Brian Dawson says on August 5, 2020
General description
This 2017 “Rare Bourbon” was purchased as a result of my entry being drawn from the November 2017 Rare Bourbon Idaho State Liquor Lottery. Opened on 27-04-2018, the sparse review below was written before my nose and palate matured. I look forward to securing another bottle for future go-around. You should too!
WELLER 12 YEAR OLD VITAL STATS:
– Category: Wheated Bourbon
– Region: Kentucky, USA
– Distillery: Buffalo Trace
– Mash Bill: unknown, but likely similar to other Weller releases: Corn: 70%; Wheat: 14-16%; Malted Barley: 16-14%
– Cask: New Charred Oak
– Age: 12 Years
– Barrel Char: #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: 114
– ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
– Purchase Price: $32.95 USD in Idaho (Dec 2017)
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I drank this spirit neat, from 8 oz Mason jelly jars with fellow fisherman, hunter and good friend, Bud Lancaster.
Nose
Simple syrup, circus peanuts, with hints of red licorice and just enough bourbon sweetness. What a dangerous confectionery. It is a good thing there’s a hint of cinnamon to break the sweetness up.
Palate
Sweet oak and vanilla with hints of citrus slip across the tongue. Careful sipping adds cherry and a nice white pepperiness. As the glass draws empty, oak comes barreling in.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Superbly balanced and with a full body its oily mouth feel is fantastic. In the Glencairn the juice at first coats then the curtain breaks to long clinging legs falling back into an auburn and polished mahogany coloured pool.
Finish
Weller 12 year old lingers only a short time, then fades to warm the throat. This bourbon begs another taste.
Leave a review