A Luxury Weller for the Ages: Weller Millennium Review

For years, I’ve been a fan of the W.L. Weller brand, often turning to their Special Reserve as a reliable mixer bourbon. However, times have changed, and Weller has become a luxury brand in its own right, thanks in part to the success of Pappy Van Winkle and its halo effect on other Buffalo Trace products.

A New Era for Weller

The story of Weller Millennium begins in the year 2000, shortly after the dust had settled from Diageo’s flurry of brand sales to Luxco, Heaven Hill, and in the case of Weller, Buffalo Trace. This bourbon fire sale marked the beginning of the American whiskey renaissance we’re experiencing today.

The Rise of Weller

Over the past decade, the Weller brand has expanded significantly with the addition of products like CYPB, Full Proof, and Single Barrel. 2023 saw the release of a true luxury Weller expression: the Daniel Weller line, an experimental series exploring the impact of different strains of wheat on whiskey.

Weller Millennium: A Blend of Luxury

Weller Millennium is a blend of straight bourbon and straight wheat whiskies. The whiskey appears light amber in the glass, with a nose that boasts sweet black cherries in syrup, cream soda, orange blossom, old oak, cinnamon roll, clove, and shortbread. As it opens up, caramel, orange peel, and a hint of raisin emerge.

With water, the whiskey reveals more clove and allspice, honey, and a much drier oak. The palate is oak-forward, with notes of maple syrup, overcooked pie crust, blueberry, orange marmalade, and vanilla custard. After a few minutes, dried apricot, a more pronounced vanilla, and waffle cone appear.

The luxurious Weller Millennium whiskey

The finish is straightforward, with notes of black cherry, pepper, drying wood tannins, baked apple, honey, and more custard. With water, hints of molasses and just a bit of burnt sugar are present. There is spice and a bit of astringency from the oak, but no heat at all.

A Verdict on Weller Millennium

As I sipped on the Weller Millennium, I couldn’t help but think about the journey of the Weller brand. From its humble beginnings as a value-driven bourbon to its current status as a luxury powerhouse, Weller has come a long way. The Weller Millennium is a testament to this journey, offering a complex and nuanced whiskey experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.

A bottle of Weller Millennium

The Future of Weller

As the whiskey world continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for Weller. With the Daniel Weller line and the Weller Millennium, the brand is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with whiskey. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Weller or just discovering the brand, there’s never been a better time to explore their offerings.

The Buffalo Trace distillery, home of Weller

Conclusion

The Weller Millennium is a luxury whiskey that’s sure to impress. With its complex flavor profile and smooth finish, it’s a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast. As the Weller brand continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for this beloved bourbon powerhouse.