Weller 12-Year is indeed becoming increasingly difficult to find. As a sommelier and avid bourbon enthusiast, I have noticed a growing scarcity of this particular bourbon on the shelves of liquor stores and bars. Its limited availability has created quite a buzz among whiskey aficionados, leading to its reputation as a highly sought-after and coveted bottle.
One of the reasons for its scarcity is its mash bill, which sets it apart from other bourbons. Weller 12-Year is made using a wheated mash bill, meaning that a significant portion of the grain used in the distillation process is wheat instead of the more commonly used rye. This gives the bourbon a distinct flavor profile, often described as softer and smoother compared to bourbons with higher rye content.
The popularity of Weller 12-Year has surged in recent years, partly due to its association with the highly regarded and elusive Pappy Van Winkle bourbons. Weller and Pappy Van Winkle share the same wheated mash bill, and both are produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. As a result, many whiskey enthusiasts who are unable to find Pappy Van Winkle have turned to Weller as a more accessible alternative.
The increased demand for Weller 12-Year has led to shortages and limited allocations. The whiskey community, fueled by online forums and social media, eagerly tracks any updates on its availability and quickly snatches up the bottles when they do appear. This heightened interest has also resulted in inflated prices on the secondary market, with some bottles selling for significantly higher than their retail price.
Furthermore, the fact that Weller 12-Year is often bottled at a higher strength, typically around 90 proof, adds to its appeal. Higher proof bourbons are generally sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the added intensity and complexity that comes with a higher alcohol content. This higher proof also allows for more flexibility in cocktails, as it can stand up to dilution without losing its flavor profile.
Weller 12-Year has become increasingly difficult to find due to its unique wheated mash bill, its association with the elusive Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, and its higher proof bottling. Its limited availability has made it a highly sought-after bourbon among whiskey enthusiasts, leading to scarcity and higher prices on the secondary market.