WELLER 12 YO The ORIGINAL Wheated BOURBON 70 cl

Description

Weller 12 Year The Original Wheated Bourbon: Heritage, Wheat and Oak Maturation

W.L. Weller 12 Year Old is part of a historic American bourbon tradition associated with William Larue Weller, a whiskey merchant born in 1825. He established W.L. Weller & Brothers in 1849 and became known for promoting the use of wheat instead of rye in bourbon production.

Today, the W.L. Weller range is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Its expressions share the characteristic wheated mash bill, although they differ in age, bottling strength and flavour profile.

Weller 12 Year Old is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey matured for twelve years. This ageing period is relatively long for bourbon, particularly considering the seasonal temperature variations experienced in Kentucky.

As a bourbon, its mash bill contains at least 51% corn. Wheat replaces the rye traditionally used as the secondary grain, while malted barley is also part of the recipe. Buffalo Trace does not publicly disclose the precise proportions of these grains.

The use of wheat is central to the whiskey's identity. Rye-based bourbons often display pronounced spicy notes, whereas wheated recipes tend to emphasise softness, cereal sweetness and a rounded mouthfeel.

Maturation takes place in new charred American oak barrels, as required for bourbon production. Over twelve years, interaction with the wood contributes colour, flavour and aromatic complexity.

Weller 12 Year Old displays a deep bronze appearance. Its nose reveals almond, creamed corn, toasted vanilla and a distinctive lanolin note, as described by the distillery.

The palate is smooth and moderately sweet, with layered wheat and corn flavours. Oak provides structure and depth, while the relatively restrained bottling strength allows the softer grain character to remain prominent.

The finish is long, oaky and exceptionally smooth, reflecting the interaction between the wheated recipe and extended barrel maturation.

At 45% ABV, or 90 proof, Weller 12 Year Old is best explored neat. Allowing the whiskey a few minutes in the glass can help reveal its aromas. A small addition of water may also be used according to personal preference.

The 70 cl expression is particularly relevant for bourbon enthusiasts interested in comparing wheated recipes with traditional rye-based Kentucky bourbons.

Its distinctive character comes from three defining elements: the replacement of rye with wheat, a full twelve years of maturation and the influence of new charred American oak.