In the modern bourbon world, “everyday bottle” has become a tricky phrase. For years, it meant something cheap, plentiful, and sitting quietly on the bottom shelf. But if we’re being honest, most bottom-shelf pours leave a lot to be desired when you want to sit down and enjoy a complex whiskey.

Enter W.L. Weller Antique 107 (or “OWA” to those in the know).

While its bigger siblings like Weller 12, Single Barrel, or the legendary William Larue Weller steal the headlines and command outrageous secondary markups, Antique 107 sits in the absolute sweet spot of Buffalo Trace’s wheated lineup. It’s bold, nuanced, and, despite what secondary market horror stories might tell you, increasingly achievable as a house staple.  

Here is why Weller 107 deserves a permanent spot on your home bar as the ideal everyday drinker.

1. The 107-Proof “Goldilocks” Sweet Spot

The fundamental problem with many daily drinkers, including Weller Special Reserve, is proof. At 90 proof, whiskey can feel thin or washed out, especially over ice.  

At 107 proof (53.5% ABV), Antique 107 delivers maximum flavor without melting your palate. Because it uses wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye, the heat is soft rather than spicy. You get a rich, oily mouthfeel packed with cinnamon, dark cherry, toasted vanilla, and brown sugar. It has enough punch to stand up in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned yet drinks smoothly enough neat, or with just a splash of water.  

2. A Reasonable Price Tag for High-End Quality

Let’s talk money. The official MSRP for Weller 107 floats right around $50–$60.  It’s now available nearly everyday at the Buffalo Trace gift shop in Frankfort, KY.

For a rich, barrel focused wheated bourbon from one of the most famous distilleries in the world, $60 is an absolute steal. While secondary prices inflated wildly during the peak bourbon boom, actual street prices have cooled significantly. Paying under $100 for a bottle that easily out tastes whiskies twice its price makes it a non-guilt pour. You don’t need a special occasion to pop the cork; a Tuesday night after work will do just fine. 

3. The Chasing Game Is Finally Easing Up

For a long time, finding any red label Weller at retail felt like winning the lottery. You either had to know a store owner, wait in overnight lines, or fork over absurd markups.

Thankfully, the landscape is shifting:

•  Distillery Expansion: Buffalo Trace’s massive, multi-million-dollar expansion projects over the past several years mean significantly more aged stock is hitting distribution networks.
•  Control State Consistency: If you live in or near control states (like Ohio or North Carolina), Weller 107 drops are far more frequent and strictly bound to MSRP.
•  Market Stabilization: Secondary flipping hype has softened, making store shelves and local bars much more likely to keep it stocked consistently.

Is it as common as Jim Beam or Elijah Craig? No. But it has safely moved out of the “dust collecting trophy” category and back into “regularly restocked bar bottle” territory.

The Verdict

An “everyday bottle” shouldn’t mean compromising on quality just to save a dollar, nor should it mean stressing over a bottle you’re afraid to drink because you can’t replace it. Weller Antique 107 gives you the best of both worlds: benchmark wheated bourbon flavor, a proof point that rewards every sip, and a price tag that lets you enjoy it. Stop saving your red label for special occasions, it’s time to make it your new daily driver.