W.L. Weller 12 Year Old, 2012, 45%

The strongest appeal here is the balance between moderate sweetness and the darker notes of cocoa, cedar and nuts. Soft spices add another point of contrast, while toasty vanilla on the nose connects naturally with the gently toasty finish. The heavily wheated character gives the description a clear direction, but it is the way the sweeter and toastier details sit alongside those drier notes that feels most compelling to me. A composed, appealing bourbon character.

Reviewed by teacupkoi

Nose

Lanolin, Almond, Creamed corn, Toasty vanilla

Palate

Heavily wheated, Moderately sweet, Cocoa, Cedar, Nuts, Soft spices

Finish

Smooth, Balanced, Gently toasty