Introducing Daniel Weller: Buffalo Trace Distillery's Innovative Tribute to A Whiskey Pioneer

Introducing Daniel Weller: Buffalo Trace Distillery's Innovative Tribute to A Whiskey Pioneer

Buffalo Trace Distillery is excited to unveil the launch of Daniel Weller, an extraordinary experimental line that delves into the profound influence of different wheat strains on its renowned bourbons. This groundbreaking collection takes inspiration from and pays homage to the trailblazing Weller family member, Daniel Weller himself. This much-anticipated release from the original wheated bourbon brand not only showcases Buffalo Trace Distillery's commitment to innovation but also honors the legacy of an American whiskey forefather, Daniel Weller, who passed down the family's distilling traditions to subsequent generations of whiskey pioneers.

While William Larue (W.L.) Weller is widely recognized as one of the early purveyors of "wheated" bourbon in Kentucky, the story of his grandfather, Daniel Weller, remains largely untold. Following his service in The Revolutionary War, Daniel Weller embarked on a momentous flatboat voyage down the Ohio River with his wife and children, eventually settling in Kentucky in 1794. Following in the footsteps of his father, Johannes Weller, who distilled rye whiskey used as currency in the early American barter economy, Daniel soon began producing whiskey. To supplement his income, he leased his still to proprietors like Jacob Hirsch.

When Daniel passed away in 1807 without leaving a will, his son Samuel had to purchase his father's stills and equipment to carry on the family legacy. Samuel, in turn, passed down this rich heritage to his son, William Larue Weller, who went on to establish W.L. Weller & Sons.

The Daniel Weller experimental line draws inspiration from Daniel Weller and his trailblazing spirit. The plan is to release a limited expression every other year, once each experiment is deemed ready for bottling by the esteemed Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley. The inaugural release features Emmer wheat, an ancient grain from Egypt seldom found in modern distilleries, primarily used in the production of beer and bread. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of Emmer wheat's domestication over 6,000 years ago, and its symbol is etched into the Egyptian pyramids.

"We initiated this experiment to explore the taste of one of the original, long-forgotten wheat strains in our wheated bourbon," explains Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace. "We've discovered that it offers a subtly different, yet delightful, flavor profile that takes us into uncharted bourbon territory. It will embody the essence of Weller while showcasing distinct and unique notes that set it apart from the previously released Weller whiskies."

Not only is the mashbill a variable in this experiment, but the distillation also took place in the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Microstill, named after the father of the modern bourbon industry. Harlen dedicated two years to custom-designing this combination pot and column still, which enables the team to experiment with very small batches without disrupting their main production capabilities.

Aged for nearly 12 years, Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat is bottled at 94 proof. It boasts a fresh and nutty aroma, with hints of orange zest, hazelnut, cinnamon, and caramel. The palate delivers a well-rounded blend of bold oak, sweet honey, and orchard fruits, culminating in a complex oak-forward finish complemented by baking spice and leather notes.

"At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we deeply appreciate that many of our brands have found their place in whiskey culture, and we continue to invest in producing more whiskey to meet the demand. However, our motto is 'Honor Tradition, Embrace Change' because we firmly believe that the world's finest whiskey has yet to be created," states Andrew Duncan,