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Bourbon Review: W. L. Weller 12 Year Old

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9

Bourbon Review: W. L. Weller 12 Year Old

While all whiskeys with great reputations are worth trying at some point, W.L. Weller 12 Year Old stands out for its consistent quality and excellent value.
  • Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer, YouTuber, and former manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.
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Tasting Notes:

About:

William Larue Weller first launched his one of a-kind wheated bourbon in 1849. He would often seal the bottle with a green wax thumbprint to help solidify it’s quality. He then went on to merge his company with A. Ph. Stitzel to help create the Stitzel Weller Distillery where this liquid was produced up until 1972, when the distillery was bought and sold to numerous different owners. Since 1999, W.L.Weller has been produced at The Buffalo Trace Distillery and bottled by them, also. Produced via mash-bill number three, the distilleries wheated mash-bill. This liquid shares it’s DNA with Pappy Van Winkle, although the barrel selection process is different to that of the Weller released products.


Appearance:
Dark Honey
Nose:
A big combination of sweet and delicious things. Mint, honey, chocolate, coco pops, cocoa powder, chocolate truffles, apple blossom and crème brûlée.

Super rich and decadent, but with a good mix of acidic elements to cut through the richness.
Palate:
The chocolate notes are there again, but not as intense, more laid back now. The acidic hit from apple, cherry, and orange help cut through all of those rich honey and cocoa notes.

There’s a little bit of dryness at the back of your throat, but it just adds another aspect of balance in the grand scheme of the bourbon’s richness.
Finish:
Just wonderful. More honey and chocolate, the intensity of those chocolate truffle notes just coming back again. Now it’s full of dry, slightly sour cherry and apples notes. But the chocolate intensity from this is just on a different level.
Comments:
I love this. I’ve just managed to purchase a new bottle from a friend to see me through 2025. I’m a wheated bourbon fan in general, but this stuff just hits every spot in just the right way.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Who Will Enjoy W.L.Weller 12 Year Old?

Honestly, anyone. The only downside in today’s market is that you might have to pay more than you’d like for it. Auctions are a reliable way to pick up a bottle close to its recommended retail price (RRP). However, if you visit retailers worldwide, you’ll often find it marked up.

That said, if you love sweet, decadent flavors reminiscent of a dessert trolley soaked in exceptional bourbon, this is the perfect choice for you!

While all whiskeys with great reputations are worth trying at some point, W.L. Weller 12 Year Old stands out for its consistent quality and excellent value—especially if you can snag it at the standard price.

What Makes It Standout Against Other Bourbons?

Using wheat instead of rye in the mash bill isn’t unusual these days. Many brands with strong reputations—like Maker’s Mark, Bernheim, and Larceny—offer wheated bourbons. However, Weller, which introduced this style to the market in 1849, still manages to distinguish itself. Its enduring appeal lies in how it’s perceived today.

For example, Maker’s Mark recently released its Cellar Aged range, blending similarly aged bourbons at cask strength. While these releases are fantastic, there’s something uniquely satisfying about Weller’s 45% ABV—it perfectly captures the essence of wheated bourbon perfection.

Is W.L.Weller 12 Year Old a Good Introduction To Other Styles Of Bourbon?

Absolutely! If you’ve only tried a standard bourbon or rye, this is a fantastic way to explore something a bit different. W.L. Weller 12 Year Old retains the dry, woody qualities you’d expect from bourbon but elevates the richness in all the right ways. It’s sweet and indulgent without being overwhelming. Thanks to its expertly blended casks, the influence of new oak, and the ideal 45% ABV, this bourbon is a must-have for any open drinking cabinet.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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