Weller 12 Year is a bourbon that is often hailed as the “poor man's Pappy” due to its similarities in taste and quality to the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle bourbons. Both Weller and Pappy Van Winkle bourbons share the same wheated mash bill, which is one of the factors that contribute to their smooth and rich flavor profiles.
The mash bill used in Weller 12 Year is the Buffalo Trace wheated mash bill. This particular mash bill consists of corn, wheat, and malted barley. Unlike traditional bourbons, which use rye as the secondary grain in their mash bill, wheated bourbons like Weller and Pappy Van Winkle replace the rye with wheat. This substitution gives the bourbon a softer, sweeter, and more mellow flavor profile.
The use of wheat in the mash bill of Weller 12 Year brings out notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey, while still maintaining a depth and complexity that bourbon enthusiasts appreciate. The absence of rye in the mash bill also contributes to a smoother mouthfeel and a more rounded finish.
Having personally tasted Weller 12 Year, I can attest to its delicious and well-balanced flavor profile. The combination of the corn, wheat, and malted barley creates a bourbon that is both sweet and savory, with hints of oak and spice. The aroma is inviting, with notes of caramel and vanilla, and the taste is smooth and velvety on the palate.
In comparison to the higher-end Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, Weller 12 Year offers a similar taste experience at a more affordable price point. While Pappy Van Winkle bourbons are highly sought after and often difficult to find, Weller 12 Year provides a great alternative for bourbon enthusiasts who want to enjoy a wheated bourbon without breaking the bank.
Weller 12 Year uses the Buffalo Trace wheated mash bill, which consists of corn, wheat, and malted barley. This mash bill gives the bourbon its smooth, sweet, and mellow flavor profile, making it a popular choice among bourbon lovers. Whether you're a fan of Pappy Van Winkle or simply looking for a high-quality wheated bourbon, Weller 12 Year is definitely worth trying.