Old Weller Antique Vs Weller 12
Introduction
Bourbon is one of the most popular spirits in the world, and for good reason. It's a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, whether on the rocks, in a cocktail, or neat. Two of the most iconic bourbons on the market are Old Weller Antique and Weller 12. Both are produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery and share a similar mash bill, but they have distinct differences in taste and aging process. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Old Weller Antique vs Weller 12 and see how they stack up against each other.
Old Weller Antique
Old Weller Antique is a wheated bourbon, meaning that wheat is used in the mash bill instead of rye. This gives the bourbon a softer, smoother flavor profile than bourbons that use rye. Old Weller Antique is aged for six to seven years and has a higher proof than most bourbons, coming in at 107 proof. This higher proof gives the bourbon a bit more heat and spice than other bourbons, but it also contributes to its complexity and depth of flavor.
The nose of Old Weller Antique is full of vanilla, caramel, and oak. On the palate, the bourbon has a rich, creamy mouthfeel with notes of butterscotch, honey, and cinnamon. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of spice that lingers on the tongue.
Weller 12
Weller 12 is also a wheated bourbon, but it's aged for a longer period of time than Old Weller Antique - 12 years, to be exact. This extended aging process gives the bourbon a more refined and complex flavor profile than its younger counterpart. Weller 12 is also bottled at a lower proof than Old Weller Antique, coming in at 90 proof.
The nose of Weller 12 is filled with aromas of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. On the palate, the bourbon is smooth and velvety, with notes of honey, dark fruit, and chocolate. The finish is long and luxurious, with a gentle spice that lingers on the tongue.
Comparison
So, how do Old Weller Antique and Weller 12 compare? While both are wheated bourbons produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, there are some key differences in their flavor profiles and aging processes.
Old Weller Antique has a higher proof than Weller 12, which gives it a bit more heat and spice. It also has a slightly younger age statement, coming in at 6-7 years, compared to Weller 12's 12 years. This gives Old Weller Antique a bit of a rougher edge, but it also contributes to its complexity and depth of flavor.
Weller 12, on the other hand, is a more refined and elegant bourbon. Its extended aging process gives it a more complex and nuanced flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit and chocolate that are absent from Old Weller Antique. Its lower proof also makes it a bit easier to drink straight, without any added water or ice.
Conclusion
So, which bourbon is better - Old Weller Antique or Weller 12? The answer, of course, depends on your personal taste preferences. If you like a bourbon with a bit more heat and spice, Old Weller Antique might be the way to go. But if you prefer a more refined and elegant bourbon with a complex flavor profile, Weller 12 might be more up your alley. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these iconic bourbons.