Weller 12 Year Bourbon

Full, vanilla

Weller belongs to the growing category of bourbons that are affordable in theory but unattainable in reality. Priced by MSRP in the $35 range, this bottle gets gobbled up by sharp-eyed collectors, and I've never even seen it in a store. After trying it, I can see why -- if I could find it, this might become my favorite bourbon at its price point. The nose is complex and unusual. It has some conventional bourbon scents, cherry, caramel, and brown sugar, but there also is some aromatic sandalwood that lends it a more luxurious air. The strangest scent I got was mink oil, which reminds me some high-end leather rejuvenators (Saphir in particular). Weller's taste hews closer to a classic wheated bourbon profile, like a milder but better version of Weller Antique 107: black cherry pie and baking spices. The finish transforms to other dessert flavors, including pear tart, cherry again, and a smidgen of heat.

Lovely smooth finish... I get a very similar nose with all three Weller’s, but this one takes the cake when it comes to complexity.