Old Weller Original 107 Proof Gold Vein Bourbon Stitzel Weller Bottled 1970s
Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle I who, having steered the Stitzel Weller Distillery safely through the wreckage of National Prohibition, established Old Weller alongside the newly acquired Old Fitzgerald labels and the flagship brands for the new Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1933. It was produced there for over 60 years, eventually being sold to the Sazerac Company in 1999, who distil it at Buffalo Trace using Pappy's recipe to this day.
Founded on Derby Day in 1935 by the legendary Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle, Stitzel-Weller Distillery is a cornerstone of bourbon history. Located in Shively, just south of Louisville, it quickly became known for its innovative approach to whiskey making, including its signature wheated bourbon recipe. This shift away from the traditional rye-based bourbons resulted in smoother, more accessible spirits that have since become iconic, particularly in the form of the famed Old Fitzgerald and W.L. Weller brands.
The distillery was a family-run operation for decades, with generations of master distillers perfecting their craft within its walls. During the mid-20th century, Stitzel-Weller's output grew, and it cemented its reputation as one of the greatest producers of premium bourbon.