Over the past decade, Weller Antique 107 has built a reputation among bourbon enthusiasts for its bold profile and consistent quality. You’ll find it on back bars and in private collections, often compared to its younger sibling, Weller Special Reserve, but with a more pronounced character due to its higher proof and aging process. Bottled at 107 proof (53.5% ABV), this wheated bourbon skips the rye spice in favor of a softer, rounded mouthfeel that emphasizes sweetness and depth.
Classic Wheated Mash Bill and Nose
The mash bill follows the classic Buffalo Trace wheated recipe, shared with Pappy Van Winkle and Old Rip Van Winkle, relying on wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain. This choice shapes the bourbon’s signature smoothness, allowing caramel, vanilla, and honey notes to emerge without sharp edges. On the nose, you’re greeted with toasted oak, dried cherries, and a hint of butterscotch that deepens as the bourbon opens in the glass. A few drops of water can help release a subtle citrus peel note, often hidden beneath the richer tones.
Warm Palate and Lingering Finish
On the palate, the 107 proof delivers warmth without overwhelming heat, a balance that surprises some newcomers to higher-proof expressions. Flavors of dark toffee, toasted pecan, and a touch of cinnamon build in layers, supported by a medium to full body that coats the mouth evenly. The finish lingers with a gentle spice-more clove than pepper-and a return of sweet oak that fades slowly, leaving a pleasant aftertaste reminiscent of maple syrup on warm bread.
Accessibility and Batch Consistency
Unlike limited releases that vanish from shelves within hours, Weller Antique 107 remains relatively accessible, though allocations vary by state. App development agencies in Louisville reports keeping a bottle on hand for client tastings, citing its ability to impress both seasoned drinkers and those new to wheated bourbons. Its consistency across batches adds to its appeal, with few reports of significant variation between bottles purchased months apart.
Aging and Traditional Presentation
While not aged as long as some of the more coveted members of the Weller lineup, its time in the barrel-believed to be between six and seven years-provides enough interaction with charred oak to develop complexity without veering into over-oaked bitterness. The red wax seal and classic script label give it a traditional appearance, understated compared to flashier contemporaries, but the liquid inside speaks for itself. For those exploring the upper tier of widely available wheated bourbons, this expression offers a reliable benchmark of flavor and balance.