There has been a lot of hype around Weller 12 year, frequently referred to and promoted as the "Poor Man's Pappy." Accordingly, with all the hype, the availability of Weller 12 has gone down and the price has gone up (although its availability has seen a relative surge recently).
Yet, Old Weller Antique (OWA) remains readily available and at a good price (not to mention a good proof at 107!!). I grabbed a bottle of OWA to keep at my second office (another office where I frequently camp out when I don't want to head downtown). So, It has taken me a very long time to finally make my way through this bottle. It also explains the decorative cork board backdrop in the photo.
This made for a great at-work bottle, however. I only found myself cracking into it after particularly long days, and OWA delivered each time.
It has a strong alcohol burn due to the high proof, and it has a spicy kick to it as well. But, it's a wheater, so it also has that soft, graininess to it as well that provides an interesting dichotomy.
OWA keeps to the traditional caramel and vanilla flavors, though, and it makes for a very good, every day sipper. Aside from the traditional notes, though, I couldn't help but notice a distinct apple flavor, something that really sets this bourbon aside from others.
After the bottle was open for a while, I expected it to smooth out a bit, but it didn't. If anything, it became drier and a bit harsher on the throat. It also took on an up-front citrus note that I wasn't expecting. The caramel notes tended to transform to a more molasses meets licorice flavor as well. It was one of those flavors where I just couldn't decide if I liked it or not.
All in all, this is not an overly complex bourbon, but I would still consider it more of a sipper than anything. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to OWA in situations where my choices are otherwise limited.
Grade: B
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