The Weller 12 Experience

Credited with introducing the first wheated bourbon to the market, William Larue Weller revolutionized the whiskey world with its softer, more refined flavor profile and enhanced sweetness. Many believe that the use of wheat not only deepens the flavor but also supports a longer aging process, allowing the bourbon to develop even greater complexity over time. 

In tribute to William Larue Weller, Buffalo Trace launched Weller 12 Year in 2001, creating something truly unique at the time. Notably, Weller 12 shares the same mashbill as the prestigious Pappy Van Winkle lineup, offering a remarkable connection between these distinguished bourbons.

I first tried Weller 12 a few years ago when a sneaky supplier of ours sent us sample bottles of some of the things we were buying from him. Incoming humble brag… all the ages of Pappy Van, Four Roses LE, all five BTAC big boys, all the variants of Blanton’s, and most of the variants of Weller. It, of course, brought the workday to a screeching halt for a few hours. That was the day I learned that I love lower proof, extremely well made Bourbon. The winners of the bunch, for me (and only me), were Four Roses LE and Weller 12!

At 90 proof, the aroma is inviting, with soft notes of vanilla, graham crackers, and a subtle nutty essence. The palate continues to delight with the smooth vanilla flavor, complemented by warm baking spices and a rich maple syrup sweetness. Oh, and let’s talk about smooth. It defines smooth. When anyone tells me a whiskey is smooth, my metric is “how smooth in relation to Weller 12?”

We recently received a lot that we purchased from overseas and opened a bottle to verify provenance and give the staff a chance to taste it. Now, our lead developer tells me every few days how Weller 12 has ruined him on all other Bourbons. I feel you, Scott, I feel you.