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Josh Peters · · 51 Comments
W.L. Weller 12 is among my all-time favorite bourbons; everything about it is stunning. It’s one of those whiskeys I want in my glass at all times and never get tired of. It also shows exactly why people get so crazy about their Pappy Van Winkle.
The same juice that goes into making Pappy Van Winkle goes into making all of the Weller products. The main differences are the choice of wood and where the barrels are stored. Other than that when you’re drinking Weller you’re basically drinking Pappy Van Winkle and $26 for some quality Pappy juice ain’t bad.
Overall it’s simply astounding on every level and I enjoy it from the second I crack open the bottle the last drop in my glass. For my money it’s the best bourbon-for-your-dollar value out there and It’s THE wheated bourbon in my house when I can find it. Just wish it were a bit easier to find here in SoCal.
ABV: 45%
Price: $26
Distiller: W.L. Weller and sons / Buffalo Trace
EYE
Dark caramel with red hues
NOSE
A caramel hulk crashes through the gates accompanied by wood and dark fruit. Vanilla, cherries and bourbon spice come marching in behind followed by red licorice and solid undertones of silky sweetness.
TASTE
It’s a riot of flavor with dark fruit, caramel, bourbon spice and oak brawling for dominance. Vanilla, cherry and a ripe citrus hang out on the fringes getting in a good shot where they can, but never fully getting involved.
FEEL
This is what a bourbon should feel like. Silken with just enough bite to keep you from falling asleep.
FINISH
Wood ends up winning the brawl with caramel coming in second followed by dark fruit, vanilla and citrus on a long slow fade to a warm sweet wood that seems to stick around for hours.
SCORE: 95/100
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- W.L. Weller Special Reserve Review
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51 Comments
Jorge Landa July 19, 2019
Great Review !…A 12 year old wheated bottle of deliciousness !..wish people would be less bias when rating , there are a lot of far less quality more expensive out there getting better reviews , demand has made it hard to get yes , price up yes, but if compared to others today it is an exceptional whiskey in its class, Delicious , well balanced, elegant and unique !
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Josh Peters July 20, 2019
Totally agree, cheers Jorge!
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Jerome Morrow July 1, 2019
Josh,
After years of hopelessly searching for Weller 12 here in NY, I walked into a liquor store near me and miraculously there it was! For $200! I bought a bottle of Larceny instead. Money well spent.Reply
Josh Peters July 7, 2019
Ouch, I’m seeing the same pricing here in CA. The cheapest I’ve seen it for in the last 2-3 years is $140 :/ But that Larceny is a hell of a bargain. Cheers Jerome!
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Joel June 18, 2019
Late to the party, maybe, but here goes…My tastes generally line up pretty closely with Josh’s, but not here. W.L. Weller is easily one of the worst whiskies I’ve ever tasted. It tastes like old, stale Buckley’s cough syrup to me. I’ve had a bottle since April of last year (2017) and it’s still about 3/4 full. Weller Antique 107, now that’s great stuff. I bought 6 bottles of that stuff, and rated it about 92/100 points. But Weller 12 is just awful, bitter, and disgusting to my palate.
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Josh Peters June 20, 2019
I’ve noticed some pretty big changes in the Weller line recently. The 107s I’ve had in the last 2ish years have been hit-or-miss and I agree the W12 has also become rather hit-or-miss too. The consistent quality isn’t there like it used to be.
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Jeremy June 7, 2018
Weller 12 is one of my favorite whiskeys. I was lucky enough to get several bottles in 2017. I also was able to pick up an Van Winkle 12 year old Lot “B”. I had been waiting for the right moment and after winning an award at work decided to celebrate. I first had a nice pour of weller 12 which did not disappoint. Caramel, vanilla and then oak……delicious! I was skeptical about the Van Winkle 12 year. Let me just say that before I tried it my pants were on and once that sweat nectar touched my lips I was standing there naked! It blew my pants right off!! It is like weller 12 on steroids! All those flavors you love amped up. The beautiful thing is that I only payed $79 for the bottle of Van Winkle 12 . I then moved on to a sample of Pappy 20 year that I had procured………no words! What a great night of bourbon bliss!
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Josh Peters June 12, 2018
Hahaha, love the description. Cheers!
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Kelly K June 4, 2018
Well, my original “honey hole” for Weller 12 kind of dried up a bit since Christmas. Lo and behold, I was rummaging around a little dumpy store I visit 2 or 3 times a month. Thus is the kind of place that has limited shelf space and the owner actually stocks some bottles on the floor. Well I was nosing around those ground dwellers and lifted up a clipboard sitting on top of some bottles. What did I find? 2 Weller 12 750’s @ $29.95 each and a couple of 1.75’s for $49.95 a pop. How many did I buy? Take a wild guess. Cheers!
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Jeremy June 7, 2018
Wow! I’m jealous!
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Josh Peters June 25, 2018
If the answer isn’t “all of them” I’ll be very disappointed in you ;) Cheers!
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Don December 23, 2017
I live in upstate New York and today I picked up a weller 12 for 29.99$ and a weller antique collection for 89.99$. Like finding a unicorn around here.
See AlsoW.L. Weller 12-year-old - Ratings and reviews - WhiskybaseW.L. Weller 12-year-old - Ratings and reviews - WhiskybaseW.L. Weller 10-year-old Centennial - Ratings and reviews - WhiskybaseW.L. Weller Special Reserve - Ratings and reviews - WhiskybaseReply
Kelly K December 19, 2017
I may gripe about the high prices on many things, but the Weller Bourbon Gods are smiling down on me. One of my favorite spots currently has Special Reserve for $18, 12 year for $22 and Antique for $31. Granted, the last 2 aren’t always available, but I usually have no problem getting 2 or 3 bottles a month.
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Josh Peters December 27, 2017
That’s awesome! I can’t find the 12 for under $120 in CA
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Mike December 17, 2017
Would you say this is the best Bourbon you’ve had? I’m a fan of TWJ and not seen you score anything as high.
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Dennis December 7, 2017
just came from a liquor store in Napa CA. Weller 12 $249.99 for a bottle! Too much for me, got bottle of Weller Antique for $48.99. 1st time trying it.
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Josh Peters December 9, 2017
I’ve seen those prices here in LA and posted on forums all over the USA. It’s nuts! Hope you enjoy the Antique!
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Jason Mobsby November 12, 2017
Josh I agree with you on many of your reviews. I finally tried the Weller 12 today. Very impressive to say the least.
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Josh Peters November 13, 2017
Thank you and that’s awesome you could find it. Cheers Jason!
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Tony November 9, 2017
I learned today from Sazerac that Weller 12 is not currently distributed in NJ or PA. I would expect the same might be true of some other states.
Looks like a trip to NY is in order but not NYC, where I would expect it to be sold out in short order at a crazy markup.
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Josh Peters November 13, 2017
Oh wow, that’s crazy, I had no idea. Thanks for sharing. Yeah avoid NYC, last time I was there I saw it everywhere… for $120.
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Jeremy October 24, 2017
Weller 12 is hands down my favorite bourbon. I love everything about it. Each sip puts a huge smile on my face. So full of flavor and so easy to drink. Caramel sweetness up front with a lingering sweat oak finish. Met a guy last week who has some serious connections in Kentucky and was able to secure 4 bottles. Had to cough up $90 per bottle but did so with a huge grin on my face. Totally worth it! Especially since I have been trying to land a bottle for 2 years now. Impossible to find in Indiana. Josh love your blog and always check out your reviews if I’m contemplating a new purchase.
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Josh Peters November 8, 2017
Wow, that’s a great grab. Cheers Jeremy and thank you!
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Daniel October 22, 2017
LiquorMart in Boulder CO has this stuff for $21.99 a bottle as an everyday price.
If you get through here………load up the truck!
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Josh Peters November 8, 2017
Wow… that’s an insane price. I can’t find it for under $100 in LA!
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Mike October 13, 2017
Saw one on a shelf the other day for $200. You got to be kidding me. Sad thing is, there are people out there that would pay for it. Sorry but no, just no. Insult to my intelligence the staff at that place would even try justifying that price, haha. I looked online, one website had it priced for over 700 bucks. Finding this bottle, for one, and then paying a somewhat reasonable price for it has become the bane of my existence. Regardless, a man can dream.
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Josh Peters November 8, 2017
It’s CRAZY right? I used to buy it all the time for $25. The times we live in man. Cheers Mike!
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Cory June 29, 2017
Just managed to get two bottles of the new bottling. A real highpoint in my continuing quest to find the good stuff. Paid 88 bucks for two bottles which I feel is reasonable. I havnt had the previous bottling but the new 12 is top notch.
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Ryan West June 29, 2017
Just scored 2 myself (hopefully 2 more tomorrow fingers crossed), 3 bottles of Elmer and 1x Stagg Jr — today was a good day. Cheers!
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Josh Peters June 30, 2017
Considering the climate today that’s a decent prince indeed. Cheers!
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Mike June 8, 2017
The more you talk about it the more chance of it beciming like Pappy and being too expensive for all us average Joe’s.
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Josh Peters June 11, 2017
Too late unfortunately. I haven;t been able to find a bottle of this in almost 3 years :/
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Jim February 4, 2017
I just found a bottle while on vacation in Florida this week. Stopped in the local ABC store and saw Weller Special Rserve on the shelf. Took a chance and asked if he had a bottle of 12 Year in the back, He smiled and said “Yes, I have ONE botttle.” WINNER!! For under $30 too.
First time I have ever had the 12 Year and oh my is it amazing. Rich, sweet, full bodied and consistent from nose to finish. Fantastic start to a 10 day Disney vacation. (And the bar at our resort has an amazing top shelf bourbon and scotch selection.}. Let the fun begin!
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Josh Peters February 28, 2017
Nice! Cheers Jim.
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Catch22 October 24, 2016
Danner, I really like Antique and its higher proof amps up everything I like about the 12, with the exception of the woodiness. Mixed together? Heaven in a glass. Give it a try.
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B Danner October 6, 2016
My store emailed me that they had received their allotment of 12 bottles. I was over there in a flash to pick up my limit of 1. Looking forward to trying this unicorn. The only other Weller I’ve tried is the Weller Antique 107 proof and it is, so far, my favorite wheater by a mile and one of my favorites period. Hope this one lives up to the hype. For $30 it would seem to be a can’t miss.
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dave September 15, 2016
finally found 2 bottles of this. it’s horrible. ;-)
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Josh Peters October 3, 2016
Haha, well I’ll happily take them off your hands then ;)
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Brad September 12, 2016
Hi Josh, so what’s the deal with this bourbon? Is it really hard to find? This review is the first time I’ve heard of this particular one. Is it something that I can find at most liquor stores? Thanks!
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Josh Peters October 3, 2016
Hey Brad,
It used to be able to be found everywhere. I’ve been buying it for years at $24 a bottle, but then it became super popular and it disappeared. It’s now a heavily allocated bourbon that often costs $45+ when you do come across it. :/
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Robert February 23, 2016
I think for most of us the days of finding true “dusties” are long gone. But Weller 12 is as close as I come these days. Finding a bottle for $29 on a recent business trip made my day.
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Josh Peters March 7, 2016
Ha, you’re about right man. If I could find a W12 for $29 I’d probably do a little dance in the store. It’s the modern dusty :)
Cheers!
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Thomas W. February 20, 2016
Hello Josh! :) I’m new to the website but old friend with the Bourbon even thought I’m only 28. The W.L Weller 12 is the perfect example of word to mouth kind of deal. 3 even 2 years ago I wouldn’t be writing this, because first of all I wouldn’t try W.L.W 12 in the first place and second of all I didn’t care much for bourbons below the $30 mark. Now, had I understand the pull of the illusive “Van Winkle” I fully came to appreciate it. It’s super expansive because people want it, plain and simple. Same thing happened to our old friend Weller 12. Word got out that this dram is simply outstanding and being that it costs little more than a freaking Jack Daniel’s!. Word got out and rest is history, in my town where I could go and grab a bottle at a moment notice suddenly it’s dry everywhere!!!:( So in short, good word travels fast and there are only limited quantities of great whiskey around so be cautious what you recommending.(I hope my beloved Evan Williams white label in Bond and Benchmark No.8 stay a close guarded secret.)
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Josh Peters March 7, 2016
Cheer Thomas and thanks for the comment. I’ve already spilled the beans on the EW BiB, but haven’t tried the Benchmark #8 yet. Though you’re the second person this week who’s mentioned it so maybe I need to pick a bottle up.
Cheers!
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Mike February 11, 2016
I wish I could find some. It’s like unobtanium. 12$ a glass @ a nice bar in Deep Elum in DAllas, TX a few weeks back. crazy.
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Josh Peters February 15, 2016
This is at least $50 a bottle when the allocations come into LA. I miss the days I could pick it up on the shelf for $20ish bucks.
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Paul November 16, 2015
Haven’t tried Wellers yet, still working my way through a long list. I was wandering if you have tried willett pot still reserve and what your opinion is on it.
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Josh Peters November 28, 2015
Wellers is good stuff and so is the Willett Pot Still. I haven’t picked up a bottle yet, but I have had some from a buddy’s bottle and enjoyed it quite a bit.
Cheers!
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Abe March 27, 2015
Really solid value in a bottle of this for less than $30. Really… solid. My experience isn’t all the way up to a 95 with this, but I also can’t really argue with your designation as “best bourbon-for-your-dollar value.”
Great review, once again. Keep ’em coming!
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CJ August 7, 2014
I have to agree Weller 12 is my go to whiskey! Weller 12 smooth full of flavor and you will want more. Some of the higher end whiskeys are too hot and harsh for my taste but Weller 12 is just perfect. I am not a whiskey snob I say if you like it drink it. Weller 12 in my opinion is ranks up there with the finest most expensive whiskeys. If you can find it by it!
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Josh Peters August 7, 2014
100% agree. Cheers!
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