What's going on with Old Weller Antique?

[Scoots]

Here in Oregon, we have only 2 Wellers - Antique and Special Reserve. They both have been going up in price - A LOT!!!

This past year, my favorite pour, OWA, went from $19.95 to $25.95! $6.00 in less than a year! It is now more expensive than WT 101 ($24.95) and Elijah Craig ($23.45).

No other bourbon in Oregon has increased in price like the Wellers have.

What's the story in your area, and does anyone know what's going on?

[Lab Walker]

hey 'all,

i paid $19.99 at the local PA Liquor store. Hope it doe not go up!

[DeanSheen]

WE don't have it here in OH but I have my buddy grab liters of it for me in NY. It comes in at a shade under $22 there.

[ILLfarmboy]

It has went up about 3.25 a bottle here in the last year, year and a half. It now stands at 19.99 compared to 24.99 for Weller 12. (in the same store)

[ThomasH]

Ohio has the 90 proof Special Reserve for 22.00 a bottle, which is a joke. No telling what they would sell the Antique for if they stocked it!

Thomas

[Joshua]

Ohio has the 90 proof Special Reserve for 22.00 a bottle, which is a joke. No telling what they would sell the Antique for if they stocked it

[ThomasH]

The 22.00 in Ohio is for a 750 unfortunately!

Thomas

[DeanSheen]

The 22.00 in Ohio is for a 750 unfortunately!

Thomas

Wow,they just added it ehh? No way I pay that much for Weller SR.

[ShewDawg]

Probably can thank your local gov't for that price jump. NJ has jumped from 3-4 dollars in less than a year.

[ThomasH]

Weller Special Reserve showed up in Ohio last year and was originally on the special order list. One of my local stores ended up with a case on the shelf and it was originally priced at 27.50 for a 750. The state must have somewhat come to their senses and lowered the price to 22.00, which is still 1/3 too high. I would choose a bottle of Weller 12 over SR any day, but unfortunately, Ohio doesn't carry it either. So much for the bourbon ghetto!

Thomas

[ODaniel]

OWA here is $19.95. Weller 7yr is $15.95 I believe. No idea what they used to be, but that's what they were tonight at Liquor Barn.

[tommyboy38]

The cheapest I know of in Chicago is $17 for OWA and $20 for the W12

[ggilbertva]

VA being the price gouging state that it is charges around $25 IIRC. They just started carrying it on the shelves within the last month or two. Montgomery County MD ABC charges $15.85.

[hectic1]

The cheapest I know of in Chicago is $17 for OWA and $20 for the W12

Do you care to share with a fellow bourbon lover where you can get the W12 for $20?

[Phantos]

Here in TX Weller90 is 18.99 and OWA is 24.99... (750)

both are still MM killers @ 25.99 a 750ml.

[ethangsmith]

I'm not at all familiar with the Weller line of products or the history of the company, but I found a bottle of Old Weller Antique 107 "The Original Wheated Bourbon" at a local state store here in PA for $20.99. I had some last night and it was FANTASTIC. I looked around a bit online but couldn't fine a bottle like the one I bought. Mine is sort of roundish and not like the others I have found. Also, I have found several that are 7 year old, whereas mine does not say it is. It was "Distilled by W.L. Weller And Sons, Frankfort, Kentucky." I've also seen some places where I get the indication that this product may not be in production anymore and will soon dry up??? Also, what is the whole W.L. Weller and Stitzel-Weller relation and what products are still being made?

[SMOWK]

what is the whole W.L. Weller and Stitzel-Weller relation and what products are still being made?

I'm sure the others know a lot more about the actual company than I do.

I do know that the bottle was changed to the one you have just this year. It seems as if they've upped the distribution as well, as I've been able to find the new bottle in places that definitely did not carry the old one. I was a little dismayed when I saw the new bottle without an age statement, but I was assured that for now, it's still 7 years old. After comparing last year's, which was in the old bottle, with this years. I must say, this years is quite good. Hopefully it stays that way!

[Josh]

I'm not at all familiar with the Weller line of products or the history of the company, but I found a bottle of Old Weller Antique 107 "The Original Wheated Bourbon" at a local state store here in PA for $20.99. I had some last night and it was FANTASTIC. I looked around a bit online but couldn't fine a bottle like the one I bought. Mine is sort of roundish and not like the others I have found. Also, I have found several that are 7 year old, whereas mine does not say it is. It was "Distilled by W.L. Weller And Sons, Frankfort, Kentucky." I've also seen some places where I get the indication that this product may not be in production anymore and will soon dry up??? Also, what is the whole W.L. Weller and Stitzel-Weller relation and what products are still being made?

I'm sure the others know a lot more about the actual company than I do.

I do know that the bottle was changed to the one you have just this year. It seems as if they've upped the distribution as well, as I've been able to find the new bottle in places that definitely did not carry the old one. I was a little dismayed when I saw the new bottle without an age statement, but I was assured that for now, it's still 7 years old. After comparing last year's, which was in the old bottle, with this years. I must say, this years is quite good. Hopefully it stays that way!

To add to what SMOWK said, as far as the basics go, the entire Weller line are wheat bourbons (like Maker's Mark, Old Fitzgerald and Van Winkle) distilled at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, KY and owned by Sazerac Co.

The Weller line currently consists of, in order of price:

W.L. Weller Special Reserve 7 y/o 90 proof

Old Weller Antique NAS (but still about 7) 107 proof

W.L. Weller 12 y/o 90 proof (hard to find but still in production)

Wm. Larue Weller Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Barrel Proof (varies by year)

Of the 4, my favorites are the Antique and the 12 y/o. The Binny's selection of the 12 is really outstanding. The last one (Larue or WLW for short) is usually excellent as well, but hasn't always lived up to my expectations for the price point. For pedantry on WLW, use the search function :grin: The Weller SR is a little dull imo, but it's a good alternative to MM and a few dollars cheaper.

It should be noted, also, that Weller is made from the same mashbill as the Van Winkle bourbons, the Old Rips, Family Reserve, and Pappys.

I'll also let others chime in on the history.

[ethangsmith]

Interesting. The Van Winkle stuff seems a bit rarer and more expensive from what I have seen, but well worth the cost. I was amazed at how good the Weller Antique 107 is for $21! I think I'm going to track down a few more Weller/Van Winkle products. I definitely like wheated bourbons. I think because they seem to be a little closer to my beloved Michter's sour mash whiskey than, say, Jim Beam or Evan Williams.

[ethangsmith]

Here's a picture of my bottle:

I read everything and there is no age statement on it for certain. I wonder if they plan on going shorter than 7 years soon.

[hectic1]

Read this thread...it has been discussed at nausem!

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12981&highlight=OWA+NAS

[ethangsmith]

What is "NAS?" I also didn't see the thread. Thanks for posting that. There are too many abbreviations being tossed around here!

[OscarV]

Q: What's going on with Old Weller Antique?

A: Nothing, it's just aother sub-par wheater. Since Buffalo Trace killed off Centennial there has been a great void in the world of wheaters.

[hectic1]

What is "NAS?" I also didn't see the thread. Thanks for posting that. There are too many abbreviations being tossed around here!

It stands for No Age Statement...

[Josh]

What is "NAS?" I also didn't see the thread. Thanks for posting that. There are too many abbreviations being tossed around here!

Also check out this thread for all the wacky abbreviations:

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/announcement.php?f=43&a=8

NAS= No Age Statement

Old Weller Antique is not a top-shelfer, but I think it more than holds its own against bourbon offerings in the same price range, wheater or no. But if you offered me a Weller 12 or Old Rip 10/107 in exchange for an OWA, even the age stated one, I'd take that deal in a heartbeat.

If you really want a sub-par wheater, check out any current Old Fitzgerald offerings other than the BiB.