The Rise and Fall of Weller 12: A Bourbon Legend

The decline of Weller 12 isn’t solely the fault of Pappy’s popularity. The Bourbon Boom has led to a surge in demand for underpriced, excellent whiskeys, driving up prices and making it harder to find rare bottles. It’s a classic case of supply and demand.

Buffalo Trace did increase production in 2023 with the opening of a new distillery, but the 12-year lag between barreling and bottling makes it challenging to respond to demand in a timely manner. Any Weller 12 you find today was bottled in 2011, so it’s not surprising that it’s becoming increasingly rare.

The demise of Weller 12 is actually more poignant than Pappy’s, according to bourbon enthusiasts. "Pappy attracts people who don’t really follow bourbon," says Minnick. "People don’t understand that Weller was the go-to bourbon for those in the trenches of the bourbon community. It was an incredible bourbon, and it was loved in the bourbon community before Pappy was ‘Pappy.’"

"The story of what happened to Weller 12 is a great example of the bourbon ecosystem we have now," says Riber. "Weller 12 was the reason bourbon was so popular – you could get something delicious for so cheap. Compared to a 12-year Scotch, it was cheap for so long. But everything has kinda caught up."

Weller 12 FAQ

How often is Weller 12 released?
Weller 12 is released continuously throughout the year, so there isn’t a set release date. However, if you want to know specifically when it might be available in your area, it’s best to build a relationship with your local liquor store staff. They’ll likely know when shipments usually come in.

When is Weller 12 released?
Outside of knowing when shipments arrive at your local store, finding Weller 12 can be a matter of luck. Keep an eye out for new shipments, and be prepared to act fast when you spot it on the shelves.