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Weller Antique 107
Dec
Weller Antique 107: The Ultimate Guide to the Legendary “Poor Man’s Pappy”
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Weller 107 Phenomenon
In the world of affordable rare whiskeys, few bottles command the cult-like devotion of Weller Antique 107. Known officially as Old Weller Antique 107, this Kentucky straight bourbon has transcended its humble origins to become a symbol of quality, scarcity, and savvy collecting. With a Weller Antique 107 price on the secondary market often soaring multiples above its modest MSRP, it sits at the fascinating intersection of everyday enjoyment and collector’s obsession.
This guide isn’t just another review. We’ll dissect its history, flavor profile, and the practical realities of acquiring a bottle. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey collector or a curious newcomer, understanding the Weller 107 phenomenon is a rite of passage in the modern bourbon landscape.
What is Weller Antique 107? History & Legacy
Weller Antique 107 is a wheated bourbon produced by the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Its core identity rests on three pillars:
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Mash Bill: It uses Buffalo Trace’s “wheated” mash bill, meaning wheat is used as the secondary grain instead of the more common rye. This recipe, shared with the infamous Pappy Van Winkle line, results in a softer, smoother, and often sweeter spirit.
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Proof: Bottled at 107 proof (53.5% ABV), it is a “cask strength” expression in spirit, though not technically unfiltered barrel proof. This higher ABV delivers robust flavor without overwhelming heat.
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Aging: While its exact age isn’t stated, it’s typically aged for 6-8 years in new, charred American oak barrels.
The Weller brand dates back to the 19th century, honoring William Larue Weller, a pioneer of wheated bourbons. For decades, Weller’s Antique 107 was a readily available, value-packed bourbon. The modern frenzy is a classic tale of limited supply, skyrocketing demand for all things Buffalo Trace, and the halo effect of its legendary relative, Pappy Van Winkle.
Weller 107 Tasting Notes: A Sensory Deep Dive
Let’s move beyond the hype and into the glass. What does Old Weller Antique 107 actually taste like? Here’s a breakdown for the discerning palate.
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Nose (The Aroma): The initial aroma is inviting and complex. Expect a rich bouquet of brown sugar, caramel, and honey, followed by baked apple, cinnamon, and a distinct note of cherry. The oak is present but gentle, offering vanilla and a touch of seasoned leather.
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Palate (The Flavor): The first sip confirms the nose. The wheated mash bill shines with a creamy, round mouthfeel. Flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and baked pastry dominate, accented by ripe red fruit (think cherry and raspberry), orange zest, and baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg). The 107 proof provides a wonderful weight and viscosity without excessive burn.
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Finish (The Aftertaste): The finish is long, warm, and satisfying. The sweetness gradually gives way to a drying oak spice, black pepper, and a lingering hint of that cherry note. It’s remarkably balanced for its proof.
Expert Tip: Adding a few drops of water can open up the fruitier notes and make the spice even more approachable, a great technique for those new to higher-ABV bourbons.
Weller Antique 107 MSRP vs. Secondary Market Price
This is the crux of the Weller 107 dilemma. The disconnect between its intended price and its street value is staggering.
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Weller Antique 107 MSRP: The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is typically between $45 and $65. At this price, it represents one of the finest values in all of bourbon.
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Secondary Market Price: Due to extreme scarcity, bottles are routinely resold for $200 to $400, and sometimes higher in certain markets or for private barrel selections. This places it firmly in the limited edition bourbon resale category.
Why the Massive Markup? It boils down to simple economics: demand vastly outpaces allocation. State-controlled liquor stores and retailers receive tiny quantities, leading to lotteries, waiting lists, and instant sell-outs. This scarcity fuels the secondary market, where bottles become whiskey collector bottles for trade and investment.
Why is Weller 107 So Hard to Find?
The hunt for Weller Antique 107 can feel like a quest. Several factors create this perfect storm:
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The Buffalo Trace Effect: Every whiskey from this distillery, from Eagle Rare to Blanton’s, is in high demand.
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The Pappy Van Winkle Connection: Sharing the same mash bill and distillery as the ultra-rare Pappy line creates an aura of prestige.
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Limited Production & Allocation: Buffalo Trace can only produce and age so much. Their available stock is allocated in limited quantities to distributors and retailers nationwide.
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Flipper Culture: The lucrative secondary market incentivizes individuals to buy any available bottle purely for resale profit.
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Word of Mouth & Awards: Consistent high ratings from critics and enthusiasts keep demand perpetually high.
The “Poor Man’s Pappy” Connection Explained
This is the most famous nickname in bourbon. Weller Antique 107 earned the moniker “Poor Man’s Pappy” because it shares the exact same wheated mash bill and distillery (Buffalo Trace) as the legendary Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve bourbons.
The key differences are age and selection. Pappy is aged for 15, 20, or 23 years and goes through a more rigorous barrel selection process. However, at a fraction of the cost (at MSRP) and with a similar flavor DNA, Weller 107 offers a genuinely comparable experience. A popular DIY project among enthusiasts was even to mix Weller 107 with the older Weller 12 Year to approximate the Pappy profile.
How to Find & Buy Weller Antique 107
Finding a bottle at or near MSRP requires strategy and patience. Here are your best avenues:
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Build Relationships at Local Stores: This is the #1 most effective method. Become a regular customer at reputable liquor stores. Express genuine interest, not just in rare bottles. Owners are more likely to offer allocated bottles to loyal patrons.
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Watch for State Lottery Releases: Many state-controlled liquor systems (e.g., Ohio, Virginia, Oregon) hold official lotteries for allocated items. Sign up for their email lists.
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Check Big-Box Retailers: Stores like Costco, BevMo!, or Total Wine sometimes receive allocations and sell them on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Online Whiskey Auctions & Retailers: Be prepared to pay secondary market prices. Use reputable whiskey auction sites or online whiskey shops. Always factor in shipping and insurance costs.
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Whiskey Subscription Boxes: Some premium whiskey subscription boxes occasionally include allocated bottles like Weller as part of their high-tier offerings.
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Avoid Scams: If a price seems too good to be true from an unknown source, it almost certainly is. Purchase from established, credible retailers.
Weller 107 vs. Other Weller Bottles: A Comparison
The Weller lineup is a “wheelbarrow” of wheated bourbons. Here’s how Weller Antique 107 stacks up.
| Bottle | Proof/Age | Profile & Market Position | Approx. MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weller Special Reserve | 90 Proof | The entry point. Softer, lighter, great for beginners. Very scarce. | $30-$40 |
| Weller Antique 107 | 107 Proof | The sweet spot of power & flavor. The most famous for its “Poor Man’s Pappy” status. | $45-$65 |
| Weller 12 Year | 90 Proof | Aged 12 years. More oak, tannin, and complexity than Special Reserve. Extremely rare. | $50-$80 |
| Weller Full Proof | 114 Proof | Barrel proof, non-chill filtered. A bold, intense, and highly sought-after expression. | $60-$90 |
| Weller Single Barrel | Varies | Store picks offering a unique look at a single barrel’s character. | $50-$70 |
| Weller CYPB | Varies | “Craft Your Perfect Bourbon” – a limited, fan-voted release. Rarest of all. | $50-$80 |
Tasting, Pairing & Serving Expert Tips
You’ve secured a bottle. Now, how to enjoy it like an expert?
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The Right Glass: Use a Glencairn or a similar tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas.
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To Add Water or Not? Always try it neat first. Then, experiment with a few drops of distilled water to open new flavors. With Weller 107, a little water can enhance the fruit notes.
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Perfect Pairings:
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Food: The sweet and spicy profile pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, grilled peaches, blue cheese, or a classic bread pudding.
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Cigar: Try a medium-bodied cigar with notes of cedar and coffee.
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In a Cocktail? While purists may balk, its robust flavor holds up beautifully in an Old Fashioned, adding incredible depth. It makes what might be the ultimate affordable rare whiskey Manhattan.
Is Weller 107 a Good Whiskey Investment?
Within the context of whiskey investment, Weller Antique 107 presents a interesting case.
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Pros: It has a proven track record of increasing in value on the secondary market. Its connection to the Buffalo Trace/Pappy ecosystem ensures ongoing demand. As a tangible asset, it can be fun and profitable.
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Cons: The market is volatile. Buying at high secondary prices leaves little room for short-term profit. You must consider storage (upright, dark, cool place) and the risk of fake bottles in resale.
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The Verdict: If you can find it at or near MSRP, it is arguably one of the safest “investment” bottles to hold or trade. Buying at $300+ is speculative and more about immediate consumption than guaranteed return. For more, see our dedicated Whiskey Investment Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Weller Antique 107 a bourbon or a whiskey?
A: All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Weller 107 is absolutely a bourbon. It meets all legal requirements: made in the USA, from a grain mash of at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak containers, and distilled to no more than 160 proof.
Q: What’s the best whiskey for beginners if I can’t find Weller?
A: If you’re attracted to Weller’s wheated, sweet profile, start with Maker’s Mark or Larceny. Both are excellent, widely available wheated bourbons that introduce you to the soft, caramel-forward style without the hunt.
Q: Why does some whiskey taste smoky? Is Weller 107 smoky?
A: Smoke flavor typically comes from peat (used in many Scotches) or from the level of char in the barrel. Weller 107 is not smoky. Its flavor profile is sweet, fruity, and spicy, derived from its wheat recipe, aging barrels, and the natural caramelization of sugars during maturation.
Q: Is bourbon sweeter than other types of whiskey?
A: Often, yes. Bourbon’s corn-heavy mash bill and vanilla notes from new American oak tend to produce sweeter profiles than, say, a spicy rye whiskey or a malty, dry Scotch. Wheated bourbons like Weller are often the sweetest of the bourbon category.
Conclusion: Is the Hunt Worth It?
Weller Antique 107 is more than a bottle; it’s a benchmark. At its intended MSRP, it is an undisputed champion of value and quality—a quintessential affordable rare whiskey that delivers a rich, complex, and satisfying experience. It perfectly embodies why people fall in love with bourbon.
The reality of the chase, however, cannot be ignored. Paying hundreds of dollars on the secondary market shifts the calculus. At that point, you are paying for the experience of the rarity itself.
Our final advice? If you see it on a shelf at a reasonable price, buy it immediately. If not, enjoy the hunt, build relationships, and explore the wonderful world of other wheated bourbons and new whiskey releases. The journey is as rewarding as the pour.
