Weller SR vs. Weller Antique

[TMH]

I've searched without success for a thread on the differences between Special Reserve and Antique. Is there a real noticable difference in taste? I guess the solution is to buy both, but I'd rather have an idea of the two tastes before doing so. Any commnets would be welcome.

Thanks!

[jeff]

To my understanding, the only difference is the proof. Personally I don't like the Antique. I find it rather hot and astringent. The SR is very good for the price, but if you can find it, pick up a bottle of the 12yo. It's one of the best bourbons on the market at any price

[nysquire]

I agree and I find that the bourbon from the Louisville

distillery is the best....

[TMH]

Thanks! Both comments were helpful. I've been enjoying a bottle of the SR from Louisville (with pink strip, but not tax stamp) and stumbled apon a few Louisville Antique bottles. I've been trying to decide if I should go back and pick up the remaining Louisville SRs or try the Loiusville Antique. I think I'm drawn to the gold drawn cracks on the bottle of the Antique. I'd rather have some great bourbon in an ok bottle than ok bourbon in a great bottle.

[brewcrew]

I have to agree with Jeff, the 12 yr is fantastic, especially for only $16.99 here in Chicago. You won't be disappointed with the 12 yr. I have to thank Ken Weber for recommending that one to me.

[BrbnBorderline]

I guess I'm in the minority here. I really like the Antique. The flavors are so bold, and smooth. Lots of caramel and vanilla. I like the 12 YO also, but at 90 proof, it tastes like watered down Antique to me. Plus, I like younger bourbons - around 6-8 years seems to be just right for me. The 12 YO is more refined, I'd call it. YMMV.

[tmas]

Yes, definitely pick up the 12 yr it's quite complex. Me and my brother sampled it neat alongside the Van Winkle 10 yr 107 proof and really couldn't pick a favorite, me leaning to the VW and he the Weller 12 yr. It's a super value no question. Tom V

[Bamber]

Weller 12YO is becoming one of my staples. I like it as much as the crazily priced 19YO. Great wheat and oak flavour. When I stop experimenting I predict it will be one of the Bourbons that I always keep within arms reach. Not tried the 107 antique and probably never will as it is becoming collectible over here (if I had a bottle I would drink it, no question).

[Geo]

Weller Antique for me. I like the 107 proof and yet it still is not too hot and very sweet and smooth. And for $20 here in Oregon, its my daily pour. My weekend/special pour is Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr 107.

[TMH]

I've now had the opportunity to have both and I like the 107 slightly better. It is more complex than the SR, which is also very nice, but more mellow. My bottle of SR has a date of 92 on the bottom of the bottle and my 107 is dated 96. Both are very good and I'm planning on getting more. I understand the post SW versions have a different profile, which could explain why some don't care for the 107.

[tmas]

Is there any way to tell SW Antique from post SW Antique?

[TMH]

Was the Weller 12 from United Distillers or Buffalo Trace? I'm curious to know how the latest Weller 12 compares to VW 10.

[TMH]

My understanding is SW closed in 92, so any bottle with a 99 or lower on the bottom could be SW. I've also read the small set of numbers like "16.909.07.00" indicate the distillery. I believe 16 refers to SW, but I could be wrong. Finally, the UPC bar code should have 088076, which indicates United Distillers, who owned and ran SW. Someone please correct me if this info isn't correct.

[monte]

Is there any way to tell SW Antique from post SW Antique?

The older version of Antique is probably in a gold threaded bottle (the one old Antique I have is) whereas the modern versions are in a plain bottle.

They will have a different UPC codes: my 750ml bottle of SW Antique has the code 88076 24230, and the modern 750 from BT has the code 88004 02564.

The important part to check is that the first 5 digits will be 88076 for UDV (which used SW whiskey) and 88004 is for Buffalo Trace.

Just to be accurate, 88076 is still used today for whiskey not from SW, but in the case of this particular brand (and a few others like Old Charter), the above will be true. Brands have moved around so much that it makes my head hurt to think about how to most fully and accurately express this, so I'm just gonna leave out the rest of the details. For Antique and Old Charter, the above UPC prefixes will tell you what you want to know.

Cheers,

-monte-

[Merlin]

I really enjoy the Weller Antique every now and then.

[tmas]

Thanks for that info Monte. I've never seen the gold threaded bottle so I guess my Antiques are from BT. Anyway, I really like both the Antique and the 12 yr. I have to try them side by side sometime. Tom

[monte]

Antique is really nice, and one of the few less expensive but very drinkable spirits available up here in yankee country. One of my favorite things to do with Antique is to mix it with Old Grand Dad 114 - the combination is pretty astounding - try it some time.

Cheers,

-monte-

[tmas]

Hey, I'll try that as I have 'em both! I guess it would be 50/50, correct me if not. It's got to be good, both of the ingredients are! Tom

[monte]

Start at 50/50 and bend it around a bit. Sometimes I like more sweet from the Weller, sometimes I like more 'snap' from the OGD. I like the vatting a lot and find that the result is greater than either bourbon alone.

Cheers,

-monte-

[tmas]

I never did any "vatting" before so I think I'll experiment with this combo, something new and interesting, I'm sure it helps hone one's nose and palate. Best case scenario I end up liking one of the combo's more than either bourbon alone like you do! Tom

[Ken Weber]

Just as an FYI, the Antique and Special Reserve are the same whiskies, just the proof varies. Both are at least 7 years old (usually closer to 8-9). The gold veiled glass was discontinued because it was going to increase the shelf price by about $2.00/bottle. I just made the decision to keep the price where it was and use standard glass. It isn't as pretty, but the juice is the same.

Just because the label says it is produced in Louisville, you still need to consider a few things. The Buffalo Trace Distillery distilled and aged some wheated whiskey for UD for nearly a decade before we actually bought the brand. Even after we purchased the brand, we continued using the former labels (with the Louisville address) because we had so many and the BATF gave us permission to use them up.

Finally, the 12 year old Weller is a combination of wheated whiskey produced here at BTD and SW.

Ken

[jeff]

Finally, the 12 year old Weller is a combination of wheated whiskey produced here at BTD and SW.

What are the proportions Ken? Also, how long has it been since you bottled an all SW Weller 12yo?

[Ken Weber]

To be honest, I don't know. We now have aged wheated whiskey that we made nearly 15 years ago, so most of the bourbon used in the 12 year old is ours (though it may have aged for some period at both SW and BTD).

Just so you know, we have well over 1500 experimental barrels of bourbon and other stuff in our aging warehouses. Julian is working with our folks to change some of the variables (entry proof, distillation proof, etc) in our quest for the perfect wheated bourbon.

Ken

[gr8erdane]

1500 barrels of experimental bourbon? Need any guinea pigs?

[Ken Weber]

Trust me, in a few years when this stuff is ready, I will invite the SB.com crew to the distillery during Bourbon festival for a tasting. Until then.........

Ken