12 years

W.L. Weller is named after William Larue Weller (1825–1899), a third-generation distiller whose family immigrated from Germany to Kentucky in 1794. In 1848, William and his brother Charles established a trading company in Louisville, selling their own whiskey label — a legacy that Buffalo Trace Distillery continues today.

This 12-year wheated bourbon stands apart through its use of wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain alongside the required 51% corn. This choice yields a softer, smoother profile than traditional Kentucky bourbons. The 12-year maturation in new charred American oak barrels is uncommon for wheated bourbons and delivers complexity without the bite often found in the category.

The nose reveals lanolin, almond, toasted vanilla, and creamed corn sweetness. The palate is restrained and layered, with forward oak, tobacco, and leather, followed by brown sugar and vanilla. The finish is long and oaky, with warm oak that anchors the soft wheat base.

A balanced, approachable bourbon that shows its 12 years without fanfare — for those seeking beyond the standard straight bourbon.