Old Weller ‘Original 107 Brand’ 7 Year Bourbon (1981 Vintage)

A Rare Stitzel-Weller Masterpiece from Kentucky’s Golden Era

For bourbon collectors and whiskey historians alike, few bottles are as storied or as sought-after as the Old Weller ‘Original 107 Brand’ 7 Year Bourbon (1981 Vintage). Distilled and bottled during the early 1980s, this expression represents the true essence of the Stitzel-Weller era — a time when craftsmanship, patience, and tradition defined every drop of whiskey that left the iconic Louisville distillery. WELLER ANTIQUE 107

With its unmistakable flavor profile, wheated mash bill, and seven-year maturity, this vintage bottling stands as a living piece of bourbon heritage—a liquid time capsule capturing the best of Kentucky whiskey-making.

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A Glimpse into Bourbon History: The Stitzel-Weller Legacy

The Old Weller Bourbon name dates back to the mid-1800s, when William Larue Weller first began distilling whiskey using wheat instead of rye in the mash bill. This innovation softened the bourbon’s edge and introduced a signature smoothness that would later define brands like Pappy Van Winkle and the entire Weller line.

By 1981, Old Weller was being produced under the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery, located in Shively, Kentucky. Founded in 1935 by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., this distillery became synonymous with rich, full-bodied wheated bourbons. The 1981 Old Weller 107 is one of the finest surviving examples from that golden age—long before Buffalo Trace assumed stewardship of the brand.

Today, bottles from this vintage are extremely rare, commanding admiration for both their historical value and their unmistakably classic flavor.

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Old Weller 107 (1981) – Key Details

• Distillery: Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky

• Proof: 107 (53.5% ABV)

• Age Statement: 7 Years

• Mash Bill: Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley

• Release Year: 1981

• Label: “Old Weller Original 107 Brand – Aged 7 Years”

This vintage bottling predates modern branding, featuring the original paper label, traditional embossed glass, and distinctive gold lettering that defined Old Weller throughout the late 20th century.

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Aroma, Taste, and Finish: A Vintage Experience

Appearance

In the glass, the 1981 Old Weller 107 displays a deep mahogany color with glowing copper highlights—evidence of long maturation and natural richness. Its oily texture and thick legs speak to the whiskey’s structure and body.

Nose

The nose opens with sweet toffee, molasses, and caramelized oak, accompanied by faint notes of dried apricot, tobacco, and vanilla bean. Hints of almond and dark chocolate follow, creating an elegant bouquet that only decades of aging can achieve.

Palate

The palate is luxuriously smooth yet robust—a signature of Stitzel-Weller’s wheated style. Flavors of brown sugar, baked apples, and warm oak spice unfold gracefully, joined by subtle notes of honey, nutmeg, and roasted nuts. The 107 proof adds just enough heat to elevate the complexity without overpowering the palate.

Finish

The finish is long, dry, and beautifully balanced, with lingering notes of vanilla, cinnamon, oak, and cocoa powder. It leaves a warm, nostalgic impression—like stepping back into the heart of bourbon’s golden years.

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Why the 1981 Old Weller 107 Is So Coveted

1. Authentic Stitzel-Weller Distillation

This vintage comes from one of the most revered distilleries in American whiskey history. Stitzel-Weller-produced bourbons are prized for their buttery texture, rich sweetness, and layered complexity—qualities that modern producers strive to emulate but rarely match.

2. True Age-Statement Original

Unlike modern Weller expressions that have dropped age statements, the 1981 7-Year bottling proudly declares its maturity. That extra aging adds density and oak influence that makes each sip more profound and refined.

3. Collector’s Appeal

Few bottles from the early 1980s remain intact, making this vintage a highly collectible gem. Authentic, sealed examples often appear only in private auctions or specialized whiskey collections. Its rarity and provenance make it one of the most desirable Old Weller releases ever bottled.

4. Connection to Pappy Van Winkle Heritage

Because of its Stitzel-Weller origin and identical wheated mash bill, the 1981 Old Weller 107 shares DNA with the early Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve releases—often leading enthusiasts to call it “the affordable Pappy of its era.”

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How to Enjoy Old Weller ‘Original 107 Brand’ 7 Year Bourbon (1981 Vintage)

This bourbon is rare, and many collectors choose to preserve it unopened. However, if you’re fortunate enough to taste it, treat it with care:

• Neat in a Glencairn Glass: Best for savoring the full aromatic depth and historical nuance.

• Add a Few Drops of Water: Opens up notes of caramel, baked spice, and fruit while mellowing the alcohol.

• Avoid Ice: The chill can mute the delicate, vintage aromas.

• Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with dark chocolate, roasted pecans, or a mild cigar to enhance the wheated sweetness.

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Investment and Value Potential

Vintage Old Weller bottles like the 1981 7-Year 107 Proof have experienced significant appreciation over the past decade. With collectors and investors seeking older, pre-Buffalo Trace bottlings, the market value of this expression continues to climb.

Properly stored bottles retain both flavor integrity and collectible value, making this bourbon a dual investment—historical and financial.

Its connection to the Stitzel-Weller lineage, limited availability, and strong demand among enthusiasts make it a cornerstone for any serious whiskey collection.

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Why Buy Old Weller 107 (1981) Online

1. Access to Authentic Vintage Bottles

Reputable online sellers and auction houses often specialize in rare, sealed vintages, with verified provenance and original labeling.

2. Secure, Insured Shipping

Collectors can purchase confidently knowing their investment is protected from damage or tampering during transit.

3. Global Collector Marketplace

Buying online connects you to a network of passionate collectors, increasing your chances of locating rare, historical bottlings like this 1981 Old Weller 107.

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Each sip tells a story of Kentucky’s distilling heritage—a story of innovation, family, and timeless craftsmanship. Whether displayed in a collection or poured in celebration, this bottle remains one of the most extraordinary examples of bourbon’s golden age.

For those who appreciate history in liquid form, Old Weller 107 (1981) is not just a whiskey—it’s a masterpiece.