The Weller Bourbon line is one of my favorites and it is becoming harder to find as it has become more popular and barrels from this lineup are being saved for more prestigious (and hence more expensive) bottlings. Crafted by Buffalo Trace Distiller in Frankfort Kentucky, the Weller lineup is a wheated mash bill. While the exact percentage of grains used in the mash bill isn't widely known for this brand, the rye (and possibly some other part of the grains) has been replaced by wheat. It is still at least 51% corn which is one of the factors that qualifies it to be named as Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
This is the twelve year expression of the Weller lineup at 90 proof (others include a 90 proof seven year? Special reserve and a 107 proof version the Antique, along with the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection version). It is getting harder to find, but when found at around $30, it's a steal in the Bourbon world.
Tasted neat in a glencairn glass out of a 750ml bottle.
The color is mahogany.
The nose is rich, with buttered toffee notes, caramel, a bit of alcohol heat, sea salt, caramel, honey, taffy and a light wood/oak note.
Initially the palate is wide and forward with wood/oak notes, a medium alcohol burn, is sweet, rich, honeyed, full of caramelized sugar syrup and vanilla.
The finish is medium length, some alcohol burn is apparent, along with flavors of warm honey, beeswax and wood.
92/100
I always enjoy this bottle and would use it as a regular drinker if it was more widely available.
