Discover the key differences between two iconic antiques: Weller Antique 107 vs Old Rip Van Winkle. Explore their unique features and characteristics in our blog post.
Antique enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique and valuable pieces, and two of the most sought-after antiques are the Weller Antique 107 and Old Rip Van Winkle. These two antiques have been around for decades and are known for their exceptional quality, beauty, and historical significance. In this article, we’ll compare the two antiques and explore their unique features and characteristics.
The History of Weller Antique 107
Weller Antique 107 is a brand of bourbon that was first produced in the late 19th century by William Larue Weller. Weller is considered one of the pioneers of bourbon distilling and is known for his use of wheat instead of rye in the mash bill, which gives the bourbon a smoother and sweeter taste. Weller Antique 107 is a high-proof bourbon that is aged for at least seven years in oak barrels, giving it a deep, rich color and complex flavor profile. The bourbon is named after its proof, which is 107, and is highly sought after by collectors and bourbon enthusiasts.
The History of Old Rip Van Winkle
Old Rip Van Winkle is another iconic antique that is highly sought after by collectors and bourbon enthusiasts. The bourbon was first produced in the 1890s by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. and his family. The bourbon is known for its smooth and complex taste, which is achieved by using a mash bill that contains wheat instead of rye. Old Rip Van Winkle is aged for a minimum of 10 years in oak barrels, which gives it a deep, rich color and a smooth, mellow taste. The bourbon is named after Rip Van Winkle, the famous character from Washington Irving’s short story, who fell asleep for 20 years and awoke to a changed world.
Comparison of Weller Antique 107 and Old Rip Van Winkle
Both Weller Antique 107 and Old Rip Van Winkle are high-quality bourbons that are aged for several years in oak barrels. However, there are some differences between the two that set them apart.
Mash Bill
Weller Antique 107 uses a mash bill that contains wheat instead of rye, which gives it a smoother and sweeter taste compared to other bourbons. Old Rip Van Winkle also uses a wheat-based mash bill, which gives it a similar taste profile to Weller Antique 107.
Age
Weller Antique 107 is aged for at least seven years in oak barrels, while Old Rip Van Winkle is aged for a minimum of 10 years. This difference in aging can affect the flavor profile of the bourbons, with Old Rip Van Winkle having a smoother, more mellow taste compared to Weller Antique 107.
Availability
Both Weller Antique 107 and Old Rip Van Winkle are highly sought after by collectors and bourbon enthusiasts, but Old Rip Van Winkle is considered to be more rare and harder to find. This is due to the fact that the bourbon is only released in limited quantities each year, making it a highly prized antique.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Weller Antique 107 and Old Rip Van Winkle are exceptional antiques that are highly sought after by collectors and bourbon enthusiasts. While they share some similarities in terms of their wheat-based mash bill and aging process, they also have some differences that set them apart, such as the length of aging and availability. Whether you’re a collector or just a fan of bourbon, trying these two iconic antiques is a must for any bourbon enthusiast.