Weller 12 Year Bourbon

I recently acquired my initial bottle of Weller 12 from Europe at a reasonable cost. I had always heard claims of it being unimpressive and overhyped, but I believe it's always best to form your own opinion. I'm truly pleased I did. Rather than the diluted spirit I was led to anticipate, I discovered a remarkably well-rounded bourbon. It boasts an amazing aroma, a delightful taste, and a brief yet satisfying conclusion. It's the essence of bourbon, featuring notes of vanilla, caramel (more like pancake syrup), oak, and red fruit, specifically strawberry, which is uncommon. I must emphasize its superb equilibrium. I can see how some might be let down if they paid a premium for it, as its alcohol content certainly limits its full capability. However, on its own merits, it's simply exceptional. This could easily introduce newcomers to bourbon. Furthermore, I'd say it holds up well against other Weller/Van Winkle products I've experienced. This particular bottling was better than the Van Winkle 12 I sampled. I also found it more enjoyable than the Weller 107 and Old Rip 10 I've tried, though 107 remains a solid choice overall, depending on your preference for intensity and spice. To be fair, it didn't match the Pappy 15 I tasted, but if you examine the aroma and flavor closely, the pancake and maple notes I detect in that Pappy 15 are just beginning to emerge here. You can imagine this reaching that level with an additional three years of aging and a higher proof. In summary, this was a thoroughly positive experience, and I purchased another bottle to keep on hand for special moments over the next few years.

NEAT NOSE - Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, and Raspberries PALATE - Velvety smooth and viscous. This bourbon has an incredible mouthfeel. The caramel and oak are the most prominent notes, supported by hints of vanilla and a touch of raspberry on the finish. FINISH - A quick flash of raspberry with lingering oak and caramel sweetness. BUY? - Definitely. At the suggested retail price, which thankfully is what I paid. However, if I had to pay more, I'd be willing to spend $60-80 maximum due to its scarcity and difficulty in obtaining it. BUY AGAIN? - Absolutely!! Comparison to Weller Antique 107: I was hoping not to like this one because of the mixed reviews it receives, but this is genuinely a very good bourbon for its cost. Compared to the 107, the 107 is brighter and fruitier, while this one is oakier, denser, and richer. The Weller 12 also has a superior mouthfeel. If I had to choose one, I would pick the Weller 12, but both are excellent, ESPECIALLY at SRP.

⌚️: Just opened! Let it sit for about five minutes. 👀: Light copper flecks with thin, wispy legs, doesn't cling much; 👃: A slightly artificial scent, cherry, shortbread, and ethanol at the back; 👅: The alcohol hits you right away, quickly giving way to soft, sweet shortbread and melty butterscotch flavors; definitely soft and sweet; 🏁: The flavor doesn't stick around at all, doesn't linger, very astringent and clean at the end so you can move on to the next sip if you want, maybe not a popular opinion but I honestly don't understand the buzz about this one, aside from its smoothness. I'll try it again with a fresh palate.

Nose: strawberry, cherry, plum, orange - quite rich fruit. Also some chestnut wood / hazelnut depth. A little astringency. Palate: Primarily a very deep, muted caramel at the start. Very smooth - no sharp notes at all. Almost disappointing until the caramel sweetness really shines mid-palate. The fruitiness appears right after. Overall very good and approachable...which is why Weller appeals to a wide audience. The finish is not very long, and there's nothing particularly complex here...just very enjoyable in its straightforwardness. T8ke: 7.6

I adore this Bourbon! This particular bottling offers all the characteristics of a high-end whiskey at an affordable cost. I will likely never have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Pappy, but I find it hard to believe it could be significantly better. The primary flavors I detect on the nose and palate in the Weller 12 are orange, maple, vanilla, and spice, all harmoniously balanced. The sip concludes with a satisfying warmth in the throat and belly.

Nose: stroopwaffle Palate: Not spicy, but not very flavorful either. If you let it linger on the tongue after a sip, there's a subtle something, and the good news is letting it linger doesn't burn your mouth. Smooth. Finish: It's pleasant. Classic vanilla and sugar from a smooth wheated bourbon. Perhaps worth a pour at a bar if encountered, but not worth the price on the secondary market for a full bottle. Notably: CYPB is the best wheated bourbon I have ever tasted. It is just very rarely seen.