W.L. Weller Antique 107 is a 107-proof wheated Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace — the highest-proof expression in the standard Weller lineup and the one most sought after by collectors who want the full intensity of the wheated mashbill without moving to William Larue Weller.
Like all Weller expressions, the Antique 107 uses the wheated bourbon recipe that William Larue Weller pioneered in the 19th century — substituting wheat for rye as the secondary grain after corn, producing a softer, richer character than high-rye bourbons at the same proof. At 107 proof with no age statement, the Antique 107 delivers concentrated caramel, dried fruit, and vanilla with genuine intensity, without the heat that typically accompanies a high-rye bourbon at similar proof.
OWA — the common collector abbreviation — is among the most allocated expressions in the Weller lineup alongside Weller 12 Year and Full Proof. It receives regular but limited Buffalo Trace distribution and sells out quickly at primary retail. The 107 proof and the distinctive red label make it immediately recognizable to Weller collectors.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich caramel, vanilla, dried apricot, and warm baking spice — the wheated mashbill's sweetness amplified by 107 proof. Palate: Full and concentrated — caramel, toffee, wheat grain softness, and gentle oak with none of the rye heat you'd expect at this proof. Finish: Long and warming with caramel and spice persisting.
Specs
Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky. Mashbill: Wheated bourbon recipe. Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Proof: 107 (53.5% ABV). Age: No age statement. Size: 750ml.
Browse the full W.L. Weller collection at Wooden Cork, including Weller Special Reserve, 12 Year, Full Proof, Single Barrel, and William Larue Weller.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is W.L. Weller Antique 107?
A 107-proof wheated Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace — the highest-proof standard expression in the Weller lineup. Uses the same wheated mashbill as Weller Special Reserve, Weller 12 Year, and Pappy Van Winkle, but bottled at 107 proof without a stated age. Commonly referred to as OWA among collectors.
How long is Weller Antique 107 aged?
Weller Antique 107 carries no age statement, meaning Buffalo Trace does not disclose the specific aging period on the label. It is generally understood to be aged several years in new charred American oak barrels — long enough to develop the concentrated caramel and vanilla character at 107 proof, but without the specific year commitment of Weller 12 Year.
How does Weller Antique 107 compare to Weller 12 Year?
Both use the same wheated Buffalo Trace mashbill. Weller 12 Year has a 12-year age statement and is bottled at 90 proof — more oak integration, deeper complexity, but lighter in body. Antique 107 has no age statement and is bottled at 107 proof — more intense, more concentrated, and more heat. OWA is the higher-proof expression; Weller 12 is the more aged.
Is Weller Antique 107 allocated?
Yes — all Weller expressions are allocated by Buffalo Trace, with quantities at any retailer determined by the distillery. OWA is among the more consistently available Weller expressions but still sells out quickly at primary retail. Wooden Cork ships nationwide when stock is available.
