Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is the barrel-proof rye in Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection, bottled each autumn uncut and unfiltered. It is young for the collection, usually around six years, and very strong.
About This Whisky
Handy is released once a year and its proof changes with the barrels chosen. Most years it lands somewhere between the mid-120s and the mid-130s proof. It uses the same rye recipe as Sazerac Rye and Sazerac 18 Year, and at around six years old it is essentially Sazerac Rye at full barrel strength. Buffalo Trace describes it as powerful, lush and boldly spicy. This listing does not name a release year; the label on the bottle gives the year and proof.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Toffee, fig cake and candied fruit, with mint.
- Palate: Powerful and lush: cinnamon and clove over rich, dark sweetness.
- Finish: Long and warm, with allspice, coconut and nutmeg.
Serving & Food
Pour a half measure into a nosing glass and taste it neat, then add water a little at a time; most drinkers find it opens up well past 110 proof. It also makes an intense Sazerac cocktail. Pair with roast duck, Christmas pudding or a spiced fig tart.
How to Enjoy
Rye lovers who want full barrel strength, and anyone building a set of the Antique Collection.
Product Details
Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac Company)
Country: USA
Region: Frankfort, Kentucky
Collection: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Category: Straight rye whiskey
Style: Uncut and unfiltered
Typical age: About 6 years
Strength: Barrel proof, varies by release
Volume: 750mL
About the Distillery
Thomas H. Handy came to New Orleans in the 1840s and worked as a clerk for the liquor merchant Sewell Taylor, who imported Sazerac cognac. He later bought the Sazerac Coffee House, hired Antoine Peychaud, whose bitters the bar used, and eventually acquired the bitters formula.
Under Handy the Sazerac cocktail moved from brandy to American rye whiskey. He died in 1893. His former secretary, Christopher O'Reilly, later renamed the business the Sazerac Company, which today owns Buffalo Trace.