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Bourbon Hunting

What Is Weller Bourbon’s Retail Price in 2025?

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If you’ve been hunting for Weller in 2025, you already know it’s one of the most elusive wheated bourbons on the market. Despite its humble retail price, Weller rarely sits on shelves for long. Collectors, enthusiasts, and flippers all compete for it.

So, what is Weller’s MSRP really supposed to be? And what’s a fair price in today’s market?

This guide breaks down the official MSRP, realistic retail prices, and how much is too much for each Weller expression. Whether you’re chasing Full Proof or sipping Special Reserve, this is what you should expect to pay.

What Is Weller Bourbon?

Weller Bourbon is a wheated bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. Unlike traditional bourbons that use rye as the secondary grain, Weller uses wheat, which gives it a smoother, softer flavor profile.

Originally produced by the Stitzel-Weller distillery (yes, that Pappy Winkle connection is real), the Weller line has exploded in popularity in recent years. With increasing demand and limited supply, even the lower-proof versions now command premium prices — often far above retail.

Now produced by Buffalo Trace, Weller’s lineup is known for offering a smoother, softer flavor profile. It includes several expressions—Special Reserve, Antique 107, Full Proof, 12‑Year, Single Barrel, CYPB, and the ultra‑rare William Larue Weller—all in high demand (two of them even hold spots on the list of the top 20 most expensive bourbons in the world).

Weller MSRP 2025: Official Prices

Here’s a table with the updated Weller MSRP 2025, plus realistic market prices and high‑price cutoffs based on online tracking (wine-searcher, Booz.App, etc.).

ExpressionMSRP (2025)Fair Retail PriceAvoid Paying Over
Special Reserve (Green Label)$23–25$40–60Over $89
Antique 107 (Red Label)$50–60$100–130Over $149
Full Proof (Blue Label)$55$150–170Over $249
12 Year (Black Label)$45$130–150Over $249
Single Barrel (Orange Label)$40–50$250–300Over $349
CYPB (White Label Craft‑Your‑Perfect Bourbon)$50–60$350–450Over $499
William Larue Weller (BTAC)~$99N/A (Auction: $1,200–2,200)Auction peaks $2,000+

Weller Special Reserve

Price Breakdown (2025):
MSRP: $23.99–$25.99
Fair Retail Price: $45–60
Avoid Paying Over: $89

Weller Special Reserve is the most accessible of the bunch — at least in theory. It’s bottled at 90 proof and has a soft, approachable flavor. While intended as an everyday sipper, demand still makes it hard to find.

Weller Antique 107

Price Breakdown (2025):
MSRP: $49.99–$59.99
Fair Retail Price: $100–130
Avoid Paying Over: $149

Weller Antique 107, often called “O.W.A.” (short for, “Old Weller Antique”), is a bold, full-bodied wheated bourbon, bottled at 107 proof. It’s a fan favorite, offering high proof at a low MSRP. The proof and age of Weller Antique 107 is what earns it the nickname of “poor man’s Pappy.”

Weller 12 Year

Price Breakdown (2025):
MSRP: $39.99–$45.00
Fair Retail Price: $130–180
Avoid Paying Over: $249

Weller 12 Year shares the same mash bill, age statement, and distillery as Pappy Van Winkle — leading to inevitable hype. At 90 proof, it’s more refined and subtle than its Antique and Full Proof siblings.

Weller Full Proof

Price Breakdown (2025):
MSRP: $49.99–$55.00
Fair Retail Price: $150–199
Avoid Paying Over: $249

Weller Full Proof is non-chill filtered and bottled at 114 proof. This is as close to barrel strength as you’ll get from this line. It’s intense, rich, and one of the most in-demand bottles in the Weller family.

Weller CYPB

Price Breakdown (2025):
MSRP: $49.99–$60.00
Fair Retail Price: $350–450
Avoid Paying Over: $499

CYPB stands for “Craft Your Perfect Bourbon” — a crowdsourced experiment where fans helped choose the specs: 95 proof, wheated, and aged for 8 years. Released annually in small batches.

Weller Single Barrel

Price Breakdown (2025):
MSRP: $49.99–$60.00
Fair Retail Price: $250–299
Avoid Paying Over: $349

Weller Single Barrel is probably the most overrated of the bunch. Buffalo Trace released it in 2020, bottling it at 97 proof to highlight barrel-to-barrel variation. Among the standard Weller expressions, it remains the most limited and one of the hardest to find.

William Larue Weller (BTAC Release)

Price Breakdown (2025):
MSRP: ~$99.99
Fair Retail Price: Auction-only
Auction Range: $1,200–2,200+

William Larue Weller is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is a barrel-proof, unfiltered behemoth released once a year. It’s the crown jewel of the Weller family and rarely seen outside lotteries or auctions.

What is Weller Bourbon’s MSRP in 2025?

Weller Bourbon’s MSRP in 2025 falls between $23.99 and $60, depending on the expression. Weller Special Reserve clocks in around $25, while Weller Full Proof and CYPB typically list for $50 to $60. William Larue Weller, part of the BTAC collection, comes in at roughly $99.

Why is Weller Bourbon so expensive at retail?

Weller is expensive because it’s heavily allocated and extremely popular. While the MSRP is low, limited distribution and high demand drive up Weller’s retail price on both the shelf and the secondary market.

Which Weller Bourbon is the most expensive?

The most expensive is William Larue Weller, a barrel-proof annual release that sells for over $1,500 on the secondary market. Among standard releases, Weller CYPB and Weller Single Barrel are the priciest, often going for $300 or more at retail.

Can I buy Weller Bourbon at MSRP?

It’s rare but possible. Some state-run liquor stores, distillery gift shops, and lotteries offer Weller Bourbon at or near MSRP. Your best shot is signing up for local raffles or monitoring official Buffalo Trace drop locations.

Is Weller Bourbon worth the retail price?

At MSRP, yes — Weller offers excellent value, especially for fans of wheated bourbon. Whether it’s worth inflated prices depends on the expression and your personal taste. Weller Antique 107 and Full Proof, in particular, still hold up at elevated price points.

Bourbon Hunting

The Reason Why Pappy Van Winkle Is So Hard To Find

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Pappy Van Winkle has the legendary distinction of being among the rarest, most desi, and expensive bourbons of all time. The quality is as unparalleled as the reputation. What makes it so hard to find? What is it worth? What does it taste like? All answers here.

Who Was Pappy Van Winkle?

The Story and History of Pappy Bourbon

Pappy Van Winkle is a bourbon that is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. It’s known for its quality, taste, and scarcity. The bourbon is named after Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, who was born in 1874 in Danville, Kentucky. Pappy was a traveling salesman for liquor wholesaler W.L. Weller & Sons in Louisville, Kentucky, and he eventually became president of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Pappy was a fan of the wheat-style bourbon that used wheat as the secondary grain in the mash bill instead of rye. This resulted in a softer character whiskey that Old W.L. Weller represented – and soon Van Winkle adapted the style for his whiskey brand.

After the sale of the distillery, Julian Jr. and his son, Julian Van Winkle III, started using whiskey stocks from their old distillery and bottling it under a pre-prohibition label called the Old Rip Van Winkle. When Julian Jr. passed away, Julian III took over operations and ensured that the company continued producing high-quality wheat bourbon. His son, Preston, later took over the company, and the Van Winkles appear to continue that family tradition for generations to come.

Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery produces the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle whiskey in collaboration with the Van Winkle family (this has been the case since the early 2000s when the Van Winkle family was facing challenges in production and distribution of their whiskey).

The Van Winkle brand was part of Buffalo Trace’s M&A binge and came into the company portfolio in 2002 through a joint venture with the Van Winkle family. Buffalo Trace oversaw production while the clan concentrated on the marketing, mostly through tastings and brand dinners.

What Does Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Taste Like?

Pappy Van Winkle is made with a unique recipe of wheat bran, corn, and rye that adds to its smooth and sweet taste. With a high proof and a rich texture, Pappy Van Winkle is known for its smooth, velvet-like finish and complex flavor that is full of depth (a major byproduct of its age). The bourbon has a spicy-sweet blend of nutty oak, with notes of honeyed citrus, maple, and vanilla.

The Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year Bourbon stands as the oldest offering in their esteemed line of bourbons, starting at $5,000. This remarkable bourbon presents a subtle palette adorned with sweet caramel tones and a clever hint of cinnamon flavor. With its smooth finish, the 23-Year Bourbon is an exquisite selection, serving as an excellent introduction to the illustrious Pappy Van Winkle brand.

How Much Does Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Cost?

Pappy Van Winkle Bourbons have gained legendary status in the world of whiskey, captivating enthusiasts with their exceptional taste and scarcity. The brand only releases bottles once a year. But why is Pappy Van Winkle so scarce and hard to find?

But since the folks at Pappy want to make it as easy as possible for people to get a taste, they offer a list on the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery website of all the stores that receive an allocation of Pappy. But because of the limited quantity, it turns out that “as easy as possible” isn’t all that easy. When you do find it, it’ll cost you. Bottles can go for thousands of dollars each.

List of each Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon’s Starting Price

  • – Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year (53.5% ABV) – Starting $799.99 – $1599.99
  • – Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year (45.2% ABV) – Starting $899.99 – $1599.99
  • – Pappy Van Winkle’s 15 Year Family Reserve (53.5% ABV) – Starting $1499 – $4,499.99
  • – Pappy Van Winkle’s 20 Year Family Reserve (45.2% ABV) – Starting $4,200 – $7600
  • – Pappy Van Winkle’s 23 Year Family Reserve (47.8% ABV) – Starting $5,000 -$8,950
  • – Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye (47.8% ABV) – Starting $1999.99 – $3999.99

Why is Pappy Van Winkle Hard To Find?

Pappy Van Winkle is rare due to its limited production quantity, high demand, extensive aging process, craftsmanship, and the current trends in the whiskey market. These factors contribute to its exclusivity and make it a highly sought-after bourbon among collectors and whiskey enthusiasts .

The distillery only releases around 7,000 cases a year, which is approximately 84,000 bottles . The distillery’s motto for its whiskey production is, “at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon”. This means that oftentimes, Pappy Van Winkle’s production will be truncated if the quality isn’t up to the Master Distiller’s standards.

Moreover, the bourbon is aged longer than many other brands, which means that the distillery that makes it only produces a limited amount each year . The bourbon has a cult following, with devoted followers crossing state lines and sometimes threatening violence just to have a taste . The distillery has a strict allocation system, which means that only a select few retailers are given the opportunity to sell the bourbon.

Want to get a bottle for your self? Good luck. Unless you want to pay the big bucks for a resold bottle, most people acquire Pappy through auctions and raffles.

Bourbon Hunting

Old Fitzgerald Bourbon: Here’s What You Should Know

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Old Fitzgerald bourbon is a brand as stories as it’s flavor. But how much is it worth? What do you have to pay at MSRP vs. retail to buy a bottle of Old Fitzgerald bourbon. Everything you need to know about more about Old Fitzgerald’s value, cost, and retail price.

What is Old Fitzgerald Bourbon Whiskey Worth?

According to bourbon collecting app Booz.app, Old Fitzgerald is worth:

  • Old Fitzgerald 2023 Spring Release – Age: 10 Years, MSRP: $89.14 , Retail: $241.47
  • Old Fizgerald 2022 Fall Release Release – Age: 19 Years, MSRP: $240.00 , Retail: $728.94
  • Old Fizgerald 2022 Spring Release – Age: 17 Years, MSRP: $109.99 , Retail: $441.69
  • Old Fizgerald 2021 Fall Release – Age: 11 Years, MSRP: $120.64, Retail: $345.08
  • Old Fizgerald 2021 Spring Release – Age: 8 Years, MSRP: $84.99 , Retail: $176.02
  • Old Fizgerald 2020 Fall Release – Age: 14 Years, MSRP: $132.48 , Retail: $351.45
  • Old Fizgerald 2020 Spring Release – Age: 9 Years, MSRP: $89.14, Retail: $349.87
  • Old Fizgerald 2020 VVS Release – Age: 16 Years, MSRP: $155.69 , Retail: $373.49

This price range is influenced by factors such as availability, demand, and the retailer’s pricing strategy.

Old Fitzgerald History and Background

Old Fitzgerald, a brand of wheated bourbon, was first produced in 1870 by John E. Fitzgerald in Frankfort, Kentucky. Initially, it was exclusively for rail and steamship lines and private clubs primarily in the south. Around 1900, “Old Fitz” was released to the public in America and Europe. It was one of the few bourbons distilled using the pot still method until around 1913.

During Prohibition, Old Fitzgerald was one of a select few to distill under government supervision for the national medicinal trade. It was soon after acquired by Pappy Van Winkle, who introduced the “Whisper of Wheat” to the original recipe. By substituting some wheat for the more traditional rye in the grain recipe, Old Fitzgerald presented a rounder, softer profile than other bourbons.

Old Fitzgerald was produced at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery until the distillery was shut down in 19921. The production was then transferred to Diageo’s newly constructed Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. In 1999, Diageo sold the brand, along with the Bernheim Distillery, to Heaven Hill, which currently produces and markets Old Fitzgerald1.

Old Fitzgerald Taste

Old Fitzgerald is known for its vibrant and sweet taste. The nose has sweet honey and vanilla. The palate has just enough oak, but does not go overboard. Other flavors include creme brulee, milk and dark chocolate, molasses, brown sugar, ripe plum, peach, and just a hint of spice on the finish. The taste is rich with caramel, and fairly sweet with brown sugar and light honey.

Is Old Fitzgerald Worth the Price?

Given its rich history, unique taste, and the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle, many bourbon enthusiasts would argue that Old Fitzgerald offers good value for its price. However, like any spirit, whether it’s worth the price or not ultimately depends on personal preference. If you enjoy a bourbon with a rounder, softer profile and a complex array of flavors, then Old Fitzgerald might be worth the investment for you.

If you’re a beginner, you probably won’t appreciate the complexity of flavor in Old Fitz…especially for the price tag it commands. Sell your bottle and pick up a bottle (or 2!) of E.H. Taylor Small Batch instead.

Bourbon Hunting

What is Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Worth?

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Russell’s Reserve 13-Year Bourbon is a highly sought-after whiskey that has gained a reputation for its distinctive taste and limited availability. But what is it really worth? What is the retail price and MSRP? Let’s delve into the details.

What is Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey Worth?


According to alcohol ordering app Drizly, Russell’s Reserve 13 runs for around $249-$399 per 750 mL bottle. At MSRP, this bourbon runs for around $149.99 a bottle. This price range is influenced by factors such as availability, demand, and the retailer’s pricing strategy.

The Bourbon’s Background

Russell’s Reserve 13-Year Bourbon is a product of the Wild Turkey Distillery, a renowned distillery with a rich history. The bourbon is named after the legendary father-son duo, Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have over 100 years of combined experience at the Lawrenceburg-based distillery. The 13-year-old bourbon was first released in 2021 as a limited one-time product. However, due to high demand, it was announced as an annual limited release.

The Taste

The bourbon is bottled at 114.8 barrel proof, which means it’s a robust and full-bodied whiskey. It exhibits sweet and woody notes that give way to rich flavors of honey, chocolate, and nougat. The oak brings extra chocolate, tobacco, and dried fruit flavors that are uncommon in bourbon today. This unique blend of flavors contributes to its high value and desirability among bourbon enthusiasts.

The Verdict

So, is Russell’s Reserve 13-Year Bourbon worth its price tag? The answer largely depends on personal preference. If you’re a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates a distinctive sip with a balance of sweet, oaky, fruity, and spicy flavors, then this bourbon might be worth the investment. However, if you’re new to bourbon or prefer a less robust flavor, you might want to explore other options before splurging on this one.

Bourbon Hunting

How to Get Blanton’s In Virginia

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Are you a bourbon lover on the hunt for that elusive bottle of Blanton’s? Look no further, my friend! As a fellow enthusiast, I understand the struggle of trying to track down your favorite limited-release bourbons. But if you’re in Virginia, I’ve got a few tips to help you find that bottle.

1. Know the Virginia ABC System

First things first, it’s important to understand the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) system. Virginia ABC operates as a state-run liquor monopoly, meaning they are the only authorized retailer of distilled spirits in Virginia. This system controls the distribution of all distilled spirits, including allocated bourbons like Blanton’s.

When all is said and done, this will be by-far your best bet for getting rare bottles. You’ll also find bottles for CHEAP. I got my last bottle of Blanton’s from Virginia ABC for around $54.

As of the time of writing this blog post (2023), Virginia releases rare bottles through their Limited Availability Product system. According to Virginia, this bottles released through Limited Availability are distributed at “random” times and to “random” stores. Virginia also keeps tabs on which bottles are “limited availability” through this list.

As someone that’s been following this for a long time, color me skeptical about how “random” this actually is, but here’s what Virginia ABC says:

To provide all customers with the greatest opportunity to purchase these highly sought products, during store hours on any given day of the week, ABC will announce the store locations where these products are available for purchase. The timing and store locations will be random to discourage individuals from lining up outside stores for extended periods or seeking information that gives them an unfair advantage, enabling them to purchase these items ahead of other customers. Additionally, to make these products available to as many customers as possible, Virginia ABC is restricting purchases to one bottle per customer per day from all the limited availability products offered in any location. These products are only available for in-store purchase and are not available for order through ABC’s special order process.

Source

Now actually getting limited bottles from Virginia is a bit of a process, and you need to be very very strategic about it.

Step 1: Follow “Spirited Virginia” on Facebook and Instagram. Virginia ABC posts “drop notifications” on social media when rare bourbon hits the stores. You’ll need to see this notification pretty quickly after it comes through to score a bottle of Blanton’s.

Step 2: Sign up for the “Spirited Virginia” e-newsletter here. Similar to step 1, Virginia ABC will always send an email with bourbon drop notifications when it happens. I signed my work email up for the e-newsletter so I can see messages as soon as they come in.

Step 3: High-tail it to a store as soon as you get a drop notification. This system has been around long enough that you need to be insanely fast at getting to your liquor store when Spirited Virginia posts the drop locations. I have seen allocated bourbon disappear in as quickly as 20 minutes after the drop notification hits.

Step 4: Be persistent. I took me around 2 months in the bourbon chase to start figuring out the timing and tricks to make it to drops on time (I’ll have a new post on this later). Don’t give up. You’ll get that bottle of Blanton’s, but you need to be persistent.

2. Visit Neighboring States

If you don’t want to game the Virginia Limited Availably system, this really is a fine option. You might pay more per bottle than you would in Virginia, but there’s great out-of-state options that don’t involve the heartburn associated with Virginia ABC drops.

If you’re having trouble finding Blanton’s in Virginia, it’s worth checking out neighboring states like North Carolina, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. Each state has its own set of rules when it comes to allocated bourbons, so be sure to do your research before making the trip.

North Carolina, for example, operates under a “first come, first served” policy for allocated bourbons, meaning that stores will typically release bottles as soon as they receive them. In West Virginia, some stores may hold a lottery for allocated bourbons, while others may release them on a first-come, first-served basis. And in D.C., stores operate on a lottery system for highly sought-after bourbons like Blanton’s.

3. Visit Buffalo Trace Distillery

If all else fails, consider taking a trip to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Blanton’s is produced at this historic distillery, and they offer tours that include a tasting of their bourbons. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to purchase a bottle of Blanton’s at the distillery, it’s a fun and informative experience for any bourbon enthusiast. There’s literally a science to figuring out what bourbon bottles Buffalo Trace will release on the specific day you might visit. I highly encourage brushing up on this if you go, especially if you’re going for a rare bottle like Blanton’s.