Tasting the W.L. Weller 12 Year product, there is a tangible relationship with Pappy Van Winkle. The folks at Pappy distilled the original Weller recipe and the rumor is that Weller shares the same juice as Pappy. The flavor profile of this wheated bourbon has a lot of the same DNA markers as Pappy. With 12 years on it, it is is more expensive than some of its younger brothers but it is a far superior and worthwhile product.
The nose is sweet with smokey vanilla. The taste has the oak profile that tames some of the sweetness with wheated vanilla coming through. The finish is warm with a nice balance of sweet and spice.
The age helps develop the flavor above and beyond the Old Weller Antique. For the price, it is a great value with a good flavor profile.
