THOMAS H. HANDY Sazerac

THOMAS H. HANDY Sazerac is awarded the title of ‘World’s Best American Whiskey’ at the 2015 World Whiskey Awards, the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye has every right to celebrate. Produced in response to Buffalo Trace fans who sought a more well-aged and barrel strength whiskey, this blend has come out triumphant. It’s made from barrels aged for over 6 years and emerges at a heady 126.2 proof. This dark, rich offering carries notes of chocolate, cherry, wood and spice and deliver a long, sweet finish.

Named after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, this uncut and unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel, just as it was over a century ago. Full of rich flavors, this authentic American rye whiskey is a symbol of the timeless history of New Orleans and the legacy of Thomas H. Handy.

This uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey is part of Buffalo Trace’s popular Antique Collection. Some history on this product: Named after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, this uncut and unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel, just as it was over a century ago. This is not a beginners Rye Whiskey. You need to have a certain palate as well as appreciation for quality whiskey. When you get to that level, this dram becomes such a great treat, even at cask strength.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is a part of Buffalo Trace’s annual Antique Collection release, which consists of 3 bourbons and 2 ryes. This particular expression is aged for six years and bottled at cask strength without chill filtration. Of all of the ryes released in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), this is both the youngest and the highest proof. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is very allocated, but if found at retail, will sell for $99 MSRP (an absolute steal for any of the BTAC expressions). This review is of the 2016 release, which was bottled at 126.2 proof.

Tasting Notes