If you’re a whiskey enthusiast or even just bourbon-curious, you’ve likely heard the buzz around Weller’s Bourbon. With a reputation for being both hard to find and highly sought after, it’s natural to ask:
Is Weller’s Bourbon really that good—or just overhyped?
In this review, we’ll break down what makes Weller special, explore its flavor profiles, compare it to similar bourbons, and give you an honest answer to whether it lives up to the hype.
What Is Weller’s Bourbon?
Weller’s Bourbon is a wheated bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery—the same legendary producer behind Pappy Van Winkle. Weller shares a similar mash bill (wheat instead of rye), which gives it a smoother, softer, sweeter flavor profile compared to traditional bourbons.
There are several expressions under the Weller label, including:
- Weller Special Reserve (green label)
- Weller Antique 107 (red label)
- Weller 12 Year (black label)
- Weller Full Proof
- Weller Single Barrel
- Weller CYPB (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon)
Each has a slightly different strength, age, and flavor profile—but all are united by the use of wheat in place of rye, giving Weller a distinct edge in smoothness and approachability.
How Does Weller Taste?
Yes—Weller’s Bourbon is genuinely good. Especially when judged against other bourbons in the same price range (or even higher).
Here’s a general breakdown of the Weller flavor experience:
Aroma
- Sweet caramel and vanilla
- Hints of cinnamon and baking spice
- Subtle oak and honey
Palate
- Smooth mouthfeel thanks to the wheated mash
- Rich notes of toffee, brown sugar, and butterscotch
- Balanced oakiness with little to no burn (even in higher-proof versions like Antique 107)
Finish
- Long, warm, and silky
- Slight spice or char on the back end depending on proof
The Weller 12 Year in particular is often referred to as “baby Pappy” because of its resemblance to the far more expensive (and elusive) Pappy Van Winkle 15—at a fraction of the price.
Awards & Recognition
Weller has earned significant acclaim within the bourbon community:
- Weller Antique 107 frequently tops “best value” bourbon lists.
- Weller 12 Year is a cult favorite, with resale prices skyrocketing.
- The CYPB expression (created by fan votes) was considered one of the best bourbons of the year upon release.
With such consistent praise across its product line, it’s easy to see why collectors and enthusiasts are constantly hunting for it.
Is Weller Worth the Hype?
Let’s answer the core question: Is Weller’s Bourbon good—and is it worth it?
If You Can Find It at MSRP:
Yes, absolutely. Weller offers an exceptional balance of price and quality. Special Reserve can often be found around $30–40, and Antique 107 around $50–60—if you’re lucky. At these prices, they compete with (and often outperform) bourbons twice the cost.
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