 18 Year—a first for them at this age—I was immediately curious. Wheated bourbons aren’t typically aged this long, and I wondered whether the oak would take over or if the gentler notes would hold their ground.
Nose
The nose is polished and mature from the first swirl. What stood out was the calm confidence of the aroma—there’s no brash ethanol note at 50% ABV. I got a core of smooth vanilla and old oak, followed by honeyed cereal, a touch of tobacco leaf, and a muted cocoa powder scent. The oak isn't overly sharp, but it's certainly present in a way that's more structured than sweet. With time in the glass, cinnamon and dried fruits—apricot and date, mainly—creep in subtly. It’s warm and unhurried.
Palate
On the palate, the age becomes even clearer. It's very well integrated, with polished oak up front and a syrupy texture that almost clings to the tongue. I expected more tannic bite, but it's surprisingly mellow given the age. The wheat smooths everything out, wrapping bold flavors like burnt sugar, dark toffee, and baking spices in a velvety coat. Mid-palate, there's a refined leathery depth and black tea dryness, which steers it into more contemplative territory. Despite the years, it retains a level of balance—not too woody, not overly sweet.
Finish
The finish is stretched out and layered. There's lingering spice—cardamom and nutmeg in particular—with a waxy vanilla tone and aged leather note that hangs around longer than I anticipated. Despite its warmth, the finish doesn’t overwhelm but leaves a dry, stately echo of oak and caramel. After a few minutes, I noticed a soft corn sweetness reemerge, framing the experience with a gentle reminder of its roots.
Price and Value
This, clearly, is a premium bottle—Weller 18 Year is positioned right at the high end of Buffalo Trace’s wheated offerings. Given its rarity and the quality of the aging, it's not unexpected. That said, this isn’t a bourbon I'd open on impulse. It justifies its price more through craftsmanship than through crowd-pleasing flavor bursts. For those who enjoy quiet, slow-drinking whiskies with depth and restraint, it will feel worth the investment. But realistically, availability and secondary market prices make it difficult to evaluate strictly on MSRP.
Background
Weller is produced by the team at Buffalo Trace Distillery, and the brand has long been linked to wheated bourbon lineage—famously associated with Pappy Van Winkle due to their shared mash bill. The Weller 18 represents the oldest age statement in the lineup to date, and it's non-chill-filtered and bottled at 50% ABV. This aging pushes far beyond what most wheated bourbons ever reach.
Typically, wheated bourbons soften with age rather than becoming more aggressive, but there's always a risk of over-oaking past the 15-year mark. Here, it feels like the distillery was careful in their barrel selections to avoid that pitfall. It's also worth noting that this release comes alongside other premium expressions signaling Buffalo Trace’s ongoing commitment to expanding the range—with more age and complexity than we've seen in past Weller bottlings.
Final Notes
Would I buy another bottle of Weller 18 if I had the chance? I would—it's one of those whiskies I'd want on the shelf for slow, thoughtful pours rather than frequent sipping. Is it suitable for newer bourbon drinkers? Not quite—mainly due to its subtlety and the price tag. Those newer to wheated bourbon would likely be better served by starting with Weller Special Reserve or Weller 12.
In terms of occasion, this bottle asks for time and quiet. It’s best suited to evenings without distractions, maybe to mark something personal rather than to share around at a gathering. Compared to Weller 12 or even Weller Full Proof, the 18 Year brings more elegance and age-toned refinement. It doesn’t shout; it speaks low and steady, and you'll get the most from it if you lean in enough to really listen.