Weller Bourbon Antique 107 – The Wheated Wonder Worth the Hunt

Updated → September 2025

A legendary 107-proof wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace with rich caramel and cherry notes. While MSRP sits around $60, market demand often pushes prices higher. Its smooth wheat character and perfect proof point make it a holy grail pour for enthusiasts.

The Weller Legacy: From 1849 to Today

The story of Weller Bourbon Antique 107 begins with William Larue Weller, a pioneering Kentucky distiller who revolutionized bourbon production in the mid-1800s. W.L. Weller didn't just make whiskey—he changed the game entirely by being among the first to use wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain in his mashbill.

This wasn't merely a quirk of production. Weller understood that wheat would create a softer, smoother bourbon with a distinctly mellow character. His innovation laid the foundation for what would become one of the most coveted categories in American whiskey. The wheated bourbon style he pioneered would later influence legendary brands and shape the preferences of generations of bourbon enthusiasts.

Beyond his wheat experiments, Weller played a crucial role in the development of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. As one of the first distillers to bottle bourbon rather than selling it by the barrel, he helped establish quality standards that protect consumers to this day. His legacy lives on through the Stitzel-Weller Distillery's historic productions, which included not just Weller, but also Old Fitzgerald, Cabin Still, and Rebel Yell—all wheated bourbons that became American classics.

What Makes Weller Antique 107 Special

At 107 proof (53.5% ABV), Weller Bourbon Antique 107 occupies a sweet spot in the bourbon world. This elevated proof point delivers robust flavors without overwhelming heat, creating what many consider the perfect balance between intensity and drinkability. The bourbon is believed to be aged between 6 to 8 years, though Buffalo Trace keeps the exact age under wraps as a non-age-stated expression.

What truly sets this bourbon apart is its ability to showcase the wheat mashbill's character while maintaining enough strength to stand up in cocktails or shine when served neat. The 107 proof amplifies the natural sweetness from the wheat while adding layers of complexity that lower-proof expressions simply can't achieve. It's this combination that has made it a cornerstone of many bourbon collections.

Complete Tasting Profile & Notes

Appearance: Deep amber to honey gold in the glass, with thick legs that speak to its body and proof

Nose: The aroma opens with rich waves of caramel and vanilla, followed by dark cherries and ripe red fruits. There's a distinct sweetness reminiscent of warm raspberry jam spread on wheat toast. Hints of toasted marshmallow, honey graham crackers, and a touch of cinnamon spice round out the bouquet. Some detect floral notes—unusual for a bourbon but characteristic of well-aged wheaters.

Palate: The first sip delivers exactly what the nose promises. Cinnamon spice grips the taste buds initially, quickly followed by cherries, dark fruits, and raw brown sugar. The wheat influence shows through as a creamy, almost buttery mouthfeel. Vanilla and caramel notes dominate the mid-palate, with aged oak providing structure. Despite the 107 proof, the heat is remarkably manageable—present enough to know it's there but never harsh or overwhelming.

Finish: Long and warming, with cinnamon spice leading the way. Sweeter notes of caramel and vanilla follow, transitioning to subtle tobacco and leather. A pleasant oakiness lingers, along with hints of black pepper and dark chocolate. The finish extends well beyond what you'd expect from a bourbon at this price point, leaving a satisfying warmth that invites another sip.

Understanding the Wheated Difference

To truly appreciate Weller Bourbon Antique 107, you need to understand what makes wheated bourbon special. Traditional bourbon uses rye as the secondary grain after corn, which contributes spicy, peppery notes. Wheated bourbons replace that rye with wheat, creating a fundamentally different flavor profile.

This substitution results in a softer, sweeter bourbon with a creamier mouthfeel. The wheat amplifies vanilla and caramel notes while mellowing any harsh edges. Wheated bourbons also tend to age more gracefully, developing complex flavors over time without becoming overly tannic or bitter. This is why many of the most sought-after aged bourbons—including the entire Pappy Van Winkle line—use wheat mashbills.

The Buffalo Trace Connection

When Sazerac Company acquired the W.L. Weller brand in 1999, production moved to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This marriage proved fortuitous—Buffalo Trace's expertise in wheated bourbon production, combined with their access to exceptional warehouse locations and blending expertise, elevated the entire Weller line to new heights.

Buffalo Trace produces all Weller expressions using the same wheated mashbill, with variations in age, proof, and warehouse location creating the distinct profiles of each bottling. The distillery's commitment to quality and consistency has helped Weller Bourbon Antique 107 maintain its reputation even as demand has skyrocketed.

The "Poor Man's Pappy" Connection

Perhaps no factor has driven more interest in Weller bourbons than their connection to the legendary Pappy Van Winkle line. Both brands use the same wheated mashbill at Buffalo Trace, leading to endless speculation about their relationship. Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, the entry-level Pappy, shares the same 107 proof as Weller Antique, fueling theories that they might be similar or even identical.

This connection spawned the "Poor Man's Pappy" phenomenon—bourbon enthusiasts mixing Weller Antique 107 with W.L. Weller Special Reserve (and sometimes W.L. Weller 12 Year) in various ratios to approximate the profile of Van Winkle bourbons. While these experiments are fun, Weller Bourbon Antique 107 stands perfectly well on its own merits.

Awards & Critical Recognition

The accolades for Weller Bourbon Antique 107 speak to its consistent quality:

• 2025 Spirit of the Year - London Spirits Competition
• 2025 Silver Medal - International Wine & Spirits Competition
• 2024 Gold Medal - Global Whiskey Challenge
• 2021 Best of Class: Straight Bourbon - New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
• Wine Enthusiast Score: 88/100 - Praised for its "well-balanced palate" and "unusual floral notes"

Critics consistently praise its balance of power and finesse. The elevated proof enhances rather than masks the inherent wheat character, creating a bourbon that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

Current Pricing & Market Availability

Here's where reality meets desire. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for Weller Bourbon Antique 107 currently sits around $60, having doubled from its pre-2019 price of $30. However, actual retail prices tell a different story. In most markets, expect to pay $150-200 if you can find it on shelves at all.

The secondary market pushes prices even higher, with online retailers often listing bottles for $200-300. Single barrel store picks command premium prices, sometimes exceeding $300. This dramatic markup reflects both genuine enthusiasm for the product and the hype surrounding anything Weller-related.

Distribution varies wildly by state. Some markets see regular allocations that sell out within hours, while others might go months without seeing a bottle. Your best bet for finding one at reasonable prices involves developing relationships with local retailers and being ready to purchase when allocations arrive.

Single Barrel Store Picks Explained

Beyond the standard Weller Bourbon Antique 107, Buffalo Trace offers single barrel selections to select retailers. These picks allow stores to choose specific barrels that match their preferred flavor profile, creating unique variations on the standard expression.

Store picks often showcase different characteristics—some might emphasize the cherry notes, others the caramel sweetness, and still others the oak influence. Many picks are non-chill filtered, preserving fatty acids that create a richer mouthfeel. These NCF (non-chill filtered) versions often display a slight haziness when water or ice is added, but deliver superior texture and flavor.

To determine if your bottle is chill-filtered or not, check the medallion on the bottle or email Buffalo Trace with your laser code. Many enthusiasts specifically seek out NCF picks for their enhanced complexity and mouthfeel.

Best Ways to Enjoy Weller Antique

The beauty of Weller Bourbon Antique 107 lies in its versatility. At 107 proof, it has enough strength to stand up to dilution while maintaining its character. Here are the best ways to enjoy it:

Neat: Pour 1.5-2 ounces into a Glencairn glass and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the alcohol to settle and the aromas to open up. The first sip might show some heat, but subsequent sips reveal layers of flavor.

With Water: Add a few drops of room temperature water to open up additional flavors. The wheat character becomes more pronounced, and hidden fruit notes often emerge. Start with just 2-3 drops and adjust to taste.

On the Rocks: One large ice cube or sphere works best, providing gradual dilution without over-chilling. As the ice melts, notice how the flavor profile evolves from bold and spicy to sweet and mellow.

In Cocktails: While some might consider it sacrilege to mix such a sought-after bourbon, Weller Antique 107 makes exceptional cocktails. Its higher proof ensures the bourbon flavor doesn't get lost among other ingredients.

Premium Cocktail Applications

If you're fortunate enough to have multiple bottles, Weller Bourbon Antique 107 elevates classic cocktails:

Old Fashioned: The bourbon's natural sweetness means you can use less sugar. Muddle a sugar cube with Angostura bitters, add 2 ounces of Weller Antique 107, stir with ice, and garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Manhattan: The wheated profile creates a softer, rounder Manhattan. Use 2 ounces Weller Antique 107, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

Boulevardier: Replace the rye in this Negroni variation with Weller for a smoother drink. Equal parts Weller Antique 107, Campari, and sweet vermouth create a beautifully balanced cocktail.

Worthy Alternatives & Comparisons

Given the difficulty in finding Weller Bourbon Antique 107, knowing alternatives helps satisfy the wheated bourbon craving:

Maker's Mark Cask Strength: Often easier to find and priced more reasonably, this wheated bourbon delivers similar proof levels (108-114) with its own distinct profile. The Maker's shows more vanilla and caramel up front, while Weller leans toward fruit and spice.

Larceny Barrel Proof: Heaven Hill's wheated offering comes in even higher proof (120+) and offers exceptional value. It's bolder and more aggressive than Weller but scratches a similar itch.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: Another Heaven Hill wheater, this one aims for the classic profile at 100 proof. While not as complex as Weller Antique 107, it offers authentic wheated character at a fraction of the price.

Redemption Wheated Bourbon: A newer entry that's gaining recognition, offering 96 proof wheated bourbon with good availability. It lacks Weller's depth but provides an accessible entry point to the category.

Expert Tips for Finding Bottles

Successfully hunting Weller Bourbon Antique 107 requires strategy, patience, and sometimes luck:

Build Relationships: Get to know your local retailers. Many stores hold bottles for regular customers or those who support the store year-round, not just during allocation season.

Follow Social Media: Many stores announce arrivals on Instagram or Facebook. Turn on notifications for your favorite shops to get real-time updates.

Know Delivery Days: Learn when your local stores receive shipments. Being there on delivery day increases your chances dramatically.

Consider Store Picks: These single barrel selections often have slightly better availability than standard bottles, though at premium prices.

Join Allocation Lists: Many stores run lottery systems or allocation lists for rare bottles. Get on every list possible.

Travel to Control States: Some state-controlled liquor stores sell at MSRP when available. If you're near a control state border, it might be worth the drive.

Spotting Authentic Bottles

With high secondary market prices comes the risk of counterfeit bottles. Here's how to ensure your Weller Bourbon Antique 107 is genuine:

Laser Codes: Every bottle has a laser-etched code on the bottom. These codes follow specific patterns and can be verified with Buffalo Trace.

Cork Quality: Genuine bottles use high-quality synthetic corks with clean printing. Poor quality corks or misaligned text indicate potential fakes.

Label Details: Look for crisp, clear printing with no smudging or misalignment. The foil capsule should be properly applied with clean edges.

Fill Level: Authentic bottles are filled to a consistent level. Significant variation might indicate tampering.

Price Red Flags: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be especially wary of online sellers offering bottles well below market price.

Final Verdict & Recommendations

Weller Bourbon Antique 107 earns its reputation as one of the most sought-after bourbons in America. The combination of wheated smoothness, perfect proof point, and complex flavor profile creates a bourbon that satisfies across all drinking preferences. At MSRP, it represents exceptional value. Even at moderate markups, it delivers an experience worthy of the investment.

However, the extreme secondary market prices require careful consideration. At $200+, many excellent bourbons become available that don't require the hunt. The question becomes whether you're paying for the liquid or the label. For enthusiasts who've never tried it, finding one bottle at a reasonable markup makes sense. The experience helps you understand the hype and decide if future hunts are worthwhile.

For those lucky enough to find it regularly, Weller Bourbon Antique 107 makes an excellent daily drinker—assuming your budget allows. Its versatility from neat sipping to cocktail mixing means one bottle serves multiple purposes. Store picks add collecting appeal and flavor variation to keep things interesting.

Ultimately, this bourbon reminds us why we fell in love with whiskey in the first place. It's not just about rarity or hype—it's about craftsmanship, tradition, and the simple pleasure of a well-made drink. Whether you're sipping it neat after a long day or sharing it with friends who appreciate fine bourbon, Weller Antique 107 delivers an experience that transcends its price tag. The hunt may be frustrating, but the reward makes it worthwhile.