How does the 2016 WLW compare to the 2025?

The 2016 is at 135.4 proof — 6.4 above the 2025 (129 proof) and the highest-proof WLW in the current collection. Nine years of market age adds collectibility beyond the initial release.

135.4 proof. 2016. William Larue Weller — the 2016 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection wheated bourbon, now nine years from its original fall release and one of the older vintage WLW expressions in the current Wooden Cork collection.

The 2016 WLW at 135.4 proof is 6.4 proof above the 2025 WLW (129 proof) also in stock — the highest-proof WLW in the current collection. Each vintage of WLW represents a specific year’s barrel selection from Buffalo Trace’s wheated mash bill inventory, with proof variation between vintages reflecting natural differences in aging conditions, barrel placement, and seasonal cycling. At 135.4 proof, the 2016 is one of the more concentrated WLW expressions in the collection’s vintage vertical.

Specs

Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Wheated, Uncut, Unfiltered
Series: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)
Proof: 135.4 (67.7% ABV)
Vintage: 2016
Size: 750ml

Explore the full William Larue Weller vertical at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2016 WLW compare to the 2025 also in stock? The 2016 is at 135.4 proof — 6.4 proof above the 2025 (129). Nine years of additional market age gives the 2016 vintage collectibility beyond its initial release value, while the 2025 is the most current annual expression.