Old Weller Antique ‘Original 107 Brand’ 7 Year Bourbon (2006 Release)

A Rare Taste of Kentucky Bourbon History

Few bourbons capture the spirit of vintage Kentucky whiskey quite like Old Weller Antique ‘Original 107 Brand’ 7 Year Bourbon. Released in 2006, this expression stands as one of the last bottlings from the era before the Weller brand’s modern redesign—when it still carried the classic “Original 107 Brand” label and proudly declared its seven-year age statement. WELLER ANTIQUE 107

Crafted at Buffalo Trace Distillery, this release honors the enduring legacy of William Larue Weller, one of bourbon’s earliest innovators, and remains a beloved collectible among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

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The Legacy of the Weller Bourbon Line

The story of Weller bourbon began in the mid-1800s, when William Larue Weller pioneered the use of wheat instead of rye in the bourbon mash bill. This seemingly small change transformed the spirit, replacing rye’s sharp spiciness with a soft, velvety sweetness. His innovation laid the foundation for an entire style of bourbon later popularized by Pappy Van Winkle and continued by Buffalo Trace.

By the early 2000s, the Weller brand had become a favorite among connoisseurs seeking exceptional flavor and value. Bottles from the 2006 Old Weller Antique 7 Year release now represent a snapshot of that transitional moment—bridging the old Stitzel-Weller heritage with the emerging Buffalo Trace era.

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2006 Old Weller Antique 107 – A Look at the Details

• Proof: 107 (53.5 % ABV)

• Age Statement: 7 Years

• Mash Bill: Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery – Frankfort, Kentucky

• Origin: United States

• Release Year: 2006

At 107 proof, this bourbon strikes a perfect balance between intensity and drinkability. The seven-year age ensures depth and maturity while maintaining the fresh, sweet grain character typical of wheated whiskey.

What sets the 2006 release apart is its pre-redesign label and flavor profile, often described as richer and more layered than modern versions—a quality many attribute to the older aging warehouses and slightly different barrel-selection methods used at the time.

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Tasting Notes: Smooth Strength and Classic Character

Appearance

A glowing deep copper hue with hints of mahogany. The liquid clings to the glass with long, syrupy legs, foreshadowing a lush mouthfeel.

Nose

Opens with toffee, baked brown sugar, and warm oak, followed by delicate hints of vanilla, leather, and dried cherry. The aroma deepens into soft notes of almond and pipe tobacco, evoking old Kentucky rickhouses.

Palate

Full-bodied and rich. Waves of caramel, honey, cinnamon, and toasted grain unfold gradually, balanced by subtle spice from the oak. The wheat base lends an unmistakable smoothness, while the 107 proof brings enough heat to amplify each layer of flavor.

Finish

Long, warm, and pleasantly dry. Expect lingering flavors of butterscotch, oak, and nutmeg, with a hint of dark cocoa near the end. It’s a finish that reminds you why this bottling became a cornerstone of the Weller reputation.

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A Bridge Between Eras: Stitzel-Weller and Buffalo Trace

The Old Weller Antique 7 Year (2006 Release) is often viewed as a transitional bourbon, blending the DNA of the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery with the precision and scale of Buffalo Trace. Earlier bottles from the 1980s and 1990s were distilled at the original Stitzel-Weller facility, famed for its connection to the Van Winkle family.

By 2006, production had fully moved to Buffalo Trace, but the brand still carried that heritage recipe—and many believe the flavor retained its Stitzel-Weller-style warmth and balance. This makes the 2006 edition both historically significant and exceptionally collectible.

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Collectibility and Market Value

Among collectors, the Old Weller Antique 7 Year 107 (2006) holds a special place. As modern releases dropped the age statement, these older bottles became symbols of authenticity and tradition.

Because it was bottled nearly two decades ago and produced in limited numbers, the 2006 release now commands impressive attention on the secondary market. Collectors prize it not just for rarity, but for its flavor integrity—a pure expression of the Weller wheated style before modern tweaks.

If properly stored, bottles from this vintage are expected to appreciate in value, making them an excellent investment for serious bourbon enthusiasts.

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How to Enjoy Old Weller Antique ‘Original 107’

Even though it’s collectible, this bourbon was crafted to be enjoyed.
Here’s how to experience it at its best:

• Neat: Ideal for appreciating its full complexity.

• With a Few Drops of Water: Softens the heat and reveals hidden notes of caramelized fruit and spice.

• On the Rocks: Perfect for a relaxed sip, highlighting its smooth wheat base.

• In a Classic Old Fashioned: Transforms the cocktail into something extraordinary, emphasizing deep caramel and oak tones.

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Why Buy Old Weller Antique 2006 Online

1. Authenticity and Traceability

Trusted online bourbon retailers often verify vintage bottlings, ensuring provenance and proper storage conditions.

2. Exclusive Access

Because bottles from the 2006 release are extremely scarce, buying online may be the only way to find authentic listings or sealed bottles in pristine condition.

3. Convenience and Protection

Reputable sellers provide secure shipping, insured delivery, and tamper-evident packaging—ideal for collectors who value both preservation and peace of mind.

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Whether you choose to savor it neat or display it proudly in your collection, this bottle represents the best of what Kentucky craftsmanship stands for: tradition, balance, and timeless flavor.

For enthusiasts and collectors alike, few bourbons deliver the same combination of rarity, nostalgia, and excellence.