Breaking news: Harlen Wheatley, the Buffalo Trace Master Distiller let the cat out of the bag while attending an event in Dallas recently. According to him, it's been decided that Old Weller Antique (OWA) is being retired.
This was just reported by a fellow member of the board who attended the event. Harlan gave the reason as limited supply of stock. If you remember back in 2009, BT made the decision to drop the age statement and I commented about it here. I said privately among my fellow enthusiasts that the next possible turn of events was the label being retired. I hate being almost right.....almost because it hasn't happened yet.
Early this year I took possession of a number of private barrel picks of OWA and I'm getting ready to head to KY to taste through a couple more barrels. I just hope this recent turn of events doesn't put the purchase at risk.
This is sad news folks. I hope the news is wrong but based on the public outing by Harlan, it appears to be true.....we'll see.
Guess it is time to buy a few to keep. I do enjoy this bourbon.
ReplyDeleteVery nice presentation of the facts Greg. I get a kick out of all the folks on the web who attempt to make this more than it is.... a business decision.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your thought Greg...they're always well laid out!
ReplyDeleteClifton - Well, the facts may change as time progresses but I think not as this isn't the first time BT has retired a label liked among us enthusiasts (e.g. OCPR). But as you correctly pointed out, in the end, this is a business decision and one that hopefully supports the marketing goals and financial health of the company. While I can express dissapointment with the decision, as a small business owner, I certainly understand the need to remain fiscally sound and responsive to market rhythms.
ReplyDeleteGreg; was catching up on my much deferred blog reading and read this sad news. I'm a regular OWA drinker, so it is like losing a good friend. But forewarned is forearmed and I have begun laying in some "extras" for the lean years alongside my Special Reserve and 12 year. What a shame, but now I get the pleasure of serious tasting to find my new daily. In close running are my old besties Buffalo Trace or Knob Creek, but what do you think about Elijah Craig 12 year? Regards; Tom
ReplyDeleteTom - The OWA is still available so at present, it appears BT intends to continue to offer this. I can't head to KY this fall but a small number of our group are headed to BT this week to taste through the OWA barrels.
DeleteI am very envious of the tasting. When I went to BT we did get the behind the scenes tour and saw everything from the gran coming in to the bottling. They are great hosts there. I did get a chance to get a picture of the W.L. Weller bottling house which was really nice.
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