Weller Antique 107 Bourbon

I previously reviewed Weller Antique 107 in November 2022. My palate has clearly evolved since then, as this expression is now outstanding. In my initial review, I mentioned preferring the green label Special Reserve and stated, "I probably won't buy this one again." I also gave it 3.75 stars. However, as of last night, my opinion has completely shifted. I'm removing my original review and submitting this updated one: Appearance: Medium copper Aroma: Impressive! Caramel, toasted oak, molasses (or perhaps maple?), cinnamon. Taste: Predominantly sweet; notes of burnt cherries; a mild chest warmth on the second sip; a flavor resembling "graham cracker" emerges on the back of the tongue. This might sound unusual, but... this is the sort of bourbon that evokes the feeling of "Thanksgiving" — a blend of aromatic spices, burning wood, and sweet desserts all contained within a glass! Finish: Appears to be medium length with significant lingering sweetness and cinnamon from the palate. Not truly "drying," but slightly so. Well... this Antique 107 has just displaced the 12 Year from the Weller Gold Medal podium. I need to make this bottle last, as I'm unsure when I'll encounter it again at the suggested retail price.

Hmm...contrary to my earlier thoughts, I truly enjoyed this bourbon this time. The more I sampled it, the more appealing it became. Perhaps it requires tasting on its own. It offers simple scents of vanilla, cola, and maple syrup, but it presents flavors of cherries and smoke, along with the sharpness of citrus peel that quickly shifts to a serrano-pepper-like spice that lingers...and lingers...and lingers, almost like rye. Initially, it's a bit sharp, but each subsequent sip is more welcoming, like settling into a warm bath. I must recommend it, much more enthusiastically than I did initially.

A rich Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, aged 6-8 years in new American Oak barrels and bottled at 107 proof. It begins with an aromatic profile featuring notes of grain, stone fruits, flowers, wood & spices; develops into a rich & bold character with notes of English toffee, honeyed apricots, pecan praline & dark chocolate; and concludes with a long & balanced finish of oak, vanilla, cinnamon & leather. June / July 2022

Wow! Unlike most bourbons I've encountered, which begin mild and finish with a spicy kick, this one is very spicy right from the start. It strongly tastes of cinnamon and citrus, with a full body and a sweet vanilla finish. It has a wonderful aroma of maple and possibly a bit of cocoa. Maybe I'm unsophisticated, but I actually prefer the original Weller for its simplicity and lack of initial intensity.

Nose: mildly sweet, grain-forward with a bit of heat and spice. Palate: moderately sweet with hints of vanilla and caramel, a slight spice or boldness, perhaps cinnamon, with a subtly drying tannic finish. A pleasant drink, though hard to acquire. I found it at the suggested retail price, but I'm not sure I'd spend $120 in liquor stores. I would happily pay the $66 Total Wine price for it.

Nose: dark fruit, cherry/strawberry, vanilla. Palate: dark fruit carries through, smooth and creamy, strawberry Werther's. Exceptional pour! The transition from nose to palate is seamless, and the fruit notes persist. It tastes like strawberry and vanilla candy. I'd choose it over Weller 12 and Full Proof. It would be a perfect score, but other perfect scores exist within the Sazerac family.