SAZERAC 18 Year Old

SAZERAC 18 Year Old is the oldest and most mature bottle in Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, Sazerac’s 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is an annual statement of intent from the revered Kentucky Distillery. Named after the legendary Sazerac Coffee House, an icon of 1850’s New Orleans and birthplace of America’s First Cocktail the ‘Sazerac’, today this rye blend represents the height of quality and complexity. A celebrated Kentucky Whiskey that has been showered with accolades since its inception, Sazerac’s 18 Year Old Rye harmoniously synchronizes subtle fruits and demerara to produce a miraculously balanced drink. Bottled at 90 Proof and using a distillate stemming from 1985, this outstanding spirit should be enjoyed in the very best company.

The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in 1850 on Exchange Alley in New Orleans, Louisiana and soon gained fame as the home of “America’s First Cocktail” known as the Sazerac. Using rye whiskey in place of the French brandy, a dash of Peychaud Bitters, and Herbsaint, what eventually became the official cocktail of New Orleans was created.  This straight rye has a mellow spice and dry sweetness that dances on the tongue, giving pure delight that is worthy of the Sazerac name.

This spectacular Sazerac straight Rye whiskey was distilled at Buffalo Trace in Spring 1985 and bottled at 18 years old for their annual Antique Collection in Fall 2008.

Bottled from charred American white oak at the series standard strength 45% ABV, this limited edition Kentucky Rye is one of an estimated 5,159 bottles. Sazerac has a very loyal fanbase and these releases from the BTAC can often be one of the most difficult to track down – quite simpy because it’s a bloody fantastic whiskey.

The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in 1850 in New Orleans, although you could consider it more a saloon. It was also the birth of “America’s First Cocktail”, the Sazerac, which initially blended Brandy, Sugar and Bitters but later swapped out the Brandy for Rye Whiskey.

This 18 year old was released in 2000 for the first time after a 110 year absence, making for a triumphant return.

Tasting Notes