No, Stitzel-Weller is not the same as Weller. Stitzel-Weller is a distillery that was founded in Shively, Kentucky in 1935 by William Larue Weller and Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle. Weller is a whiskey brand produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is owned by the Sazerac Company.
Although the Weller whiskey brand is named after William Larue Weller, and he was a part of the Stitzel-Weller distillery, the two entities are not directly related. The Stitzel-Weller distillery closed its doors in 1972, while the Weller brand is still produced and sold today.
When did Pappy stop using Stitzel-Weller?
Pappy Van Winkle stopped using the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in 1972 to source his whiskey when the distillery was sold to the Norton-Simon Company. While the new owners continued to produce the same quality of whiskey, the whiskey didn’t quite match the flavor of what Pappy had been producing with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.
The recipe was slightly altered, and the new product didn’t have the same level of quality that Pappy Van Winkle was accustomed to. Consequently, Pappy decided to stop using the Stitzel-Weller Distillery as his primary source of whiskey and instead searched for alternate sources.
Who bought Stitzel-Weller Distillery?
In 1993, The Sazerac Company purchased the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The Distillery was the epicenter of bourbon production in the United States during Prohibition and the post-Prohibition period.
It was an iconic brand, at one point providing spirits to the White House during prohibition. The Stitzel-Weller Distillery was opened in 1935 by two brothers-in-law, Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle and Alex Farnsley.
The Distillery became well-known for producing legendary brands such as Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Van Winkle bourbons. Despite its success and longevity, the recession of the early 1980s caused financial difficulties for the company.
In 1984, Reynolds Metals Co. sold the Stitzel-Weller to the William Grant & Sons Co. , marking the end of an era for the Distillery.
In 1993, The Sazerac Company, then a small, private spirits company in Louisiana, acquired the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Along with the purchase, the Sazerac Company acquired Stitzel-Weller’s inventory of aging whiskies, and since that time, it has had access to some of the finest, oldest and most prestigious whiskies available.
The Sazerac Company continued operations at the Distillery, producing some of the most well-loved spirits in the world. Unfortunately, in 1992, Sazerac closed the distillery to focus on purchasing aged stocks, but it still keeps the property and allows tours by appointment.
Today, The Sazerac Company continues to honor the legacy of the iconic Distillery, bottling and releasing whiskies and ryes in the Stitzel-Weller marque.
Which Weller is hardest to find?
The Weller products that are the hardest to find are usually their rare or limited edition items. These include their Floral Lace, Wildflower, and Wasp lines, which are only released in select stores, online retailers, or at craft fairs.
Additionally, Weller made special collaboration pieces with other companies such as Glass Artisans Guild and Yardley Barristers, both of which are quite rare. Many of Weller’s limited edition pieces are highly sought after by collectors and have become quite difficult to find.
Which Weller is like Pappy?
Weller is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, which is a collection of whiskeys made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Weller Antique, which is the “flagship” of the collection, was actually made before the antifreeze that became known as “Pappy” (Old Rip Van Winkle) and has a similar flavor profile.
Weller Antique has an aroma of sweet corn and toffee, with hints of cherries and allspice. On the palate, it is pleasantly sweet and smooth, with flavors of caramel and vanilla, and there are lighter fruity tones as well.
It has a moderate finish that warms the palate and lingers.
Pappy has similar notes to Weller, but is much more expensive. Its aroma is filled with sweet corn, toffee, dark fruit, and spices. On the palate, it is sweet, but more complex with flavors of maple syrup, vanilla, and spices.
Its finish is prolonged and can linger for a long period of time.
While Weller is not as complex as Pappy, it shares much of the same flavor characteristics and is of similar quality. It is also a fraction of the cost, so it is a great alternative for those seeking the flavors of Pappy without breaking the bank.
Which distillery makes Weller?
Weller is produced by the W. L. Weller and Sons distillery, which is located in the heart of bourbon country – Loretto, Kentucky. The business was started in the early 1800’s and began producing bourbon whiskey in 1849.
The distillery’s head distiller is even seventh-generation distiller, Charles Jessiehop and he keeps watch over the process from start to finish. WL Weller and Sons produces a variety of whiskey labels, including the world famous Weller Special Reserve and Weller Antique, both of which are exceptionally smooth and well-crafted bourbons.
The Weller distillery is part of the famous Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin Country, Kentucky, and is one of the longest-running distilleries in the United States. Every bottle of Weller whiskey is crafted from a mash of corn, wheat, and malted barley, and is aged in traditional warehouses.
The final product is bottled at 90 proof and is a perfect balance of rich flavors and deep character.
Does Buffalo Trace own Stitzel-Weller?
Yes, Buffalo Trace owns Stitzel-Weller. The historic brand was started in 1935 when Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle and Alex Farnsley decided to create the first whiskey distillery in Louisville, Kentucky since Prohibition.
In 1972, Stitzel-Weller was sold to Norton-Simon, the parent company of Old Fitzgerald. Then in 1992, Sazerac Beverage Group purchased the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Sazerac moved Buffalo Trace Distillery’s operations to the larger site and continued to produce Van Winkle bourbons as well as other Bottom Shelf brands from the facility.
In 2005 Sazerac eventually sold the facility to Buffalo Trace, who still runs and produces Stitzel-Weller whiskey today.
Is forged Oak Stitzel-Weller?
No, forged Oak is not Stitzel-Weller. Forged Oak is a single barrel sourced whiskey, produced by the Indiana-based craft distillery Redemption, who purchased the barrels from independent suppliers. While Redemption aged and bottled the whiskey in Indiana, there is no indication that any of the spirit was distilled in Kentucky.
Furthermore, there is no indication that Redemption has any affiliation with the Stitzel-Weller distillery, which famously produced whiskey for brands like Old Fitzgerald and W. L. Weller until it closed in 1992.
While the whiskey is likely Kentucky-sourced, it does not originate from Stitzel-Weller.
Who makes Weller 12 Year?
Weller 12 Year is a whiskey produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, a distillery located in Franklin County, Kentucky. Under the label of W. L. Weller and Sons, Buffalo Trace Distillery produces a range of whiskeys, including Weller 12 Year.
Weller 12 Year is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, meaning it’s produced using at least 51% corn and aged for a minimum of two years in a new charred oak barrel. The aging process of Weller 12 Year takes place in one of Buffalo Trace’s warehouses, where the whiskey is exposed to the swings in temperature and humidity over the course of the 12 years.
During this maturation process, the whiskey picks up flavors of fresh oak and smoky vanilla, creating the full, warm flavor of Weller 12 Year.
Weller 12 Year has also won awards, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018 and a score of 93 points out of a possible 100 at Ultimate Spirits Challenge U.S.
What is the hardest Weller to find?
The hardest Weller to find is probably Weller Antique. This is an ultra-rare wheated bourbon that is often sought after by collectors. Weller Antique is distinguished from other Weller products by its higher proof, 12-year-age statement, and more robust flavor profile.
It is produced using a different wheat-heavy mash bill than other Weller bourbons, providing a unique flavor that is different from regular Weller bourbons such as Weller Special Reserve or Weller 12.
Weller Antique can be difficult to find, and bottles can command a high price due to its age and rarity. It is not produced in large quantities, limiting the opportunity to obtain it. Additionally, demand for this whiskey far outstrips the supply, which adds to its difficulty to find.
What is closest to Pappy?
The closest term to Pappy is Grandpa. Pappy is an informal version of Grandpa, and is typically used as an endearing term when referring to a grandparent. It is used quite commonly in the United States, and is seen as a term of affection to describe an older, paternal figure.
Grandpa, on the other hand, is a more formal term that can be used to describe a paternal figure, while Pappy can be seen as more of an informal term.
Does Weller make Pappy?
No, Weller does not make Pappy Van Winkle. The Pappy Van Winkle whiskey is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Van Winkle family has a long history and involved in the distillery industry since the late 1800’s.
In 1899, W. L. Weller and Sons, another whiskey company, was merged with the company now known as the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The Weller whiskeys represent the work of the original Van Winkle family distillery, while the Pappy Van Winkle whiskey is currently produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery from the famous Van Winkle bourbon whiskey family recipe.
Is Pappy still being made?
No, Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Rye Whiskey is no longer being produced. The Van Winkle family, who are responsible for making the highly sought after spirit, has been in the distilling business since the 19th century.
According to Julian Van Winkle III, “The Van Winkle brands were acquired by the Sazerac Company in 2002 and by 2018 the Van Winkle family sold its remaining interests in the brands. ” Even though the Van Winkle family is no longer producing it, Pappy Van Winkle is still available in stores and online.
However, due to its rarity, it may be hard to find and can come with a hefty price tag. If you are lucky enough to find this whiskey, it is worth its weight in gold due to its unique and highly sought-after taste.
Is Pappy Van Winkle still produced?
Yes, Pappy Van Winkle is still produced. It is produced by the Sazerac Company in Frankfort, Kentucky. Pappy Van Winkle has been a family tradition since the mid-1800s, and is distilled and aged in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
The whiskey is aged for 15-23 years in new, heavily-charred American oak barrels. It is a renowned bourbon whiskey and is highly sought after due to its rarity and high quality. It is still sought after by bourbon connoisseurs, and is considered one of the best whiskeys available.
What was last year of Stitzel-Weller Pappy?
The Stitzel-Weller Distillery, located in Louisville, Kentucky, was in operation from 1935 to 1991. The distillery was home to a number of iconic whiskey brands, including Pappy Van Winkle. The last year of distilling at the distillery was in 1991.
The closing of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery was a major blow to whiskey lovers around the world, and the loss of their beloved Pappy Van Winkle made it especially difficult. Stitzel-Weller products, however, live on.
Today, all Pappy Van Winkle whiskey, including Van Winkle Special Reserve, Van Winkle Family Reserve, and the cult favorite Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve, is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, just a few miles away from Stitzel-Weller.
The Buffalo Trace Distillery has expertly reproduced the smooth, elegant flavor associated with Stitzel-Weller.