Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Lydia Martin
It is rumored that Weller Antique 107 uses the same mashbill as some Pappy Van Winkles, which has granted it the moniker “poor man’s Pappy” or “Baby Pappy.”
Since Pappy is a highly sought-after unicorn bottle, is it sufficient to say that Weller is just as good?
In this article, we’ll take a look at Weller Antique 107 — from its aroma, flavor notes, and pricing — and see if a bottle is worth your time.
Table of Contents
About Weller Antique 107 Bourbon
Weller Antique 107, also known as Old Weller Antique (OWA) or simply Antique 107, is a Kentucky wheated bourbon produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery. It has a complex, and full-bodied flavor yet remains well-balanced and beginner-friendly.
According to the website, the wheated bourbon is aged anywhere from six to eight years.
It was named after William Larue Weller, who was the first distiller to use wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye. But who makes Weller bourbon?
Interesting Facts
History
The first iteration of Weller was called W.L. Weller Bourbon, created by the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company.
This label was named after William Larue Weller, who is credited as the first distiller to use wheat as the main flavoring agent in mash bills.
He founded the liquor wholesaler company W.L. Weller & Sons and took none other than Julian Van Winkle, aka Pappy, under his wing.
When he passed away in 1899, W.L. Weller & Sons merged with A. Ph. Stitzel, which Van Winkle owned, and rebranded to Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company.
How It’s Made
The whiskey is made using a production method pioneered by Weller himself, which was to substitute rye grains with wheat.
Wheated bourbon tends to have a sweet, fragrant taste and aroma.
Age Statement
Weller Antique 107 carries no age statement on the bottle, but it’s said that the bourbon whiskey ages anywhere from six to eight years inside new, charred oak barrels.
It is finally bottled at a hefty 107 proof (53.5 percent ABV).
Mash Bill #
It is made with Buffalo Trace’s undisclosed wheated mash, which many speculate comprises 70 percent corn, 16 percent wheat, and 14 percent malted barley.
Other labels also said to use the same mash bill include E.H. Taylor Jr., Seasoned Wood, and Pappy Van Winkle (of course).
Ownership & Distillery
The Weller label is owned by the Sazerac Company, an alcoholic beverage company based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
It is distilled in the Buffalo Trace location in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Tasting Notes
Palate
Something you’ll take note of is how oily and full-bodied the drink feels. It has a satisfyingly plump palate, rife with notes of cherries, dark fruits, and maple syrup. [1]
Nose
It has a complex nose with seasoned oak, caramel, vanilla, spice, and floral notes
Color
Weller Antique 107 has a dark copper hue.
Finish
Our favorite experience is the perfectly sweet and spicy bold finish. The cinnamon spice notes linger just a bit longer.
How Often Is Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Released?
The company used to release OWA continuously, alongside others in the Weller lineup like W.L. Weller Special Reserve and the W.L. Weller 12 Year.
However, despite no changes in releasing bottles, the availability of Weller bourbons in the secondary market is very few and far between nowadays.
It is said that all the hype with the Weller line is caused by hardcore whiskey drinkers, who have noticed that the label shares the same mash bill as Pappy.
Because Pappy is so expensive, they flock to the reasonably-priced Weller instead, hoping to get the same experience. [2]
Read: Weller Antique 107 vs Special Reserve Bourbon
Common Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Weller Antique 107 Bourbon | 750ml | 53.5 | Around $130 |
Compared to Other Bourbons
Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Both Weller and Maker’s Mark are wheated bourbons. Maker’s Mark is a great sipping whiskey, but it tends to be overpowering in co*cktails.
This dram’s flavor notes include roasted corn, vanilla, caramel, and green apple.
A 750ml bottle of Maker’s Mark costs around $35.
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
Like Weller, Eagle Rare 10 Year is also produced in Buffalo Trace. It uses a low rye recipe and matures for around ten years.
Whereas Weller might have more robust flavors, Eagle Rare has its own unique characteristics of being more dry and delicate.
A 750ml bottle of Eagle Rare costs around $50.
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
The Elijah Craig Small Batch has a significantly lower proof than Weller at just 94.
The alcohol has an impressive balance of flavor and heat that won’t overwhelm, with plush caramel, vanilla, and a kick of pepper spice.
A 750ml bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch costs around $35.
Popular Weller Antique 107 Bourbon co*cktail Recipes
Vampire Blues
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Weller Antique 107
- 0.5 oz sherry wine
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 tsp pumpkin butter
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cinnamon stick
- Large ice
Instructions:
Pour all of the ingredients (except the cinnamon stick) into a co*cktail shaker with ice and give everything a good shake until well-combined. Strain and pour into an Old Fashioned glass with a large ice cube, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Serving: 1
Classic Whiskey Sour
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Weller Antique 107
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1.5 oz lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Maraschino cherry
Instructions:
Pour all ingredients into a co*cktail shaker and give everything a good shake until the egg white turns frothy. Once done, add ice, and give the mixture another shake until it’s chilled. Strain and pour into a rocks glass with fresh ice and top off with a maraschino cherry.
Serving: 1
FAQs
Is Weller Antique 107 hard to find?
Yes, Weller Antique 107 is pretty hard to find.
Well, most Weller bottles are difficult to find, considering their lengthy age statements and the fact that people most certainly want to experience the “poor man’s Pappy.”
Is Weller Antique 107 good for Old Fashioned?
Yes, the Weller Antique 107 is good for creating Old Fashioneds. We find that its robust profile provides a great backdrop for the bitters and lemon juice to shine through.
Which is smoother, Weller Antique 107 or Pappy Van Winkle?
Both brands are pretty smooth and sweet, but we have to give it to Pappy for having slightly sweeter notes than Weller Antique 107.
We think this has to do with the fact that Pappy is aged for longer than Weller.
How Much is Weller Antique 107?
Weller Antique 107 is a highly sought-after bourbon known for its rich flavor profile and high proof. The price of Weller Antique 107 can vary depending on factors such as location, retailer, and availability. On average, you can expect to pay around $50 to $70 for a 750ml bottle of Weller Antique 107. However, prices may be higher in regions with limited availability or increased demand due to its popularity among bourbon enthusiasts.
How Old is Weller Antique 107?
Weller Antique 107 is a bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, but unlike many other bourbons, it does not carry an age statement. This means that the exact age of the bourbon is not disclosed by the distillery. However, it is believed to be aged for around 6 to 8 years, although this can vary from batch to batch.
How Hard is it to Find Weller Antique 107?
Weller Antique 107 can be challenging to find in some regions due to its popularity and limited availability. The bourbon’s high quality, rich flavor profile, and relatively affordable price point have contributed to its cult following among bourbon enthusiasts, leading to increased demand and scarcity on the market. As a result, consumers may need to be patient and persistent in their search for Weller Antique 107, particularly if they live in areas where bourbon allocations are limited.
Is Weller Bourbon Expensive?
Weller bourbon encompasses a range of expressions produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, including Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, and Weller 12 Year. While prices can vary depending on the specific expression and market factors, Weller bourbons are generally considered to offer good value for their quality and flavor profile compared to other bourbons in a similar price range.
However, due to their popularity and limited availability, certain expressions of Weller bourbon, such as Weller Antique 107, may command higher prices on the secondary market or in regions with high demand. Overall, Weller bourbon is often regarded as a solid choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking high-quality whiskey at a reasonable price.
Final Thoughts
Weller Antique 107 is one of the best labels from Buffalo Trace.
The whiskey is plump and oily in the mouth, which can only come from a lengthy aging process. It has a bold and complex taste yet is still relatively well-balanced.
This is a recognizable member from Buffalo Trace, with quality that deserves a spot on your top shelf.
Do you agree with our verdict? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off below.
References:
- Mouthfeel
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Why Pappy Van Winkle Is So Damn Expensive
