WELLER ANTIQUE 107 — Expert Tasting Profile
W.L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a highly regarded wheated Kentucky straight bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. Bottled at 107 proof (53.5% ABV), it is celebrated for its rich sweetness, full-bodied character, and bold yet remarkably smooth profile. Replacing rye with wheat in the mash bill creates a softer, rounder bourbon while maintaining impressive depth and intensity.
Tasting Notes
The nose is rich and expressive, opening with aromas of caramel, vanilla bean, and honey layered over toasted oak. Notes of dark cherry, ripe plum, and orange zest emerge alongside brown sugar, cinnamon, and roasted pecans. Hints of leather, cocoa, and baking spices add depth and complexity.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, delivering flavors of caramelized sugar, toffee, and vanilla custard followed by ripe cherry, baked apple, and maple syrup. The wheated mash bill provides a smooth, creamy sweetness, while the elevated proof contributes bold notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Toasted oak, roasted almonds, dark chocolate, and subtle tobacco develop through the mid-palate, creating exceptional balance between sweetness, spice, and barrel influence.
The finish is long, warm, and satisfying, lingering with notes of vanilla, caramel, baking spices, toasted oak, cocoa, and gentle leather.
Pairing Suggestions
Weller Antique 107 pairs exceptionally well with rich, flavorful cuisine. It complements:
- Smoked brisket and barbecue ribs
- Grilled ribeye and pork tenderloin
- Roast duck and glazed ham
- Pecan pie, bread pudding, crème brûlée, and dark chocolate desserts
For cheese pairings, aged Cheddar, Gouda, Gruyère, and blue cheese beautifully complement its sweet oak and spice profile.
Palate Experience (“Plate Taste”)
The palate opens with a bold wave of caramel and vanilla before unfolding into layers of ripe orchard fruit, maple, toasted oak, and warm baking spices. The mouthfeel is rich, creamy, and coating, with the higher proof delivering intensity without sacrificing balance. As the whiskey evolves, notes of cocoa, roasted nuts, and gentle leather emerge, culminating in a long, elegant finish that showcases the hallmark softness of a wheated bourbon.
Weller Antique 107 is best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full-bodied richness and layered complexity. A few drops of water can further reveal its creamy sweetness, dark fruit character, and refined oak influence, while a large ice cube offers a slightly softer expression without diminishing its depth.
