Weller 12 Year

Distillery - Buffalo Trace

MSRP - $50 / Secondary - $175

Proof - 90

Age - 12 Year

Mashbill - Not Disclosed

Tasting Notes

• Nose – The moment we brought this pour to our noses, Katie and I exchanged a look that said, "Oh, this is going to be nice." Katie immediately identified strong notes of black cherry, cocoa, and malt, while I was drawn to the rich layers of caramel and oak. The beautifully complex and inviting aroma perfectly set the tone for what was to come.

• Palate – The first thing I noticed about the palate was how balanced this pour is. Nothing jumps out and overpowers, but it’s just such a fantastic experience. Both Katie and I picked up on a sweetness of brown butter or caramel. Katie also called out some fruity notes, specifically apricot, which added a nice touch.

• Finish – The finish mirrors the balance of the palate, with warm, lingering notes of oak and leather that gradually fade, leaving a subtle, satisfying richness behind.

• Overall – Complex but Balanced.

Food Pairing - Steak and Potatoes.

Nav’s Personal Thoughts – Weller 12 hits all the right notes for a wheated bourbon: it’s smooth, balanced, and full of rich flavors that make it stand out. For me, it’s the sweet spot in the Weller lineup, with a depth and flavor profile that Buffalo Trace nailed perfectly. In terms of food pairing, Weller 12 is perfect with steak and potatoes. The sweet and oaky notes balance the savory richness of the steak, while its depth complements the earthy flavors of the potatoes.

That said, Weller 12 shares the same fate as the rest of the lineup—it’s extremely hard to find, thanks to its growing popularity and limited supply. Personally, I’d value this bottle around $100, but I’m not convinced it’s worth the $175+ secondary price tag. Still, it’s absolutely worth hunting for if you enjoy wheated bourbons that showcase a balance of sweet and oaky flavors with a smooth finish.