Review: Old Weller Antique 107
Old Weller Antique 107
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Sazerac Company, Inc.
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Availability: Moderate to difficult
Proof: 53.5% ABV (107 proof)
Age: NAS, assumed 6-7 years
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Color: Amber
MSRP: $25-30 (+/-)
2nd Hand Market Price: NA, but barrel picks are $75-$90 secondary
Nose: 29
Wow! The nose on OWA gives off a variety of conflicting, yet harmonious characteristics. Initially, I get a ton of cinnamon spice, followed by really nice butterscotch and caramel notes, and even some hints of fresh flowers.
Palate: 27
Complex, that’s the only word I can find to describe OWA. This bourbon smacks your tongue with lots of cinnamon spice, reminiscent of Red Hots that I used to eat as a little boy. As the cinnamon tapers away, I get a floral sweetness that really speaks to its high wheat content. The mouth feel is slightly thin, but soft and very approachable.
Finish: 28
This one finishes just the way it starts; lots of cinnamon spice, with caramel and butterscotch ensuing. The last flavor I get is some oak, but I don’t feel that it overwhelms the other flavors but compliments them.
Value: Phenomenal! (if you can find it)
If you can find OWA at (or just above retail) buy it. OWA is a well-rounded bourbon that is fitting for almost any occasion. Buffalo Trace also does single barrel picks of OWA and if you can ever find them, they are typically worth the few extra dollars.
Final Report:
Old Weller Antique to me is the best of the Weller family of wheated bourbons. I like higher proof bourbons so logically at 107 proof, I would lean toward this one. OWA almost drinks like a barrel proof, but leaves me with less of a headache the next day. I am a huge fan of this offering, especially paired with some cookies around the holidays. While it isn’t easy to find, a little bit of hunting and creating relationships with your local store owner can usually result in finding one or two bottles throughout the year. I’m also a huge fan of the barrel selections offered by Buffalo Trace. If you can grab one, do it. They come in chill and non-chill filtering so you can get lots of variety from barrel to barrel. I wouldn’t overpay for Old Weller Antique, but I’d recommend staying under $40 for this solid drinker.
Blake Johnson