Old Weller Antique Review

Old Weller Antique is another installment from the Buffalo Trace family. This bourbon replaces the rye typically found in mashbills with wheat, making it a little sweeter and more delicate than your typical corn and rye-based bourbons.  The Old Weller checks in at an impressive 107 proof. If curious, you can get more info on the bourbon itself here.

Old Weller Antique - Tasting Notes

Nose: Quick sniff gives some dried apricot, bitter citrus. Upon further inspection the higher proof shows itself with a little alcohol pinch in the nostrils. A little water cools down the alcohol burn while highlighting the sweet notes, as well as introducing some banana and vanilla. Nothing too overpowering or strong here... it took some digging to get these flavors.
Palate: Some brief sweetness, followed by a little bitter flavor and spice with the alcohol showing it's presence throughout. Basically, sugar then oak then spice, none of the 3 overpowering. A little water keeps the flavor present while cooling the alcohol.
Finish: Tiny spice and oak. The alcohol is present, but the entire finish comes and goes quite quickly.

Proof: 107 (53.5% ABV)
Price: ~$25

Old Weller Antique - 107 proof

For a $25 bourbon, it isn't bad. If you want a wheated bourbon for under $30 this is a solid choice, and I'd take it over Maker's in a heartbeat. However, I think the WL Weller 12-year is a big step up and well worth the extra $5 it will cost you (sadly, it is unavailable in my home state of Michigan). The Old Weller Antique isn't offensive by any means, but it doesn't jump out with any traits that would make it a mainstay in my collection. And at such a high proof, I was a little surprised the nose and palate didn't come through with more assertion. This guy might be worth trying on the rocks on a hot summer day as a nice, easy-sipping dram or in a cocktail that isn't supposed to be bourbon-forward.

Old Weller Antique Rating: 7.7/10