Bettinardi is releasing its third collaboration with Buffalo Trace Distillery brands, rooted in a shared respect for American craftsmanship, patience in the process and attention to detail.
The third installment of the collaboration celebrates the legacy of W.L. Weller wheated bourbon. I don’t personally drink much, but if I do, it’s to sip on a nice bourbon or whiskey while hanging out with close friends. When we’re feeling particularly fancy, Weller is the choice. I don’t typically get riled up about limited edition releases, but this one really tugged at me as a reminder of memories with close friends around campfires, and nights that lasted too long but that I’d never trade back.
It’s no secret that the folks over at Bettinardi go above and beyond for their HIVE releases, and this one is certainly no exception. The idea with releases like this from Bettinardi is to draw parallels between the two collaborators. Weller uses wheat rather than rye as a flavoring grain, which gives it a much softer, smoother drinking profile similar to the one-piece milled philosophy at Bettinardi that creates a nice soft, smooth feel off the collaboration release.
“This collaboration with W.L. Weller continues a relationship we value greatly with the Buffalo Trace Distillery team,” said Sam Bettinardi, President of Bettinardi Golf. “Weller’s history and approach to craftsmanship mirror the way we think about product design — taking the time to do things the right way.”
I like that this release feels very simple. Bettinardi didn’t go overboard with graphics or crazy sole work. It looks like a simple Queen Bee #6-esque design inspiration, with the classic Weller brand text on the sole and very cool milling pattern that uses the Weller ‘W’ as its pattern. It’s topped off with a soft and subtle bronze/gold finish with red accents that remind you of opening a brand new bottle of Weller to enjoy with friends.
Each putter features custom design elements influenced by W.L. Weller’s wheated bourbon legacy, with finishes and detailing intended to reflect the warmth, depth and character associated with the brand. The collaboration extends beyond putters with a complete lineup of coordinating accessories, including a ball marker, divot tool and assorted headcovers.
“Our work at Buffalo Trace has never been just about exceptional whiskey. It’s also about culture, creative connection, and partnerships that amplify our values in unexpected places,” said Andrew Duncan, Brand Director for Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Bettinardi’s relentless pursuit of precision mirrors our own approach to crafting great bourbon. This collection brings together two true originals: Weller, the World’s Original Wheated Bourbon, and Bettinardi, a pioneering original in golf.”
