Weller 107 vs Weller 12 Year: Which Weller Is Better?
Weller 107 vs Weller 12 Year: two of the most recognizable bottles in the Weller lineup, one question.
Which Weller is actually better?
Weller Antique 107 brings a higher proof, bold flavour and a richer, more intense drinking experience. Weller 12 Year brings significantly more age, a softer 90-proof profile and the deep oak character many Weller fans are looking for.
Both are wheated bourbons from Buffalo Trace Distillery, but they offer noticeably different experiences.
And if you're lucky enough to find both bottles in Canada, the question becomes even more important: Should you buy Weller 107 or Weller 12 Year?
We've spent time with Weller Antique 107 and have already rated it 92/100, finding it rich, layered, balanced and full of caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, cinnamon and oak.
So in this guide, we're putting Weller 107 vs Weller 12 Year head-to-head to determine which bottle offers the better flavour, proof, age, value and overall drinking experience.
👉 New to bourbon or still figuring out what to buy? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Bourbon for approachable bottles and tips for starting your bourbon journey.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12 Year: Quick Comparison
Weller Antique 107 | Weller 12 Year | |
Distillery | Buffalo Trace | Buffalo Trace |
Type | Kentucky Straight Bourbon | Kentucky Straight Bourbon |
Style | Wheated Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
Proof | 107 (53.5% ABV) | 90 (45% ABV) |
Age | No official age statement | 12 Years |
Mash Bill | Wheated | Wheated |
Flavour | Rich, bold, sweet, spicy | Oak-forward, smooth, sweet |
Finish | Long and warming | Long, oaky and smooth |
Best For | Flavour and intensity | Older bourbon and easy sipping |
Our Rating | 92/100 | 88/100 |
Buffalo Trace officially lists Weller Antique 107 at 107 proof and describes it as a robust, full-bodied wheated bourbon with vanilla, fruit, floral notes and cinnamon. Weller 12 is 90 proof and is described as smooth and balanced, with almond, corn, vanilla and oak characteristics.
What Is Weller 107?
Weller Antique 107 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Unlike traditional bourbons that use rye as the secondary grain, Weller uses wheat, giving the brand its signature wheated bourbon profile.
The "107" refers to the bottle's proof: 107 proof = 53.5% ABV
Buffalo Trace describes Weller Antique 107 as a robust wheated bourbon with sweet fruit, vanilla, floral notes and a spicy cinnamon finish.
But what makes Weller 107 particularly interesting is the combination of:
Wheated bourbon + higher proof + rich flavour.
That's exactly what makes it such a compelling comparison against Weller 12.
👉 Want to know how Weller 107 actually tastes? Check out our Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Review for our full tasting notes, rating, Canadian pricing, value assessment and whether we'd buy it again.
What Is Weller 12 Year?
Weller 12 Year is another wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon from Buffalo Trace.
As the name suggests, it carries a 12-year age statement.
It is bottled at: 90 proof = 45% ABV
Buffalo Trace describes Weller 12 as smooth, balanced and refined, with tasting notes including almond, creamed corn, toasted vanilla and oak. The distillery also highlights its long, oaky and intensely smooth finish.
This creates one of the biggest differences between these bottles:
Weller 107 is younger and significantly higher proof.
Weller 12 is older and significantly lower proof.
And that difference matters.
👉 Want to know how Weller 12 Year actually tastes? Check out our Weller 12 Year Bourbon Review for our full tasting notes, rating, Canadian pricing, value assessment and whether we'd buy it again.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: What's the Difference?
At first glance, these bottles might seem very similar.
They're both:
Made by Buffalo Trace
Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Wheated bourbons
Part of the Weller family
Designed around a softer wheated bourbon profile
But the drinking experience can be quite different.
The biggest differences are:
1. Proof
Weller 107: 107 proof
Weller 12: 90 proof
2. Age
Weller 107: No official age statement
Weller 12: 12 years
3. Intensity
Weller 107: Bold and powerful
Weller 12: Smooth and refined
4. Oak
Weller 107: Balanced oak
Weller 12: More pronounced oak
5. Finish
Weller 107: Warm and flavourful
Weller 12: Long and oaky
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Proof
This is probably the biggest difference you'll notice in the glass.
Weller 107
At 107 proof, Weller Antique 107 has significantly more alcohol than Weller 12.
That's not automatically better.
But higher proof can provide more intensity and allow more flavour to come through.
In our experience with Weller 107, the higher proof works extremely well.
It provides plenty of flavour without overwhelming the bourbon.
Our Weller 107 review found the alcohol surprisingly well integrated, with the higher proof adding intensity rather than simply adding heat.
Weller 12
Weller 12 is bottled at 90 proof.
That makes it considerably more approachable.
If you prefer lower-proof bourbon or don't enjoy a strong alcohol presence, Weller 12 may be the better choice.
Winner: Weller 107
For us, Weller 107 wins because the extra proof adds flavour and intensity without creating excessive heat.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Age
Here's where Weller 12 has a major advantage.
Weller 12 is 12 years old.
That's a significant amount of time for bourbon to interact with its oak barrel.
More time in the barrel can bring additional oak, vanilla, caramel and other mature characteristics.
Buffalo Trace describes Weller 12 as having a rich, deep bronze colour and a long, oaky finish.
Weller 107 doesn't carry an official age statement.
And this is a great reminder:
Older doesn't automatically mean better.
Age is one component of a bourbon's character—not a guarantee of quality.
We've actually preferred Weller 107's overall balance and flavour intensity despite Weller 12 having considerably more stated age.
👉 Does an older bourbon automatically mean a better bourbon? Learn what really affects bourbon pricing and value in our What Makes a Bourbon Expensive? guide.
Winner: Weller 12
If age is important to you, Weller 12 wins this category easily.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Mash Bill
Both bottles are part of the Weller wheated bourbon family.
Weller replaces the rye traditionally used as a secondary grain with wheat.
According to Buffalo Trace, this produces a softer and smoother flavour profile compared with traditional rye-based bourbon.
This means both bottles share the fundamental Weller character.
Expect:
Sweetness
Soft spice
Vanilla
Caramel
Fruit
Oak
The difference is how those flavours are presented.
Weller 107 gives you a more powerful and intense version.
Weller 12 gives you a softer, more mature and oak-driven experience.
👉 Want to learn more about wheated bourbon? Check out our Canadian Bourbon-Style Whisky vs Kentucky Bourbon guide to learn more about how bourbon styles and production can differ.
Winner: Tie
Both are excellent examples of the Weller wheated bourbon style.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Tasting Notes
Now we get to the part that really matters.
Weller 107 Tasting Notes
Our experience with Weller 107 starts with rich sweetness.
Nose
Caramel
Vanilla
Sweet fruit
Oak
Palate
Caramel
Vanilla
Dark fruit
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Toasted oak
Baking spice
Finish
Long, warm and flavourful.
The higher proof gives the finish plenty of energy without becoming overwhelmingly hot.
Our final rating for Weller Antique 107 was 92/100.
Weller 12 Tasting Notes
Buffalo Trace's official tasting notes describe Weller 12 with:
Almond
Creamed corn
Toasted vanilla
Oak
Sweet wheated character
The distillery describes the finish as long, oaky and intensely smooth.
Compared with 107, Weller 12 leans more toward:
Mature oak + smoothness + refinement
rather than:
Proof + intensity + rich sweetness
Winner: Weller 107
This is subjective, but based on our experience, we prefer the flavour intensity and complexity of Weller 107.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Is Smoother?
This is where Weller 12 has an advantage.
At 90 proof and 12 years old, Weller 12 is designed around a smoother, more mature drinking experience.
Buffalo Trace itself describes it as smooth, balanced and refined.
Weller 107 is also surprisingly smooth for a 107-proof bourbon.
But you're going to notice the higher proof.
If your definition of smooth is: Easy to sip with minimal alcohol intensity
Weller 12 wins.
If your definition of smooth is: High proof but exceptionally well integrated
Weller 107 makes a very strong case.
Winner: Weller 12
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Has More Flavor?
For us, this isn't particularly close.
Weller 107.
The combination of higher proof and its rich wheated profile makes it a more intense pour.
Our Weller 107 tasting found layers of caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, cinnamon, brown sugar and toasted oak.
Weller 12 has plenty of flavour, but its lower proof and mature oak profile create a different experience.
If you're looking for: Give me as much flavour as possible.
We'd reach for Weller 107.
👉 Want to compare Weller with other popular bourbon favourites? Check out our Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve comparison to see how three popular bourbons stack up for flavour, smoothness and value.
Winner: Weller 107
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Has the Better Finish?
This is another close category.
Weller 12 has a long, oaky finish that Buffalo Trace describes as intensely smooth.
Weller 107 delivers a warmer and more powerful finish.
For us, that's what gives 107 the edge.
The finish doesn't simply disappear.
It continues with:
Oak
Cinnamon
Vanilla
Sweetness
Warmth
Winner: Weller 107
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Is Better for Sipping Neat?
Both.
But we'd choose based on the experience you're looking for.
Choose Weller 12 if:
You prefer lower proof
You enjoy mature oak
You want a slower, softer pour
You like older bourbon
You prefer smoothness over intensity
Choose Weller 107 if:
You want more flavour
You enjoy higher proof
You like a long finish
You enjoy richer bourbon
You want more intensity
Our Pick: Weller 107
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Is Better With Water?
This is where Weller 107 becomes especially versatile.
Because it's bottled at 107 proof, you have plenty of room to experiment.
Try it neat first.
Then add a few drops of water.
You may find that the water opens up additional sweetness and aroma while reducing some of the alcohol intensity.
Weller 12 can also be enjoyed with a small amount of water, but we think it shines particularly well neat.
Winner: Weller 107
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Is Better on the Rocks?
If you're drinking bourbon over ice, we'd lean toward Weller 107.
Why?
The higher proof gives the bourbon more room to stand up against dilution.
As the ice melts, you're gradually bringing Weller 107 closer to the proof of a standard bourbon while still retaining plenty of flavour.
Weller 12 can absolutely work on the rocks, but we'd personally rather enjoy it neat.
Winner: Weller 107
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Is Better for Cocktails?
If you're paying a premium for either bottle, we'd personally avoid using them in cocktails.
Not because they wouldn't work.
They would.
But both bottles have enough character to deserve being enjoyed on their own.
If you're making an Old Fashioned, we'd recommend using a more readily available bourbon.
Save the Weller for sipping.
👉 Want to experiment with your next Old Fashioned? Check out our Best Bourbon for Old Fashioned guide for our top bottles for this classic cocktail.
Winner: Neither
For cocktails, use a less expensive bourbon and save these bottles for sipping.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Is Better Value?
This is complicated.
The retail price and the price you're actually asked to pay can be two very different things with Weller.
Both bottles have significant demand, and availability can be limited.
And that's where our advice is simple:
Don't overpay just because the bottle says Weller.
If you find Weller 107 around a reasonable retail price, we think it's an excellent purchase.
If someone is asking a massive markup, the value equation changes.
The same goes for Weller 12.
Winner: Weller 107
At a reasonable price, we think Weller 107 delivers the better combination of flavour, proof and overall experience.
👉 Looking for great bourbon without spending a fortune? Check out our Best Bourbons in Canada Under $100 guide for some of our favourite bottles that deliver excellent value.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which Is Better in Canada?
This is particularly important for Canadian bourbon drinkers.
Finding Weller in Canada can be difficult, and availability can vary significantly.
Our Weller 107 review found Canadian pricing in the range of roughly $70–$120 CAD when available, although actual pricing and availability can vary. We have never seen a Weller 12-year in Canada as of yet.
That means the question isn't always: Which Weller is better?
Sometimes it's: Which Weller can I actually find at a reasonable price?
If you see either bottle at a fair retail price, we'd consider buying it.
But if you have the choice between both?
We're reaching for 107.
👉 Having trouble finding bourbon in Canada? Check out our Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada guide for places to look and tips for finding hard-to-find bottles.
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Who Should Buy Each?
Buy Weller 107 if you...
✔️ Prefer higher-proof bourbon
✔️ Want more flavour intensity
✔️ Enjoy caramel and vanilla
✔️ Like a long, warm finish
✔️ Prefer richer bourbon
✔️ Want a versatile neat or rocks pour
✔️ Enjoy wheated bourbon
Buy Weller 12 if you...
✔️ Prefer lower-proof bourbon
✔️ Love older whiskey
✔️ Enjoy oak-forward flavours
✔️ Want a smoother pour
✔️ Prefer mature bourbon character
✔️ Enjoy sipping bourbon slowly
✔️ Want a 12-year age statement
Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Which One Would We Buy?
Weller 107.
And this isn't simply because it's higher proof.
For us, Weller 107 delivers a combination that is difficult to beat:
Rich flavour + higher proof + balance + long finish.
Our experience with Weller 107 produced layers of caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, cinnamon, brown sugar and oak, while the higher proof added intensity without overwhelming the bourbon. We ultimately rated it 92/100 and would happily buy another bottle at a reasonable retail price.
Weller 12 is an excellent bourbon in its own right.
Its 12-year age statement, 90-proof presentation and oak-forward profile make it a very different experience.
But when we're deciding which bottle we'd rather have on our shelf?
Weller 107 wins.
🏆 Weller 107 vs Weller 12: Final Scorecard
Category | Winner |
Proof | 🏆 Weller 107 |
Age | 🏆 Weller 12 |
Flavour Intensity | 🏆 Weller 107 |
Smoothness | 🏆 Weller 12 |
Complexity | 🏆 Weller 107 |
Finish | 🏆 Weller 107 |
Neat | 🏆 Weller 107 |
On the Rocks | 🏆 Weller 107 |
Value at Fair Retail | 🏆 Weller 107 |
Overall | 🏆 Weller 107 |
Our Overall Winner: Weller Antique 107
Weller 107 wins 7–2, with one category being a tie.
But that doesn't mean Weller 12 is a bad bourbon.
Far from it.
It simply means that for our palate, Weller 107 offers the more exciting and rewarding pour.
Final Verdict: Weller 107 or Weller 12?
If you can only choose one:
🏆 Buy Weller Antique 107.
Weller 12 has the age.
Weller 12 has the smoothness.
Weller 12 has the mature oak character.
But Weller 107 has the flavour, proof, balance and finish that we prefer.
At Waylon's Bourbon Shelf, we're not interested in telling you that the most expensive or oldest bottle automatically wins.
We're interested in what actually tastes better in the glass.
And for us:
Weller 107 beats Weller 12 Year.
If you want to learn more about Weller 107, check out our full Weller Antique 107 review, where we break down the tasting notes, Canadian pricing, value and whether we'd buy it again.
And if you're looking for more bourbon comparisons, check out our other bourbon reviews and comparisons here at Waylon's Bourbon Shelf.
👉 Want to see how our favourite bourbons rank? Check out our Master Bourbon Rankings to see which bottles have earned a spot at the top of our list.
Have you tried both Weller 107 and Weller 12? Which one wins for you?
🚨 New to Bourbon or Looking for Your Next Bottle?
Explore our complete Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide) — a dedicated resource featuring the top bourbons Canadians can actually find, buy, and enjoy.
🥃 Recommended Bottles to Try
Based on this guide, here are some great Bourbon options currently available in Canada:
Weller Special Reserve Bourbon - Smooth, easy-drinking and great value
Blantons Original Bourbon - Premium single-barrel experience, highly collectible and memorable pour
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon - Easy-drinking 10-year bourbon that is exceptionally balanced and always a crowd favourite
🔗 Keep Exploring Bourbon
If you enjoyed this guide, check out more of our top posts:
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Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide for Ontario Bourbon Lovers) - If you're trying to figure out where to buy bourbon in Canada right now, this guide will help.
❓ Bourbon & Whiskey FAQs
Is Weller 107 better than Weller 12?
For us, yes. Weller 107 offers more flavour intensity, higher proof and a longer, warmer finish, while Weller 12 is smoother and more oak-forward.
Which Weller should I buy?
Choose Weller 107 for higher proof and bold flavour. Choose Weller 12 if you prefer a smoother, older bourbon with more mature oak character.
What is the difference between Weller 107 and Weller 12?
Weller 107 is 107 proof (53.5% ABV), while Weller 12 is 90 proof (45% ABV) and carries a 12-year age statement.
Is Weller 12 worth buying?
Yes. Weller 12 is a great choice if you enjoy older, lower-proof bourbon with a smooth, oak-forward flavour profile.
Which Weller has more flavor?
Weller 107 is our pick for flavour. Its higher proof delivers a richer and more intense combination of caramel, vanilla, fruit, spice and oak.
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