How to Drink Weller Antique 107

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:21 pm

Discover my way of drinking Weller Antique 107: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this bourbon.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Best Way to Drink: Whiskey expert Neil Coleman recommends adding water to Weller Antique 107 to soften its initial heat and reveal fruity apple and cherry notes, enhancing the enjoyment.
• Method of Adding Water: Begin by tasting the bourbon as it is, then add water gradually, adjusting to your taste preference.
• Ice vs. Whiskey Stones: Using ice may dilute the bourbon’s intensity, so stainless steel whiskey stones are recommended for those preferring a chilled drink without dilution.
• Glassware Selection: A Glencairn glass is ideal for fully appreciating the aroma and flavor of Weller Antique 107, though a regular whiskey tumbler is also suitable.
• Characteristics: This bourbon is distinguished by its exceptional character and rich, bold flavors. Despite its high proof, it is not overwhelming and is reasonably priced.
• Price Consideration: Coleman advises against overpaying for this bourbon, suggesting sticking close to the MSRP.
• Tasting Notes: It features a sweet aroma with butterscotch, vanilla, and cinnamon, a creamy palate with caramel, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon, and oak, and a lingering peppery finish.
• Cocktail Suggestions: Weller Antique 107 is great in a Bourbon Rosemary Sour, Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, and Peach Bourbon Smash.
• Food Pairings: Complements chocolate fondue, butterscotch bread pudding, crème brûlée, Roquefort cheese, and spiced pear tart.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Best Way to Drink Weller Antique 107

Bourbon expert Neil Coleman notes that “adding water to the pour enhances the bourbon by mellowing its initial heat and revealing fruity flavors like apple and cherry, making it more enjoyable,” he explains.

Weller Antique 107 stands out as an exceptional bourbon, full of character, though it might take some effort to adjust to its initial warmth.

Coleman expresses his preference for this particular Weller Bourbon, praising its rich, bold flavors that aren’t overwhelming and its reasonable pricing.

He advises against paying significantly more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

Adding Water

Start by trying the drink as it is, without any dilution, right after pouring it.

Then, slowly incorporate water into it, adding a few drops at a time, all while consistently tasting.

Continue this process until you find the taste that perfectly aligns with your individual preferences.

On the Rocks

The inclusion of ice reduces the intensity of the heat but doesn’t enhance the emergence of extra flavors, which is why adding ice isn’t my preferred method for enjoying bourbon.

If you desire a chilled bourbon, I recommend opting for a set of stainless steel whiskey stones, an essential tool for any serious bourbon enthusiast.

Selecting the Right Glassware

To savor Weller Antique 107 to the fullest, it’s ideal to use a Glencairn glass.

This glass has a unique shape that enhances the whiskey’s scents and tastes, making your tasting experience more enjoyable.

The Glencairn glass is designed to concentrate the aroma at the top, allowing you to better appreciate the bourbon’s subtle details.

Nevertheless, if you can’t obtain a Glencairn glass, a regular whiskey tumbler also works perfectly.

Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preference.

However, if you’re a devoted Bourbon enthusiast, investing in a Glencairn glass is a valuable choice for an enhanced tasting experience.

Tasting Notes

The nose is sweet, with hints of butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon.

On the palate, the bourbon has a creamy consistency, a buttery sensation in your mouth, and a sweet, bread-like taste that includes hints of caramel, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon, and a subtle oak note.

The finish lingers, offering a mild kick and a somewhat peppery essence, yet it remains quite gratifying.

Weller Antique 107 in Cocktails

A fine wheated bourbon like Weller works well in these cocktails:

1. Bourbon Rosemary Sour: Combine 2 oz of wheated bourbon, 1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 oz of rosemary-infused simple syrup, and an egg white in a shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
2. Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned: In a mixing glass, muddle 2 sugar cubes with 3 dashes of orange bitters. Add 2 oz of wheated bourbon and stir with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange twist and a drizzle of maple syrup.
3. Peach Bourbon Smash: Muddle 4-5 fresh peach slices and a few basil leaves in a shaker. Add 2 oz of wheated bourbon, 1 oz of honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water), and 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a peach slice and a sprig of basil.

Food Pairings

A sweet-wheated Bourbon like Weller pairs nicely with these dishes:

1. Chocolate Fondue: The velvety sweetness of chocolate fondue complements the sweet wheated bourbon’s rich, caramel, and vanilla notes, offering a decadent dessert experience.
2. Butterscotch Bread Pudding: The creamy, butterscotch-infused bread pudding harmonizes with the bourbon’s sweetness, creating a comforting and indulgent pairing.
3. Crème Brûlée: The creamy custard and caramelized sugar of crème brûlée contrast beautifully with the sweet wheated bourbon, enhancing its rich and vanilla-like flavors.
4. Roquefort Cheese: The bold and pungent Roquefort cheese pairs excellently with the bourbon’s sweetness, creating a balanced and savory-sweet contrast.
5. Spiced Pear Tart: The warm spiced flavors and tender pears in a pear tart complement the wheated bourbon’s sweetness, adding a fruity dimension to the pairing.

Preserving the Bottle

• Keep the bottle in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
• Make sure to seal the bottle tightly to prevent oxidation.
• When the liquid level in the bottle drops to around 25%, it’s a good idea to finish it relatively quickly to maintain its flavor.

About Weller Antique 107

• Weller Antique 107, produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, is a wheated bourbon.
• It is bottled at 107 proof and is classified as a no-age-statement release, with aging typically falling in the 6-8 year range (previously labeled as 7 years in the past).