Weller Special Reserve vs Weller 12: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 11th April 2024, 04:24 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 Special Reserve vs Weller 12 in this 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 Special Reserve vs Weller 12: Comparison

Weller Special Reserve: A sweet, smooth wheated bourbon offering maple, apple, and vanilla notes, with a gentle finish of cinnamon and oak. Approachable and enjoyable for a wide range of drinkers, especially those new to bourbon or preferring a softer profile.

Weller 12: Aged 12 years, this bourbon brings a richer oak-forward profile with cherry, cinnamon, and vanilla flavors, but may lack the complexity some seek. For enthusiasts willing to pay for its smoothness and subtle nuances.

Verdict: Choose Weller Special Reserve for an affordable, sweet sipper or opt for Weller 12 if you’re after a smoother, oak-aged experience and are okay with a higher price. Each caters to different tastes and budgets in the wheated bourbon category, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: What’s the Best Weller Bottle?

Weller Special Reserve: A Sweet and Smooth Wheated Bourbon

Nose: Maple, apple, leather, oak
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, baking spice
Finish: Old leather, cinnamon, oak
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks
Similar to: Blanton’s

Looking for a wheated bourbon known for its smooth taste and approachable sweetness? Look no further than Weller Special Reserve. Aged for up to 7 years, this Kentucky bourbon offers a delightful drinking experience for both bourbon enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.

What to expect:

Aroma: Sweet notes of maple honey and apples, balanced by subtle hints of leather and oak.
Taste: Smooth and inviting, with initial flavors of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon, followed by rich dark chocolate and a touch of citrus.
Finish: Warming and slightly dry, lingering with notes of leather, spicy cinnamon, and oak spice.

Key characteristics:

Smooth and easy to drink: Enjoyable neat, with minimal burn.
Sweet and approachable: Offers a pleasant taste profile for various palates.
Lacks complexity: May not satisfy those seeking a more robust and layered bourbon experience.

Weller Special Reserve facts:

Aged: Up to 7 years.
Award: Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Overall, Weller Special Reserve is a solid choice for those seeking a smooth and sweet wheated bourbon. While it might not be the most complex option, it delivers a satisfying and enjoyable drinking experience.

Weller 12: A Smooth, Oak-Forward Wheated Bourbon

Nose: Caramel, cinnamon, oak
Palate: Cherry, cinnamon, vanilla, oak
Finish: Cinnamon, caramel, vanilla
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks
Similar to: Stagg Jr.

Weller 12 is a wheated bourbon known for its smoothness and subtle complexity. Aged for 12 years in new, charred oak barrels, this whiskey offers a distinct flavor profile that some may find appealing, while others might crave more depth.

What to expect:

Aroma: Caramel, cinnamon, and oak.
Taste: A thin body with initial oak notes, followed by cherry, cinnamon, vanilla, and baking spice.
Finish: Short, with lingering cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla.

Key characteristics:

Smooth and easy to drink: No harshness or off-putting flavors.
Oak-forward profile: The aging is evident in the prominent oak taste.
Lacks intensity: Some may find it a bit light-bodied and lacking in complexity compared to other bourbons.

Weller 12 facts:

Aged: 12 years in new, charred American oak barrels.
Award: Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Overall, Weller 12 is a decent wheated bourbon with a smooth taste. However, its thin body and lack of intensity might leave some drinkers wanting more.