HDW CLIX is named for two vital components of the project. "HDW" represents Harlen Davis Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Harlen led a small team of specialists throughout the decade-long process of producing the first batch of HDW CLIX – from seven years of design, planning and installation of a specially-constructed series of copper and stainless steel stills, cookers and fermenters, to the final distillation which resulted in only 2,000 bottles of this unique craft vodka. "CLIX" or "159" in Roman numerals, represents the 159 separate distillations that were required to produce the initial bottling of HDW CLIX.

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• Producing high quality spirits is a passion for our distillery, so when our team set out to craft the world's finest vodka, we knew we couldn't stop until we created something truly special. We began with hand selecting only the highest quality grains of rye, wheat, corn and barley and then distilled them to produce precise characteristics desirable in vodka. It was a diligent process that resulted in 159 separate distillations. We are proud of what we achieved and we are excited to share this unique vodka experience, with a fortunate few, that is unlike any other.
  — Quote from Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller
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