W.L. Weller 12 Year
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
90 Proof (45% ABV)
Age: 12 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed, but it is a wheated bourbon. Same Mash bill as Pappy 12 Year
The Weller 12 Year is a more difficult to find bourbon, but not quite as rare as the Pappy or Antique Collection from the Buffalo Trace. Having the same mash bill as the Pappy Lot B, which is also the aged for 12 years, this is a great way to come close to trying the Pappy 12 Year.
Color: Dark, rich Auburn.
Nose: A very interesting nose, notes of almonds and nut, caramel, vanilla and leather with a faint cocounut hint.
Palate: A smooth and easy to drink whiskey, and the wheat influence is clearly noticeable. Velvety mouth feel with toasted almond and oak flavors, hints of citrus, vanilla, caramel, and other sweet notes. This isn’t an overly sweet whiskey though, and is very complex and layered.
With Water:
Nose: The nose is sharper, and crisper with some citrus notes coming through on the nose. Still lots of almond and nuts, with vanilla really being a big part of it.
Palate: Some ripened, dark fruit notes become apparent, really complimenting the toasted almond. The sweet flavors are still there, and very enjoyable; caramel and vanilla each coming through.
Finish: Silky smooth finish that is full of oak, but didn’t linger quite as long as we would have liked. A dark and warm finish that is extremely enjoyable.
Ratings:
Angela: 92
Zach: 93
Overall Rating: 93/100
Final notes: This is one that is a little bit more difficult to come across than the Weller Special Reserve, and is a little bit more on the shelf. However, this is one that if you can pick it up, you absolutely should. When it’s in stock, you can find it for around $30, but it does go quick, so you have to be lucky to grab one.
