Weller Centennial & Weller 12

[ProofPositive]

What is the consensus here as to which is considered the better bourbon, Weller Centennial 10yo or Weller 12yo? Judging by price it must be the Centennial....but, I know price does not always dictate when it comes to bourbons. From reading past threads, the Centennial has quite a following for sure. However, I do recollect in recent memory hearing more than one strong positive on here for Weller 12. Anyhow, I could not resist the $19.99 price tag of W12 when I ran across one yesterday. For some reason, there just are not many of them around here - nor the Centennial for that matter.

[robbyvirus]

They're both quite excellent. While I'd give the edge to the 12 yo, that may be just my personal taste. The centennial is 100 proof and the 12 yo 90 proof.

[ProofPositive]

They're both quite excellent. While I'd give the edge to the 12 yo, that may be just my personal taste. The centennial is 100 proof and the 12 yo 90 proof.

Very good point - forgot to acknowledge the fact - that we are talking about 2 different proofs. Normally, the 100+ proof bottle will cost more in most cases.....that is, if it is the good stuff.

I opened this 12yo a little while ago and I am impressed. It is very, very good.....think I'll get to that second pour now.

[jburlowski]

Personally, I'd go with the Centennial. I have a real fondness for it ---- partially because I had my first bottle with some good friends I hadn't seen in years while sitting on our deck on a perfect summer eveneing.

Having said that... I also think it hits the perfect balance of age (oakiness) and drinkability.

[barturtle]

I have a real fondness for the Centennial, but have to admit that I've yet to have the newer BT version, as I still have several of the SW bottles bunkered.

[Virus_Of_Life]

I have a real fondness for the Centennial, but have to admit that I've yet to have the newer BT version, as I still have several of the SW bottles bunkered.

I am kind of thinking along your lines on this Timothy, I am not buying any Wellers that are not SW bourbon. I seem to be finding enough of the older SW wellers that I just out and out refuse to buy the newer stuff anytime soon. And I especially like it when I come across Liter bottles of the WL special reserve for only $17 - thats less than I find any of the newer 750ml bottles! :grin:

Nothing against BT, we all know they make great bourbon, but I have tasted enough to know that I'd rather buy and bunker all the SW prior to touching the newer stuff.

[Ken Weber]

I understand your love of Van Winkle Bourbons; I'm there with you. However, I really think you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Weller offerings, especially at the their price.

Ken

[Nebraska]

I agree, I found a bottle Weller Reserve 750ml for $17 and still thought it to be a great value. Love the Weller Antique 107 as well, one of my favorites.

Mark/Nebraska

[TNbourbon]

I understand your love of Van Winkle Bourbons; I'm there with you. However, I really think you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Weller offerings, especially at the their price.

Ken

Ken, you know there is no dearth of love here for Buffalo Trace whiskey and products! The current Weller 12yo standard bottling I have open was issued from Frankfort and is, I'm sure, (mostly, at least) Buffalo Trace bourbon -- it is among the finest standard bottlings on a shelf today.

That said, I'm never satisfied that I have 'enough' Stitzel-Weller in the house (and I have a bit of it!).

[Geo]

I understand your love of Van Winkle Bourbons; I'm there with you. However, I really think you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Weller offerings, especially at the their price.

Ken

Ken,

I cannot agree with you more. I love all and your family has produced over the past years and bought, especially the Van Winlkle distillery. Not one I do not enjoy. My Favorate after being exposed to it in limited supply is the George T. Stagg, followed by Old Weller Antique 107, and Pappy 15 year old.... Salute!

PS: I have been SO very impressed with your customer service. I had a bottle of Pappy's 15 that was not quite right and you shipped me a new bottle. I am forever a Buffalo Trace customer.

Sincerely,

Geo

[CrispyCritter]

I've had very little S-W bourbon (ORVW 15, PVW 15, and possibly a Lot B, assuming it was pre-Bernheim) - while I'm very sad to see it go, I can't help but say that nothing I've had from BT has let me down. From the "standard" BT (I've only had the Binny's single-barrel version), to the Weller 12 and Antique, three different Staggs, Saz Jr. and Sr., Larue, AAA 10yo... what's not to like?

[cowdery]

The Weller whiskey available now, although bottled at Buffalo Trace, is whiskey that was made at Bernheim when that distillery and the Weller brand were still owned by what is now Diageo. We're probably still a couple years away from tasting any wheated bourbon distilled and aged entirely at Buffalo Trace.

Of the two bottlings, I prefer the Weller 12. I like it a little better, but I like the price a lot better. Even though they have reduced the price of the Centennial, it has continued to support a higher price from when it was part of the "Collection."

[ProofPositive]

The Weller whiskey available now, although bottled at Buffalo Trace, is whiskey that was made at Bernheim when that distillery and the Weller brand were still owned by what is now Diageo. We're probably still a couple years away from tasting any wheated bourbon distilled and aged entirely at Buffalo Trace.

Of the two bottlings, I prefer the Weller 12. I like it a little better, but I like the price a lot better. Even though they have reduced the price of the Centennial, it has continued to support a higher price from when it was part of the "Collection."

So far, I have really developed a love affair with this first bottle of Weller 12. I have yet to put the dollars down for Centennial but cannot imagine it being much (if any) better. I think being part of the "Collection" has played into the pricing. Wonder if they will ever drop the designation since there appears to be no real collection any longer? Well, I guess technically there is - 3 of the original 5 still exist - if you want to call that a "collection". Probably not, the boardroom has probably decided to run with the designation as long as it sells - or their perception is that it helps the sales.

[T47]

I opened my first bottle of Centennial tonight and really enjoyed the flavor. Kind of sweet, like a nice carmel apple, and very smooth. I am going to have to pick up a bottle of the 12...I fear this will never end...not a bad problem.

:toast:

[ProofPositive]

I opened my first bottle of Centennial tonight and really enjoyed the flavor. Kind of sweet, like a nice carmel apple, and very smooth. I am going to have to pick up a bottle of the 12...I fear this will never end...not a bad problem.

:toast:

I agree....not a bad problem at all. I have been hording up the last bottles of Antique in my area that came out of Louisville. The Weller 12 is just about gone now from my cupboard.....the wife like it as well or even better than me!

[scratchline]

I have recently returned to my bottle of Weller Centennial and must reitterate my preference for it over the 12 yr. I think it may be the quintessential bourbon. I actually got apricots on this afternoon's pour. To me it is perfectly balanced at this age and proof. I have a couple of bottles of the older Louisville Centennial, but if I'll be surprised if I can detect any improvement in those bottles. All hail BT Weller Centennial!

-Mike

[Jazzhead]

Weller bourbons are scarce in South Jersey. Only the Antique 107 (which is the only Weller that I don't like; too harsh) is easy to find in these parts.

But business takes me south to Washington on occasion, so I manage to stop in the State Line Liquor store right over the Maryland state line and I've been able to sample the Weller line. (That liquor store's a throwback, it's right over the state line and no doubt did an amazing business back in the day when the drinking age was 18. Quite an excellent selection, including their Own Brand, State Line Bourbon! (It's 4-year old HH)).

I discovered the Weller Centennial, Buffalo Trace version, first. Simply an amazing bourbon, one of my top five for sure. Like burlowski says, balance and flavor are the heart of this bourbon. Yes, I've since tried the original S-W version of the Centennial, and it's tremedous, but the Buffalo Trace version is different and every bit as good! . Maybe better.

I like the 12-year old, too. (Only have the BT version of this one). Same for the 7-yaer old Special Reserve; the wheated BT expressions ought to be warm comfort to the S-W fans out there, as their bunkers dwindle - this style of bourbon is in very, very good hands.

[Special Reserve]

Is the SW version of Weller Centennial Louisville and BT version Frankfort?

Thanks.

Will

[Old Lamplighter]

Don't know if it is proper etiquette here to bring up an old thread, or, better to start a new one. In any event, stopped in a couple of stores today and noticed Centennial absent. So, I thought back to the places I have been in the last month and could not recall seeing it anywhere but one place....which only had 1 on the shelf. Asked the clerks at the stores today and they said it had been on order for awhile......and, they commented that it has become harder to get in the last year or so.

Like some other 'older' bourbons, are the Centennial barrels also running low at Buffalo Trace? I hope not and further I hope they are not considering the unthinkable. I know Weller 12 is still in production as a new bottle was introduced earlier this year. However, I have not seen much of it either. I would guess that out of 20-25 stores me visited in the last month, saw maybe a half dozen bottles. Perhaps it is running short as well? If so, then I suppose the toll on older bourbon inventories may be much more severe than previously thought(?). Anybody else noticed shortages on these fine Wellers?

Just in the last day or so, my blood pressure has been slowly falling towards a more normal level after the news about OCPR. Now, it is beginning to rise again! HELP!!!!!!!

[cowdery]

Why would you care about Centennial when Weller 12 is cheaper and, arguably, better? Centennial's only advantage is its proof.

[Rughi]

Why would you care about Centennial when Weller 12 is cheaper and, arguably, better? Centennial's only advantage is its proof.

Because of the "arguably better" part, I'd say if you asked me. I've never warmed up to Weller 12 so much, personally, but Centennial is a good vehicle for drinking a wheater.

And since I don't guzzle the stuff, the expense is less important than the flavor.

Roger

[OscarV]

I've never warmed up to Weller 12 so much, personally, but Centennial is a good vehicle for drinking a wheater.

My sentiments exactly.

Weller 12 was just OK, Centennial is very good.

[TNbourbon]

Why would you care about Centennial when Weller 12 is cheaper and, arguably, better? Centennial's only advantage is its proof.

Because of the "arguably better" part, I'd say if you asked me. I've never warmed up to Weller 12 so much, personally, but Centennial is a good vehicle for drinking a wheater.

And since I don't guzzle the stuff, the expense is less important than the flavor.

Roger

Somebody send me a bottle of each, and I'll break the tie!:grin:

[Rughi]

Somebody send me a bottle of each, and I'll break the tie!:grin:

Ohh no you don't

I know that trick.

You'll drink both and say that early results were inconclusive and further research is necessary.

Roger

PS - I'll join ya.

[TNbourbon]

Ohh no you don't

I know that trick.

You'll drink both and say that early results were inconclusive and further research is necessary...

What's that got to do with it?!:skep: