Buffalo Trace has introduced the second release in the Daniel Weller series. Crafted using spelt wheat and aged for 10 years, this new bourbon shifts the focus away from barrel experimentation and instead highlights the influence of grain on flavor and structure.
W.L. Weller has long been considered one of the defining names in wheated bourbon. In recent years, Buffalo Trace has expanded that legacy through a more experimental lens. Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat continues this direction by keeping the familiar wheated profile while replacing rye with a different wheat varietal, subtly reshaping the whiskey’s character.
How Spelt Wheat Changes the Bourbon Profile
Spelt is an ancient grain with a history dating back thousands of years. Today it is more commonly associated with European baking and brewing than whiskey production. Its flavor profile is known for gentle sweetness, soft nuttiness, and a more delicate structure compared to traditional grains used in bourbon mashbills.
Instead of relying on barrel finishes or cask manipulation, Buffalo Trace chose to isolate the grain’s influence. By simplifying the production approach, the distillery aimed to understand how spelt wheat alone shapes aroma, texture, and balance. This grain-driven philosophy reflects a growing trend in modern bourbon making, where raw ingredients take precedence over post-aging techniques.
Aged for 10 Years
Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat was aged for 10 years and bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). The release is limited and distributed to select retailers, reinforcing its experimental positioning within the Weller portfolio. Like the inaugural Emmer Wheat release, this expression explores how a single grain substitution can reshape the final whiskey.
Buffalo Trace remains characteristically discreet about mashbill specifics, but confirms that spelt wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain. The result maintains the softness associated with wheated bourbon while introducing a more nuanced and layered aromatic structure.
Flavor Profile and Structure
Official tasting notes describe a grain-forward profile with a balanced and refined character. On the nose, biscuit, warm baking spices, and fresh pastry notes emerge first, followed by subtle fruit and soft vanilla undertones.
The palate reveals dried fruit, gentle sweetness, and layered baking spice. The influence of spelt wheat creates a softer texture that leans toward elegance rather than intensity. The finish is long, lightly nutty, and balanced with lingering spice and subtle fruit.
The Role of the Daniel Weller Series
The Daniel Weller line serves as an experimental extension of the broader Weller portfolio. The 2023 Emmer Wheat release introduced the concept, and Spelt Wheat continues that exploration by focusing on heritage grains. Each release isolates a different wheat varietal to examine its effect within the same production framework.
This approach moves innovation away from barrel manipulation and toward ingredient-driven expression. By changing only the grain, the Daniel Weller series highlights how subtle variations can reshape the identity of a wheated bourbon.
Price and Availability
Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat begins shipping in March 2026 in limited quantities. The suggested retail price is around $550. Given the Weller name and the experimental nature of the release, secondary market demand is expected to push prices higher.
VOGGIA Perspective
Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat reflects a quieter form of innovation in bourbon. Rather than altering barrels or aging environments, Buffalo Trace returns to the fundamentals and allows grain character to lead. The use of heritage wheat signals a broader shift in whiskey production, where identity is increasingly shaped by raw ingredients instead of finishing techniques.
