Weller 12 Year Bourbon

Eh this is just ok. Was super excited to get and try it but kinda underwhelming. I get some caramel and vanilla but mostly oak. I’d definitely prefer the antique to the 12 year especially as I like higher proof bourbons. This is worth a try but not worth the secondary price IMO. Thank Yellowstone for making it even harder to get.

Weller 12 year is, in my humble opinion, just about the best example of what a definitive bourbon should be. Bearing in mind that I do believe taste is rather subjective ( hence why glorious sites exist like Distiller ) I will put forth that my definition of a great bourbon in the classical sense is something sweet, not too far leaning in any other taste realm, mildly but not overly complex ( I can already see die hard whiskey fans grimacing at that one ) and memorable. Weller 12 ticks all of those boxes and more. Its a crying shame that "market price" for this delicious selection is through the roof. I do understand why it remains as wildly popular as it is... but that doesn't take away the sting to my wallet if I wanted to pony up for a bottle of my own. Luckily there are still fine dining establishments serving up Weller 12 at a halfway decent price per pour. I tried mine at The Peppermill in Tempe, AZ this past week on a business trip. The nose is sweet and tantalizing. You're immediately hit with a creamy blend of vanilla, caramel and milk chocolate. At the tail end of the nose, a little hint of charred oak makes is way in, but only for a fleeting nanosecond. The vanilla, caramel and milk chocolate train continues to the taste. Weller 12 year has a pretty satisfying, thick mouthfeel like Blanton's SB. But with that viscosity and sweetness you tend to worry if this taste will be cloying. However, your fears are put to rest with a fair bit of baking spice which blends the taste and finish and also introduces a little element of heat to the overall affair. On the finish, the baking spice usher in some more creamy caramel with a bit of sweet, nutty pecans. The finish is quite good and surprisingly long lasting for 90 proof ( a bit less than Blanton's but not far off ). A rare 5 for me but well deserved.

Straight: Good

A simply delicious pour. Apple, vanilla, walnut. Enjoyed on the roccs.

Love the smoothness imparted by wheat component of the mashbill and the perfect proof strength. Balanced flavor notes of vanilla, caramel and slight wood round out the experience.