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Weller Bourbon Antique 107 – The Wheated Legend Worth Every Drop

Updated → March 2026

Quick Take: Why Weller Antique 107 Belongs on Your Shelf

If you have spent any time in the bourbon world, you have heard the name Weller spoken with reverence. Weller Bourbon Antique 107 sits at the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and genuine scarcity. Bottled at 107 proof by Buffalo Trace Distillery, this wheated bourbon delivers a rich, full-bodied experience that satisfies newcomers and seasoned collectors alike. The wheat-forward mashbill produces a softer, sweeter flavor profile than rye-heavy counterparts, while the elevated proof ensures nothing is lost in translation. Whether you sip it neat or build a cocktail around it, this bottle punches well above its weight.

What Is Weller Bourbon Antique 107?

Weller Bourbon Antique 107 is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Sazerac Company at the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is bottled at 107 proof, which translates to 53.5 percent alcohol by volume. The expression carries no official age statement, although industry consensus places the barrels used in this blend at roughly six to eight years of maturation. Historically, the brand carried a seven-year age statement and was marketed as "Old Weller Antique," but in more recent years the label was updated and the stated age was removed.

The W.L. Weller brand traces its origins to William Larue Weller, a bourbon pioneer in 19th-century Kentucky who is widely credited as one of the first distillers to substitute wheat for rye in his mashbill. That decision set in motion a tradition that defines the Weller line to this day. The result is a bourbon that trades the peppery bite of rye for a gentler, rounder sweetness that wheat naturally provides. At 107 proof, Weller Bourbon Antique 107 brings enough barrel character and intensity to keep things interesting without veering into the territory of cask-strength bruisers that overwhelm the palate.

The Buffalo Trace Legacy and the Pappy Connection

Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the most storied distilleries on the planet. Its Frankfort campus has been producing whiskey continuously for over two centuries, surviving Prohibition by manufacturing "medicinal" whiskey. The distillery is home to Eagle Rare, Blanton's, E.H. Taylor Jr., and the crown jewel of American whiskey collecting: the Van Winkle family of bourbons, commonly known as Pappy.

The connection between Weller and Pappy Van Winkle is not marketing lore. Both lines are produced from the same wheated mashbill at Buffalo Trace. The differences come down to barrel selection, aging duration, and blending. Where Pappy expressions age for fifteen, twenty, or twenty-three years, Weller Bourbon Antique 107 draws from younger barrels that showcase the mashbill in a more vibrant, energetic state. This shared DNA has earned Weller the affectionate nickname "poor man's Pappy," though that label significantly understates the quality of what is in the bottle. Weller Antique 107 stands entirely on its own merits as a world-class bourbon that just happens to share genetics with the most coveted whiskey in America.

Understanding the Wheated Mashbill

Most bourbons are made from a mashbill that includes corn, rye, and malted barley. Federal regulations require at least 51 percent corn, and rye typically serves as the secondary grain, adding spice and structure. Wheated bourbons replace the rye with wheat, which fundamentally changes the flavor trajectory of the spirit.

Wheat is a milder grain than rye. It does not carry the same peppery bite or aggressive spice. Instead, wheat contributes softness, body, and a natural sweetness that allows the caramel and vanilla notes from the charred oak barrel to take center stage. The result is a bourbon that feels smoother and more approachable, even at higher proofs. This is exactly what makes Weller Bourbon Antique 107 so remarkable. Despite sitting at 53.5 percent ABV, the wheat in the mashbill tempers the heat, producing a spirit that drinks more gently than its proof point might suggest.

Other well-known wheated bourbons include Maker's Mark and Larceny, but Weller operates in a different league. The depth of flavor at 107 proof, combined with the time these barrels spend in the Buffalo Trace rickhouses, gives Antique 107 a complexity that many wheated competitors simply cannot match.

Tasting Notes: Nose, Palate, and Finish

Pour Weller Bourbon Antique 107 into a Glencairn glass and give it a moment to open up. The experience begins before the liquid ever touches your lips.

Nose

The aroma greets you with sweet, almost floral notes intertwined with rich vanilla. Honey and caramel sit at the foundation, followed by layers of toasted marshmallow, honey graham cracker, and a subtle undercurrent of orange zest. There is a touch of dark fruit — think cherries and baked strawberry — that weaves through the sweetness without overpowering it. A faint wisp of charred oak rounds out the bouquet and hints at the complexity waiting on the palate.

Palate

The first sip reveals a warm, buttery mouthfeel that coats the tongue with layers of brown sugar, toffee, and caramel. The wheated mashbill shines through in the softness of the delivery, even as the 107 proof generates a satisfying warmth. Mid-palate, you will find sweet fruit notes — cherry, baked apple — balanced against a strong vanilla undertone and baking spices. Cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg emerge as the proof opens up. Buffalo Trace's official tasting notes describe it as "very well balanced with sweet fruit notes, strong vanilla undertone and sharp spicy tones," and that assessment is spot on.

Finish

The finish is long and satisfying. Sweet oak lingers alongside warming cinnamon spice, with hints of dried fruit and caramel that gently fade. There is a pleasant dryness that emerges toward the tail end, encouraging another sip. The finish on Weller Bourbon Antique 107 is one of its greatest strengths — it does not vanish quickly but instead stays with you, rewarding patience.

107 Proof: Why the Extra Strength Matters

Many popular bourbons land between 80 and 90 proof. At 107 proof, Weller Bourbon Antique 107 occupies a sweet spot that bourbon enthusiasts increasingly gravitate toward. Higher proof means more concentrated flavor. The barrel-aged character — the vanilla, the caramel, the oak — comes through with greater intensity and definition. You taste more of what the distiller intended rather than a diluted approximation.

This bottling proof is a deliberate choice by Buffalo Trace. The number 107 is not arbitrary. It represents the exact point where the distillery believes this expression achieves optimal balance between flavor intensity and drinkability. The result is a bourbon that satisfies drinkers who want something bolder than entry-level without the punishing heat of barrel-proof releases. It also makes the bourbon exceptionally versatile: neat, with water, on the rocks, or in cocktails, the higher ABV ensures the bourbon's personality always comes through.

How to Enjoy Weller Antique 107

There is no wrong way to enjoy good bourbon, but certain approaches let Weller Bourbon Antique 107 truly shine.

Neat: Pour two ounces into a tulip-shaped glass and let it rest for five minutes. The initial alcohol fumes dissipate, revealing the layered aroma underneath. Sip slowly, letting the liquid coat your palate.

With water: A small splash of filtered water — roughly a teaspoon — can unlock hidden flavors. The wheat-forward sweetness intensifies, and floral notes that were subtle at full proof become more pronounced.

On the rocks: A single large ice cube is ideal. It chills the bourbon gradually, and as the ice melts, the proof softens without drowning the flavor. The caramel and vanilla notes become especially inviting over ice.

In an Old Fashioned: Weller Antique 107 makes an outstanding Old Fashioned. The extra proof stands up beautifully against sugar and bitters, and the wheated profile adds a smoothness that rye-based Old Fashioneds lack. Muddle a sugar cube with two dashes of Angostura bitters, add two ounces of Weller Antique, stir with ice, and garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Food Pairings That Complement the Profile

The sweet, caramel-rich character of Weller Bourbon Antique 107 pairs naturally with a wide range of dishes and desserts. Here are some combinations worth exploring.

Smoked meats: Brisket, pulled pork, or smoked ribs share the caramelized, charred flavors found in the bourbon. The sweetness of the wheat cuts through the fattiness of the meat.

Dark chocolate: A square of 70 percent dark chocolate creates a wonderful interplay between the bitterness of the cacao and the vanilla sweetness of the bourbon.

Pecan pie: The nutty, buttery richness of pecan pie mirrors the toffee and brown sugar notes. Each bite and sip amplifies the other.

Aged cheeses: Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or Manchego provide a savory counterpoint that lets the bourbon's sweeter notes come forward by contrast.

Where Antique 107 Fits in the Weller Lineup

The W.L. Weller family includes several expressions, each offering a different perspective on the same wheated mashbill. Understanding the lineup helps you appreciate what makes Weller Bourbon Antique 107 special.

Weller Special Reserve: The entry point of the line at 90 proof. Light, approachable, and easy drinking. A solid everyday bourbon but without the depth that Antique 107 provides.

Weller Antique 107: The mid-range workhorse. Higher proof brings greater intensity and complexity. This is where the mashbill truly starts to express itself with authority.

Weller 12 Year: Aged for twelve years and bottled at 90 proof. The extended barrel time adds layers of oak, leather, and dried fruit that you will not find in the younger expressions.

Weller Full Proof: Bottled at barrel proof (typically around 114 proof), this expression is intense and unapologetically bold. It showcases what the mashbill can deliver without any dilution.

William Larue Weller: The crown jewel of the Weller line and a member of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Barrel proof, unfiltered, and extraordinarily rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What proof is Weller Bourbon Antique 107 and what does that mean?

Weller Bourbon Antique 107 is bottled at 107 proof, which equals 53.5 percent alcohol by volume. In practical terms, this means the bourbon carries more concentrated flavor than standard 80-proof bottles while remaining approachable for sipping neat or mixing. The higher proof allows barrel-aged flavors like vanilla, caramel, and oak to come through with greater intensity and definition.

Is Weller Antique 107 really made from the same mashbill as Pappy Van Winkle?

Yes. Both the W.L. Weller line and the Van Winkle line are produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery using the same wheated bourbon mashbill. The key differences between the two come down to barrel selection, aging duration, and blending decisions. Pappy Van Winkle expressions are aged significantly longer, which creates a different flavor profile. However, the underlying recipe and distillation process are shared, making Weller Antique 107 a genuinely related cousin to the most sought-after bourbon in the world.

How old is Weller Antique 107? Does it have an age statement?

Weller Bourbon Antique 107 does not carry an official age statement on the current label. The expression previously bore a seven-year age statement when it was marketed as "Old Weller Antique." Industry consensus and knowledgeable reviewers estimate that the barrels used in today's blend are aged approximately six to eight years. The absence of an age statement gives Buffalo Trace flexibility in blending barrels of different ages to maintain a consistent flavor profile from batch to batch.

Why is Weller Antique 107 so hard to find?

Weller Antique 107 is a highly allocated bourbon, meaning Buffalo Trace distributes limited quantities to retailers. Demand far outstrips supply due to the brand's connection to the Pappy Van Winkle line, overwhelmingly positive reviews, and a loyal following of bourbon enthusiasts. Many stores receive only a handful of bottles per allocation cycle, and those bottles often sell out within hours. Stores like West Street Wine & Spirits that maintain active allocated bourbon programs are your best chance of finding a bottle at a fair price.

Should I drink Weller Antique 107 neat or in cocktails?

Both work beautifully. Neat, the bourbon reveals its full range of vanilla, caramel, and spice notes. The 107 proof delivers satisfying warmth without excessive burn thanks to the softening influence of the wheated mashbill. In cocktails, it excels in classics like the Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Sour, where its bold proof and sweet character cut through sugar and citrus without losing its identity. Adding a few drops of water is another excellent option that opens up floral and fruit notes that stay hidden at full strength.

Allocation and Scarcity: The Hunt for Weller

Finding Weller Bourbon Antique 107 on a store shelf at retail price remains one of the great scavenger hunts in American whiskey. Buffalo Trace allocates this expression in limited quantities, and demand consistently exceeds supply. The secondary market often pushes prices well beyond the suggested retail, making a fair-priced bottle feel like a genuine discovery. Building a relationship with a trusted local retailer is the single best strategy for securing allocated bourbon. When West Street Wine & Spirits receives its allocation, it does not last long. Checking in regularly and acting quickly when bottles arrive is the surest path to adding this expression to your collection.

Buy Weller Bourbon Antique 107 at West Street Wine & Spirits

Ready to bring home one of America's most celebrated wheated bourbons? Weller Bourbon Antique 107 is available at West Street Wine & Spirits in New York. Our staff can guide you through the Weller lineup and help you find the right expression for your palate. Whether you are a collector chasing allocated bottles or a newcomer ready to experience a legendary wheated bourbon, we are here to help.

Shop Weller Bourbon Antique 107 online now or stop by the store and see what else we have in stock.

Visit West Street Wine & Spirits

Located in Lower Manhattan, West Street Wine & Spirits serves the New York City community with a curated selection of wines, spirits, and craft beers. From allocated bourbons to boutique wines, our shelves reflect a commitment to quality that keeps customers coming back.

About West Street Wine & Spirits

West Street Wine & Spirits

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New York, NY 10006

Phone: (212) 383-8300

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