Weller 12 Year is one of the most allocated wheated bourbons in America, produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery using the same legendary Mash Bill #2 that goes into Pappy Van Winkle. The W.L. Weller line traces back to William Larue Weller, the 19th century distiller widely credited with first using wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain in bourbon. Aged a full 12 years and bottled at 90 proof, this is the longest aged member of the standard Weller core lineup, delivering the brand's signature soft, honeyed, dessert leaning profile with extra oak depth and complexity from the additional time in barrel. Highly sought after at retail and rarely seen at MSRP.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
W.L. Weller |
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Style |
Wheated Bourbon (wheat as secondary grain) |
| Mash Bill |
Mash Bill #2 (wheated, exact recipe undisclosed) |
| Age Statement |
12 Years |
| Maturation |
New Charred American Oak |
| Namesake |
William Larue Weller, pioneer of wheated bourbon |
| ABV |
45% |
| Proof |
90 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Packaging |
Bottle only |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with rich copper highlights.
Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla, baked apple, cinnamon, and warm oak with a hint of dried apricot.
Palate: Soft and creamy, with caramel, vanilla bean, brown sugar, baked pastry, gentle baking spice, and a touch of leather.
Finish: Long, sweet, and warming, with lingering honey, toasted oak, and soft cinnamon.
FAQ
What's the connection to Pappy Van Winkle? Weller and Pappy Van Winkle share the same wheated mash bill (Mash Bill #2) and are both produced at Buffalo Trace under Sazerac. Weller 12 is widely considered one of the closest accessible alternatives to Pappy 12, which is why it's often called the "poor man's Pappy" by enthusiasts, though demand has driven Weller 12 itself far beyond MSRP.
Why is Weller 12 so hard to find? Buffalo Trace cannot produce 12 year aged wheated bourbon on demand. Today's bottles were laid down in 2011 or 2012, well before the bourbon boom peaked. Combined with explosive demand from the wheated bourbon craze, supply has been chronically constrained for years.
How does it compare to other Weller expressions? Weller Special Reserve (90 proof, NAS) is the entry point. Weller Antique 107 is higher proof but younger. Weller Full Proof is bottled at the original 114 entry proof. Weller 12 sits at the top of the standard lineup with the longest age statement, before the limited annual William Larue Weller Antique Collection release. Pairs naturally with the wheated Larceny Barrel Proof for a side by side wheated bourbon flight.
Where can I buy Weller 12 Year online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
