W.L. Weller 12 Year is a wheated bourbon whiskey produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is part of the distillery’s W.L. Weller line of wheated bourbons.
Weller 12 is distilled from an undisclosed mash bill that consists of corn, wheat, and malted barley. The use of wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye gives the bourbon a softer and sweeter character. It is aged for a minimum of 12 years in new, charred oak barrels, allowing the whiskey to develop its rich and complex flavors.
Weller 12 has gained a significant following among bourbon enthusiasts and has become increasingly sought after in recent years. Its popularity can be attributed to its high quality, limited availability, and its association with the well-regarded Pappy Van Winkle bourbons. In fact, Weller 12 is often considered a more accessible alternative to the highly-coveted Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot “B”, which features the same recipe, age statement, and 90 proof strength.