W.L. Weller 12 Years Old

W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon whiskey produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. This wheated bourbon is part of the W.L. Weller brand, which is named after William Larue Weller, a distiller who is credited with being the first to use wheat as the secondary grain in straight bourbon instead of the more commonly used rye [5].

History

William Larue Weller hired the famous Julian Van Winkle, who would later be known as “Pappy.” Van Winkle began his career working for Weller. Weller passed in 1899, and coincidentally his company, W.L. Weller & Sons, later merged with the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which was owned by Van Winkle. The companies worked together through Prohibition, operating under a medicinal license, and eventually became the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company in 1935 [5].

Characteristics

Weller 12 Year embraces a traditional bourbon aroma with strong upfront scents of caramel, vanilla, and charred oak. There’s a powerful degree of sweetness to it which is further emphasized by the introduction of fruit. An amalgamation of apple, apricot, and cherry forms the high point of the sip and is extremely effective despite its straightforwardness. With touches of dry leather and sweet oak weaving their way in and out, the aroma brings just the right amount of depth, leaving you unabashedly satisfied by every part of it [5].

Tasting Notes

Warm red fruit comes out in droves and combines with sweet charred oak and vanilla caramel candy, making for a striking first impression.

Finish

The finish hits just the right intensity. It starts soft and tempered but gently ramps up, pushing forward notes of sweet oak, cinnamon, and toasted pecans. As the heat intensifies, the bourbon’s red fruit notes return, enveloping your mouth with their warm sweet flavors [5].

Price and Availability

Weller 12 Year is available at various online retailers, including The Bourbon Concierge and Folsom Wine and Spirits, with prices ranging from $259 to $299.

Awards and Accolades

Weller 12 Year has received several awards and accolades, including a Silver Medal at the New York World Spirits Competition and a Gold Medal at Whiskies Of The World [4].