Last Updated on: 11th April 2024, 03:06 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Weller 12 vs Weller Single Barrel in this head-to-head in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Weller 12 vs Single Barrel: Comparison
Weller 12: Smooth with a blend of vanilla, caramel, and cherry, yet has a short finish. Its smoothness is award-winning, but the brief aftertaste may leave some desiring more.
Weller Single Barrel: Offers a rich taste with a slightly higher proof for added warmth. Enjoyable medium finish with signature sweetness. Valued for its quality, best enjoyed without overpaying.
Verdict: Both bourbons highlight Weller’s smooth, wheated profile. Preference depends on one’s taste for finish length and warmth. Enjoyment comes from exploring the unique flavors each bottle offers, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Weller Selections
Weller 12: Smooth Sailing, Short Finish (But Award-Winning!)
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Weller Special Reserve
First Impressions: Gentle sweetness on the nose, with brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of baking spice mingling with oak. It’s subtle, not overwhelming.
On the Palate: Velvety smooth, with rich vanilla and caramel leading the charge. Cherries add a hint of fruitiness, and oak rounds things out. Yum!
The Final Farewell: Here’s where things get tricky. The finish is short, leaving you wanting more. No real kick of heat, either. Pleasant vanilla, caramel, and oak linger, but it fades fast.
Overall: Weller 12 is easy to sip, with a smooth texture and delicious flavors. But that short finish might leave you feeling unfulfilled. Adding a few drops of water can help, but it doesn’t fix the fade-out.
Worth the Hype? It’s a good bourbon, no doubt. But remember, it won a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition! Awards don’t lie, but maybe manage your expectations before diving in.
Bonus Facts:
- Aged 12 years in new, charred oak barrels, giving it that depth of flavor.
- Double Gold winner at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Weller Single Barrel: A Sweet Wheated Delight (But Don’t Overpay!)
- Alcohol content: 97 proof (43.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Weller CYPB
Nose: Sweet caramel and brown sugar greet you, with a hint of toasted oak in the background.
Palate: A gentle warmth leads to a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Honey, cinnamon, and caramel dance on your tongue, leaving a touch of oak spice in their wake.
Finish: Medium-length, warm, and pleasantly sweet with that classic Buffalo Trace brown sugar note.
Neat or on the Rocks? This one shines neat, letting its subtle flavors blossom. But a dash of water can open things up, highlighting the sweetness and oak.
The Verdict: A delicious, easy-sipping wheated bourbon. But remember, it’s great, not magic! Avoid crazy prices and grab it at MSRP if you can. Stock up if you find a good deal!
Bonus Facts:
- Handcrafted, one barrel at a time.
- Aged around 7 years (no official age statement).
- From the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery, home to other gems like Blanton’s and Pappy Van Winkle.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Weller 12 | $240 |
| Weller Single Barrel | $900 |