If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, you’ve likely heard about Weller Antique 107 and Weller Special Reserve. Both bourbons are produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery and are part of the W.L. Weller line, which is known for its wheated bourbons. While both bourbons share some similarities, they also have some notable differences that set them apart.
Weller Antique 107 boasts a higher alcohol proof than the Special Reserve, with 107 alcohol proof compared to the Special Reserve’s 90 proof. This higher proof gives Weller Antique 107 a more intense and complex flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice. On the other hand, Weller Special Reserve has a smoother and more approachable taste, with notes of maple, apple, and oak.
Despite their differences, both Weller Antique 107 and Weller Special Reserve are highly sought-after by bourbon enthusiasts and can be difficult to find. If you’re lucky enough to come across a bottle of either, it’s worth giving them a try to see which one suits your taste preferences.
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History of Weller Antique 107 and Weller Special Reserve
Weller Antique 107’s History
photo credit: www.buffalotracedistillery.com
Weller Antique 107, also known as Old Weller Antique (OWA), is a Kentucky wheated bourbon that has a rich history dating back to 1849. The brand was created by William Larue Weller, who was one of the first distillers to use wheat instead of rye in his mash bill. This resulted in a smoother, more mellow flavor that quickly became popular among whiskey enthusiasts.
In 1972, the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company introduced Weller Antique 107 as part of their Old Weller line. The bourbon was named after the original recipe that William Larue Weller had created over a century earlier. Today, Weller Antique 107 is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, which acquired the brand in 1999.
Weller Antique 107 is aged between 6 and 8 years and bottled at 107 proof. It has a complex, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The high proof gives it a bold finish that lingers on the palate.
Weller Special Reserve’s History
photo credit: www.buffalotracedistillery.com
Weller Special Reserve was released in 1991, making it a relatively new addition to the W.L. Weller bourbon collection. The brand was created by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle and Alex Farnsley, who were looking for a way to bring back the smooth, mellow flavor of the original W.L. Weller recipe.
Weller Special Reserve is also a wheated bourbon, but it is aged for a shorter period of time than Weller Antique 107. It is bottled at 90 proof, which is lower than Weller Antique 107’s 107 proof. Despite this, it still has a smooth, well-balanced flavor that is easy to drink.
Weller Special Reserve has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to its association with the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle bourbons. It is often used as a substitute for the more expensive Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Old Bourbon, which is made using the same mash bill as Weller Special Reserve.
Production Process
Weller Antique 107’s Production Process
Weller Antique 107 is a wheated bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The production process of Weller Antique 107 involves the following steps:
- Mash Bill: The mash bill for Weller Antique 107 contains 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley. This high wheat content gives the bourbon a smoother and sweeter taste.
- Cooking: The grains are cooked at high temperature to break down the starches and convert them into fermentable sugars.
- Fermentation: The cooked mash is then cooled and yeast is added to begin the fermentation process. The yeast consumes the sugars and produces alcohol.
- Distillation: The fermented mash is then distilled twice in copper stills to produce a clear, high-proof spirit. The distillation process removes impurities and concentrates the alcohol.
- Aging: The clear spirit is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least 7 years. During the aging process, the bourbon gains color, flavor, and complexity from the wood.
Weller Special Reserve’s Production Process
Weller Special Reserve is also a wheated bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The production process of Weller Special Reserve is similar to that of Weller Antique 107, with a few differences:
- Mash Bill: The mash bill for Weller Special Reserve contains 75% corn, 20% wheat, and 5% malted barley. This slightly higher corn content gives the bourbon a spicier taste compared to Weller Antique 107.
- Aging: Weller Special Reserve is aged for at least 6 years, which is one year less than Weller Antique 107. This results in a slightly less complex and mature flavor profile.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to the taste of Weller Antique 107 and Weller Special Reserve, there are some noticeable differences. Both bourbons are made from the same mash bill and aged in the same barrels, but the difference in proof and age results in a different flavor profile.
Weller Antique 107
Weller Antique 107 is known for its bold and spicy flavor profile. It has a higher alcohol proof than the Special Reserve, coming in at 107 proof. The higher proof gives it a stronger kick and a longer finish. The flavor profile of Weller Antique 107 includes notes of fruit, vanilla, and oak, with a cinnamon finish.
Weller Special Reserve
Weller Special Reserve is a smooth and easy-drinking bourbon with a sweet and caramel-forward flavor profile. It has a lower alcohol proof than the Antique 107, coming in at 90 proof. The lower proof makes it a more approachable bourbon for those who are new to the world of whiskey. The flavor profile of Weller Special Reserve includes notes of honey, butterscotch, and leather, with a smooth finish.
Price Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Weller Antique 107 and Weller Special Reserve, price is an important factor to consider. Both bourbons are from the same distillery and have a similar flavor profile, but there is a significant price difference between the two.
Weller Special Reserve is the more affordable option, with a suggested retail price of around $87 per bottle. However, due to its popularity and limited availability, it can be challenging to find at retail prices. Some retailers may charge upwards of $100 or more for a bottle.
On the other hand, Weller Antique 107 is a higher-end offering with a suggested retail price of around $200 per bottle. It is also in high demand and can be difficult to find at retail prices. As a result, some retailers may charge two or three times the suggested retail price for a bottle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Weller Antique 107 and Weller Special Reserve are excellent bourbons that are worth trying. They have their own unique characteristics that make them stand out from each other. Ultimately, the choice between Weller Antique 107 and Weller Special Reserve comes down to your personal taste. Both bourbons are excellent and are sure to please any bourbon lover. We hope this comparison has helped you make an informed decision and enjoy your next glass of Weller bourbon!
Related Posts
If you are a fan of bourbon whiskey, you might be interested in other comparisons between different brands. Here are some related posts that you might enjoy reading. These posts cover a range of topics, from comparing different brands of bourbon to comparing single malt scotch whiskeys. We hope you find them useful in your quest to find the perfect whiskey for you:
- Maker’s Mark vs Bulleit Bourbon: Which One Should You Choose?
- Jim Beam vs Evan Williams: Which Bourbon Whiskey Comes Out on Top?
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year vs Single Barrel: Which One Wins?
- Eagle Rare vs Angel’s Envy: Determining the Reigning Champion
- Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12: Which Single Malt Scotch Whiskey is Better?
