As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that the Weller bourbons are highly sought after and can be difficult to find. The brand, which is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is known for its high-quality and delicious bourbons. However, some of the expressions in the Weller lineup are more elusive than others.
In terms of availability, the Weller Special Reserve is the most commonly found expression. It is often priced at a more affordable range compared to other Weller bourbons, making it a popular choice among bourbon enthusiasts. The Weller Special Reserve offers a smooth and approachable flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is a great entry-level bourbon for those looking to try Weller for the first time.
The Weller 107, also known as Weller Antique 107, is the next step up in terms of availability. While it may require a bit more effort to find, it is still relatively accessible compared to other Weller expressions. Weller 107 offers a higher proof and a bolder flavor profile, with notes of butterscotch, honey, and spice. It is a favorite among bourbon connoisseurs and can often be found at a slightly higher price point than the Special Reserve.
Moving up the ladder, we come to the Weller 12. This expression is known for its rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of dark fruits, caramel, and toasted oak. However, it is also one of the most difficult Weller bourbons to find. Due to its limited availability and high demand, Weller 12 can be priced out of control in the secondary market. If you are lucky enough to come across a bottle at a reasonable price, it is definitely worth trying.
The Weller Full Proof is another highly sought-after expression in the Weller lineup. It offers a higher proof and a more intense flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, dark chocolate, and leather. Like Weller 12, the Full Proof can be hard to find and expensive, but it is considered by many to be a top-tier bourbon.
The Weller Single Barrel is a single barrel release, meaning each bottle is sourced from a single barrel and may vary in flavor profile. It offers a unique and distinctive experience, with notes of caramel, toasted nuts, and baking spices. However, due to its limited availability and the fact that each barrel produces a limited number of bottles, Weller Single Barrel can be quite elusive and priced at a premium.
We have the Weller CYPB (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon). This expression was released as a result of a survey conducted by Buffalo Trace, where fans were able to vote on various aspects of the bourbon, including the recipe, age, proof, and warehouse location. The Weller CYPB offers a one-of-a-kind flavor profile, tailored to the preferences of Weller fans. However, it is also one of the most difficult Weller bourbons to find, with limited availability and high demand driving up prices.
The hardest Weller bourbon to find is subjective and can vary depending on factors such as location and timing. However, based on availability and market demand, the Weller 12, Full Proof, Single Barrel, and CYPB are generally considered the most elusive and challenging to obtain. While these expressions may come with a higher price tag, they offer unique flavor profiles that many bourbon enthusiasts are willing to seek out.