W.L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Review: Tasting This Unique Gem - The Whisky Lady (2024)

As a bourbon enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of trying a variety of bourbons, and W.L. Weller Antique 107 has always been a standout option for me. Not only is it a wheated Kentucky bourbon, it offers a unique flavor profile that has garnered a dedicated following among bourbon drinkers.

Weller Antique 107 is believed to be aged between 6 to 8 years and has a proof of 107. What intrigues me about this bourbon is the balance it achieves between robust flavors and drinkability, making it a delightful sip for both newcomers and seasoned bourbon fans alike. The combination of pleasant spiciness and heat from the proof creates an interesting and memorable tasting experience.

In recent years, the popularity and demand for Weller Antique 107 have grown significantly, which has resulted in an increase in retail prices. Despite this, I still believe it is worth trying, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price. It’s a full-bodied, well-balanced, and complex bourbon that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate.

W.L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Overview

As a bourbon enthusiast, I’ve always had a keen interest in W.L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon, a wheated bourbon that has gained significant recognition in the whiskey world.

Product History

Part of the Buffalo Trace Distillery’s lineup, Weller Antique 107 is known for its full-bodied flavor and balanced palate. It belongs to the renowned Weller family of wheated bourbons, which includes other popular expressions such as Weller Special Reserve, Weller 12, Weller Full Proof, and the ultra-exclusive William Larue Weller. Made in Kentucky, this expression enjoys a rich history and is bottled at a higher proof, offering a unique experience for those who appreciate well-crafted, robust flavors in their whiskey.

Price Range

Weller Antique 107, or Old Weller Antique (OWA) as it’s also known, is a relatively accessible bourbon when it comes to its pricing. With its reputation for being beginner-friendly, it offers an affordable entry point for those looking to explore wheated bourbons further. As with any whiskey, prices can vary depending on the market and availability, but in general, you can expect to find Weller Antique 107 within a reasonable price range.

When it comes to enjoying Weller Antique 107, I find its complex yet approachable flavor profile—attributable to its 6-8 year aging process—to be one of its most appealing aspects. Its 107 proof allows for a delightful interplay of robust flavors while maintaining a good balance overall. Whether you’re new to the world of wheated bourbons or an experienced whiskey aficionado, Weller Antique 107 provides an excellent opportunity to experience a well-made and satisfying bourbon.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Upon nosing the W.L. Weller Antique 107, I instantly picked up enticing notes of caramel, vanilla, and a soft wheat scent. There’s a hint of spice too, as well as gentle notes of cherry and oak. This bourbon has a very inviting aroma that left me eager to take a sip.

Flavor

As I took my first sip, I was greeted by a rich and spicy profile, with caramel and vanilla sweetness that nicely complemented the wheat. I also tasted some fruitiness, a subtle presence of cherry and perhaps a touch of citrus. The oak and spice flavors continued to make their presence known and elevated the overall taste experience.

Finish

W.L. Weller Antique 107 delivered a pleasantly long and warm finish. Initially, I noticed the lingering sweetness from the caramel and vanilla, smoothly giving way to oak and spice. It wasn’t overly drying or bitter, but instead left a balanced and satisfying conclusion to each sip.

Rating

Based on my tasting experience, I would give W.L. Weller Antique 107 a rating of 3.71 out of 5. It’s a very enjoyable Bourbon with a great balance of flavors and complexity. However, I believe its true value shines when it’s available at or close to its MSRP of $50. Any higher, and it may face stiff competition from other bottles in its price range.

Mixing and Pairing

Weller Antique 107 has a versatile flavor profile that makes it an excellent choice for mixing and pairing. I have experimented with various mixers, co*cktails, and food pairings to bring out the best in this bourbon. Let me share some of my favorites with you.

Best Mixers

When mixing Weller Antique 107 with other beverages, I found that these mixers complement the bourbon’s flavors especially well:

  • Ginger ale – adds a refreshing, spicy touch
  • Coca-Cola – classic pairing for a sweet, smooth drink
  • Club soda – for those who prefer a lighter, effervescent mixer

co*cktail Suggestions

W.L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Review: Tasting This Unique Gem - The Whisky Lady (1)photo source: Shutterstock.com

I’ve tried quite a few co*cktails with Weller Antique 107, and these are the standout recipes:

  1. Old Fashioned: Combine Weller Antique 107, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Stir well, and garnish with an orange twist and maraschino cherry.
  2. Mint Julep: Muddle fresh mint leaves with simple syrup, add crushed ice, and pour Weller Antique 107 on top. Stir and garnish with a mint sprig.
  3. Whiskey Sour: Shake Weller Antique 107, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white (optional). Strain into a glass with ice, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Food Pairings

W.L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Review: Tasting This Unique Gem - The Whisky Lady (2)photo source: Shutterstock.com

Weller Antique 107 pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, enhancing the flavors of both the bourbon and the food. Some of my go-to pairings include:

FoodNotes
Grilled SteakThe charred flavors of grilled steak complement the robust notes in the bourbon.
Dark ChocolateThe bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the bourbon.
BBQ RibsThe smoky, sweet BBQ sauce and tender meat accent the Weller Antique 107’s complexity.

Feel free to try out these suggestions or get creative with your own mixers, co*cktails, and food pairings. The possibilities with Weller Antique 107 Bourbon are truly endless.

Conclusion

In my experience with Weller Antique 107, I found it to be a delightful bourbon that is well-balanced and full-bodied. Its higher proof provides a bold and unique profile that sets it apart from other wheated bourbons.

As I tasted this bourbon, I appreciated its slightly oily texture that sticks to the palate, providing a flavorful and enjoyable experience. The medium finish leaves behind lasting flavors that truly make each sip a memorable one.

When considering the value of Weller Antique 107, I believe it’s a great pour if you can find it at its MSRP of around $50. However, I would be hesitant to pay the inflated prices often found in stores at around $80 to $200. There are other options in those higher price ranges that may offer a better overall experience.

Ultimately, I found Weller Antique 107 to be a fantastic bourbon for both new bourbon drinkers and experienced enthusiasts alike. It showcases the characteristics of a well-crafted wheated bourbon while still being approachable and enjoyable. If you have the opportunity to try Weller Antique 107 for a reasonable price, I would highly recommend giving it a taste.

Please add social media services by going to 'Theme Options > Social > Add share services'

W.L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Review: Tasting This Unique Gem - The Whisky Lady (2024)

FAQs

Is Weller Antique 107 hard to find? ›

W L Weller Antique, OWA, Weller red label, Weller Antique, 107, Weller 107. There are so many names for this bottling because it is widely regarded and one of the best tasting and affordable bottles at MSRP. The problem is it is another bottle that is extremely hard to find.

How much is the MSRP on the Weller Antique 107? ›

MSRP seems reasonable enough at $50, but unless you're on a list, you're probably finding it for closer to 3x that.

What does Weller 107 taste like? ›

It's moderate sweet caramel and kettle corn mixed with slightly stronger Red Hot candy-like cinnamon and moderate alcohol. The Red Hots and alcohol flavors, while not overpowering, are intense. After that, less potent, but still noticeable vanilla, wood, nutmeg, and almond flavors appear.

Which Weller is hardest to find? ›

Weller 12 Year became more challenging to find in 2016 because of the similarities between the two bourbons. As you take the first sip, you'll experience a buttery, soft texture with hints of vanilla, dark spices, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

Is Weller as good as Pappy? ›

If you can't find Pappy, consider Weller Special Reserve instead. It's made by the same distillery, Buffalo Trace, and uses the same recipe. Freddie Johnson, a popular Buffalo Trace tour guide featured prominently in "Neat: The Story of Bourbon," told me that everything is the same between the two bourbons.

Which Weller is poor man's Pappy? ›

“Poor Man's Pappy” is a 2:3 blend of Weller 12 yr + Old Weller Antique 107. For a ready to to drink blend of Poor Man's Pappy, pour 2 parts (40%) Weller 12 year and 3 parts (60%) Old Weller Antique 107 into a glass. Give it a swirl and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

Why is Weller so expensive now? ›

Demand for this delicious wheated bourbon has driven the liquid underground. In 2017, it first topped the list of sought-after spirits on the massive booze search tool Wine-Searcher. This rise in interest has had consequences on supply. In 2014, the average price of Weller 12 on the legal market was $47.

How long is Weller 107 aged? ›

Weller Antique 107 is believed to be in the 6-8 year range, which is also the same range as Maker's and Larceny. With that being said, Weller is arguably the more balanced sip of the bunch. Its 107 proof allows for a nice interplay between robust flavors and drinkability quite well.

Is Weller 107 a single barrel? ›

While they are both single barrel offerings, the Weller Antique is offered at 107 proof, whereas the Weller Single Barrel is 97 proof.

What is so special about Weller bourbon? ›

The Original Wheated Bourbon Whiskey features an exceptionally smooth taste, substituting wheat for rye grain. Bottled at 90 proof, this bourbon stands out with its burnt orange color. Its softer flavor notes make this bourbon great for sipping or making co*cktails.

Is Weller bourbon hard to get? ›

Weller Bourbons can be hard to find and the prices can run out of control. Where's the "sweet spot" of availability, price, and flavor? Special Reserve is most available and least expensive, followed by 107. Weller 12, Full Proof, Single Barrel and CYPB can be priced out of control and super hard to find.

What proof is Weller Antique 107? ›

Old Weller Antique is bottled at 107 proof, offering a complex taste and bold finish. It's certainly a recognizable member of the Weller label, with its own unique characteristics to complement the high proof.

Which Weller is closest to Pappy Van Winkle? ›

The W.L. Weller Special Reserve bourbon is the closest-tasting bourbon to Pappy Van Winkle, as it shares the same recipe as the premium bourbon. Both bourbons are produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, with variations in the production process.

How do you date a Weller bottle? ›

Most bottle manufacturers molded the year into the glass at the bottom of the bottle in 2-digit format. You'll often find it in the lower right portion when looking at the bottom (some dates are much easier to distinguish than others). This will usually tell you–within a year or two–when the whiskey was bottled.

Is Weller a sweet bourbon? ›

Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon At a Glance:

Quick Tasting Notes: Vanilla and caramel abound, as do candied orange zest and dark chocolate. Overall Thoughts: A sublime daily sipper with just the right amount of sweetness.

What is the MSRP for Weller Antique? ›

Not surprisingly, the MSRP for Weller Antique 107 has officially risen to $50.

Where is Weller Antique 107 made? ›

Since 1999, the brand has been owned by the Sazerac Company. It is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Like all bourbons, Weller is distilled from a mash composed of at least 51% corn (maize). The secondary grain used for the Weller brand is wheat, whereas most bourbons use rye.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 6117

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.