Weller 12 is a bourbon that has earned a reputation for excellence among whiskey enthusiasts. Known for its rich, smooth taste and long maturation process, Weller 12 is often compared to some of the most sought-after bourbons in the world, including the elusive Pappy Van Winkle. Whether you are a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or new to the world of whiskey, understanding the history, production, and unique characteristics of Weller 12 is essential to appreciating this legendary spirit.
This article takes an in-depth look at Weller 12, covering its history, flavor profile, production process, and comparisons with other notable bourbons. Additionally, we’ll explore the reasons for its increasing rarity and provide tips on how best to enjoy it. Afterward, a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) will address common inquiries about this bourbon.
The History of Weller Bourbon
Weller bourbon traces its origins back to the 19th century, making it one of the most historically significant brands in the bourbon industry. The brand is named after William Larue Weller, a bourbon pioneer who was one of the first to use wheat instead of rye in his whiskey mash bill, creating what is now known as “wheated” bourbon. This substitution resulted in a smoother and less spicy bourbon, setting the foundation for what would become Weller’s signature style.
William Larue Weller: The Pioneer of Wheated Bourbon
Born in 1825, William Larue Weller was a Kentucky native who became a significant figure in the state’s burgeoning whiskey industry. His innovation of using wheat in the bourbon mash bill gave birth to a softer, mellower style of whiskey, which stood in contrast to the more robust, rye-heavy bourbons of the time. Weller’s contributions to the bourbon industry earned him a lasting legacy, and the Weller brand continues to honor his name.
The Connection to Pappy Van Winkle
One of the most intriguing aspects of Weller 12 is its connection to the famous Pappy Van Winkle line of bourbons. Both Weller and Pappy Van Winkle are produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery and share the same wheated mash bill. This connection has led some whiskey enthusiasts to refer to Weller 12 as “Poor Man’s Pappy,” as it offers a similar flavor profile at a more accessible price—though finding a bottle of Weller 12 has become increasingly difficult in recent years.
The Legacy of Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States, produces some of the world’s most beloved bourbons, including Weller 12. Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, the distillery has been in operation for over 200 years, surviving Prohibition by producing medicinal whiskey. Today, Buffalo Trace is known for its craftsmanship, tradition, and ability to create exceptional bourbons that stand the test of time.
Weller 12: Aged to Perfection
Weller 12 is part of the Weller family of bourbons, but what sets it apart is its aging process. As the name suggests, Weller 12 is aged for a minimum of 12 years, which is relatively long for bourbon. This extended aging process allows the whiskey to develop deep, rich flavors that are balanced by the smoothness imparted by the wheated mash bill.
The Importance of the Wheated Mash Bill
Like all bourbons, Weller 12 must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn. What makes Weller-12 unique is its use of wheat as the secondary grain, rather than the more common rye. The typical mash bill for Weller-12 consists of:
- Corn (51%): Provides sweetness and body.
- Wheat: Creates a softer, smoother flavor with less spice.
- Malted Barley: Helps with fermentation and adds a subtle nuttiness.
The use of wheat instead of rye is what gives Weller 12 its distinctive smoothness. Rye tends to add spice and a sharpness to whiskey, while wheat produces a softer, rounder mouthfeel.
The Aging Process
Weller-12 is aged in new, charred oak barrels, as required by law for bourbon. However, the 12-year aging process is what gives Weller-12 its complexity and depth. As the bourbon sits in the barrel, it interacts with the wood, absorbing flavors like caramel, vanilla, and oak while mellowing out over time. The result is a whiskey with rich, layered flavors that are characteristic of well-aged bourbons.
Aging for 12 years also allows Weller-12 to develop a more refined balance between sweetness and spice, with hints of dried fruits, leather, and tobacco emerging over time. This extended maturation process is a key reason why Weller-12 is so highly regarded among bourbon lovers.
Bottling Strength
Weller-12 is bottled at 90 proof (45% alcohol by volume), which strikes a balance between strength and smoothness. This proof level allows the whiskey’s flavors to come through without overwhelming the palate, making it approachable for both experienced drinkers and those new to the world of bourbon.
The Flavor Profile of Weller 12
The flavor profile of Weller-12 is one of the reasons it has become such a coveted bourbon. Its combination of a wheated mash bill and extended aging produces a whiskey that is rich, complex, and incredibly smooth. Here’s a breakdown of the key tasting notes:
Nose
On the nose, Weller-12 opens with a sweet, inviting aroma. You’ll likely notice prominent notes of caramel and vanilla, along with softer hints of honey and butterscotch. There’s also a subtle oakiness that hints at the whiskey’s 12-year aging process, as well as traces of dark fruit, such as cherry or plum.
Palate
The first sip of Weller-12 reveals a bourbon that is both rich and balanced. The initial sweetness of caramel and toffee gives way to more complex flavors of toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of cocoa. The wheat in the mash bill provides a creamy, velvety mouthfeel that enhances the drinking experience.
As the bourbon opens up on the palate, you’ll notice layers of flavor, including dried fruits like apricot and raisin, along with a touch of baking spice, such as cinnamon or nutmeg. The long aging process also imparts a slight nuttiness, reminiscent of almonds or pecans.
Finish
The finish of Weller-12 is long and warming, with lingering notes of oak, spice, and caramel. The wheat’s softness helps to smooth out the finish, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that encourages you to take another sip. The balance between sweetness and spice, along with the well-integrated oak flavors, makes the finish incredibly satisfying.
Why Weller 12 is So Coveted
The combination of flavor, history, and scarcity has made Weller-12 one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market. However, there are several factors that contribute to its elusive status.
The Pappy Connection
As mentioned earlier, Weller 12 shares the same mash bill as the legendary Pappy Van Winkle bourbons. Since Pappy is notoriously difficult to find and commands extremely high prices on the secondary market, many bourbon enthusiasts turn to Weller 12 as a more affordable alternative. While Weller 12 has its own distinct character, the shared DNA with Pappy Van Winkle adds to its allure.
Limited Availability
Buffalo Trace Distillery produces Weller 12 in limited quantities, and its popularity has only grown in recent years. This has led to a situation where demand far outstrips supply, making Weller 12 difficult to find on store shelves. Many liquor stores have waiting lists for Weller 12, and it often sells out within minutes of arriving in stock.
The Secondary Market
The scarcity of Weller 12 has driven up prices on the secondary market, where bottles can sell for two to three times their retail price—or more. While the suggested retail price for Weller 12 is typically around $40 to $50, it’s not uncommon to see it listed for $150 or higher online or in private sales. This has only added to the mystique surrounding the bourbon, as collectors and enthusiasts vie for the opportunity to own a bottle.
How to Enjoy Weller 12
Given its rich flavor profile and smoothness, Weller 12 is a bourbon that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions for how to get the most out of your Weller 12 experience:
Neat
For many bourbon purists, the best way to enjoy Weller 12 is neat, without any dilution. Pour yourself a glass and take your time to savor the complex flavors and aromas. The 90-proof strength is approachable enough to enjoy neat, allowing you to fully appreciate the whiskey’s depth and balance.
With a Splash of Water
If you find the alcohol intensity a bit too strong, try adding a few drops of water to your glass. This can help to open up the flavors, allowing the more subtle notes to shine through. The water will also slightly mellow the alcohol burn, making for a smoother drinking experience.
On the Rocks
Weller 12 can also be enjoyed over ice, especially if you prefer your whiskey chilled. Using large ice cubes or a whiskey stone will cool the bourbon without diluting it too quickly. The cold temperature can enhance the sweetness and bring out the oak and spice notes in the whiskey.
In a Cocktail
While some might consider it sacrilege to use Weller 12 in a cocktail, its rich and complex flavor profile can elevate classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan. The bourbon’s sweetness and smoothness pair well with the bitters and sugar in an Old Fashioned, while its complexity adds depth to a Manhattan.
The Future of Weller 12
As demand for premium bourbons continues to rise, Weller 12 is likely to remain a highly sought-after bottle for the foreseeable future. Buffalo Trace is committed to producing Weller 12, but the nature of whiskey production means that increasing supply takes time. Because Weller 12 must be aged for a minimum of 12 years, any increase in production won’t be felt for more than a decade.
In the meantime, Weller 12 will continue to be a cherished bottle for bourbon enthusiasts lucky enough to find it. Its combination of history, craftsmanship, and flavor ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of the Weller brand and a favorite among whiskey drinkers.
FAQs
1. What is Weller 12?
Weller 12 is a wheated bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is aged for 12 years, which gives it a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and dried fruit. It is part of the Weller family of bourbons and shares the same mash bill as the famed Pappy Van Winkle line.
2. Why is Weller 12 so hard to find?
Weller 12 is difficult to find due to its limited production and high demand. Buffalo Trace produces Weller 12 in small quantities, and its popularity has surged in recent years, leading to scarcity on store shelves. The connection to Pappy Van Winkle and the bourbon’s high quality have also contributed to its rarity.
3. How does Weller 12 compare to other bourbons?
Weller 12 is a wheated bourbon, meaning it uses wheat instead of rye in the mash bill. This gives it a smoother, softer flavor profile compared to rye-based bourbons. It is often compared to Pappy Van Winkle due to the shared mash bill and production process, though Weller 12 has its own distinct character.
4. What is the best way to drink Weller 12?
Weller 12 can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Drinking it neat allows you to fully appreciate its complexity, while adding water or ice can help to mellow the alcohol and bring out different flavors.
5. Is Weller 12 the same as Pappy Van Winkle?
Weller 12 and Pappy Van Winkle share the same mash bill and are both produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. However, they are aged for different lengths of time and bottled under separate labels. While there are similarities in their flavor profiles, Weller 12 is often described as a more affordable alternative to Pappy Van Winkle.
6. How much does Weller 12 cost?
The suggested retail price for Weller 12 is typically around $40 to $50. However, due to its rarity, bottles of Weller 12 often sell for much higher prices on the secondary market, with some bottles fetching $150 or more.
