W.L. Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon 700ml

Product Description

W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon 700ml: The Wheated Bourbon Fans Hunt For

W.L. Weller 12 Year Old is one of the most sought-after bottles in American whiskey, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a wheated bourbon aged a minimum of 12 years, far longer than most wheated bourbons, and bottled at 90 proof. The wheat in the mash bill, in place of rye, gives it a soft, smooth, mellow character with creamy vanilla and toasted nut notes. It’s made at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and it has been a bourbon-hunter favorite for years, with limited availability and strong demand.

The brand is named for William Larue Weller (1825–1899), an early Kentucky distiller who is credited with being among the first to make straight bourbon with wheat instead of rye. Weller’s bourbon was popular enough in its day that he put a green thumbprint on his invoices and barrels as a mark of authenticity.

What “Wheated Bourbon” Means

All bourbon is at least 51% corn. After that, most bourbon uses rye as the second grain, which adds spice. A wheated bourbon uses wheat instead, which produces a softer, rounder, sweeter profile with less pepper. Weller’s wheated recipe is shared across Buffalo Trace’s wheated family, which is why Weller fans often search for it alongside Pappy Van Winkle. They’re different bottles, though, with different barrel selections and aging.

How Weller 12 Is Made

Weller 12 starts with Buffalo Trace’s wheated mash bill and ages for a minimum of 12 years in new charred American oak. It comes out a deep, burnished bronze. It’s bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). It has earned a Double Gold at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a Gold at the 2019 Whiskies of the World, and an “Extraordinary” rating (95–100) at the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep burnished bronze.

Nose: Lanolin, almond, creamed corn, and toasty vanilla, with caramel and molasses.

Palate: Heavily wheated, layered, and moderately sweet, with candied corn, ripe fruit, cocoa powder, and dried fruit.

Finish: Long, oaky, and intensely smooth, with hints of mint, fruit, and vanilla.

Food Pairings

The creamy vanilla, caramel, and cocoa in Weller 12 pair well with dark chocolate, pecan pie, bread pudding, and crème brûlée. It also goes with aged cheddar, roasted nuts, and smoked or grilled meats, and it’s a classic pairing with a good cigar.

Serving Suggestions

Weller 12 is best sipped neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass, with a few drops of water if you like. At 90 proof it drinks soft, so a single large cube works too. It’s a bottle many people save for a special occasion rather than mix, though it makes an excellent Old Fashioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Weller 12? At least 12 years.

What proof is it? 90 proof (45% ABV).

What is a wheated bourbon? A bourbon made with wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye, which makes it softer and sweeter.

Why is it hard to find? Demand is high and Buffalo Trace allocates it, so availability is limited.

What size is this bottle? 700ml. We also carry a 750ml and 1L version.

Is it related to Pappy Van Winkle? Both are wheated bourbons associated with Buffalo Trace, but they’re different products with different barrels and aging.

Where is it made? At Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Is it a good gift? Yes. It’s one of the most recognized bottles a bourbon fan can receive.

Explore More

Want a different size? See the W.L. Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml and 1L, or compare it with the W.L. Weller Antique 107 and the Weller 12 Year, Antique 107 & Special Reserve Trio. Shop the full W.L. Weller collection for more.

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