This is a tough one, and for the first time I had to write the entire review blind because these are incredibly similar!
Typically I taste blind first, make some notes, and then go back a few days (or weeks) later knowing what I’m drinking to write the final review.
Fancy Glencairn chooses that fancy Van Winkle label, but is a label worth the price premium?… Let’s see!

Van Winkle) $100, 107proof, 10yrs old.
-The Nose is a little lighter, and a little more oaky, but still fruit forward, with stone fruits, green apples, honey, and spearmint.
-The Palate is initially less fruity, with more rye-spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg up front, and then some bready vanilla, honey, and finally the fruits appear, with dark cherry, fig, and baked apple.
-The Finish is long with more rye-spice, honey, and baked apple pie.

Weller 107) $45, 107proof, 6-8yrs old.
-The Nose is a little stronger, and fruit forward, with stone fruits, green apples, spearmint, and a hint of tart funk.
-The Palate is initially sweeter with maple syrup over pancakes, then cinnamon, and alcohol burn, and finally some dark cherry, and rye spice.
-The Finish is fairly long, with rye-spice, honey cornbread, and oak char.

VERDICT) The tasting notes don’t really indicate just how close these are. I’m really searching for different notes, but on quick taste they are remarkably similar. The Van Winkle is just slightly less hot, and slightly more complex, but I think I like the nose of 107 better! If I had to choose a winner without thinking about price or availability, I would give Van Winkle the slight edge. Technically that gives Fancy Glencairn a win. BUT all factors considered I would take 107 over the price of Van Winkle any day, so her victory is a hollow one!

Have any of you guys tasted these side-by-side? Considering price which would you take?