The 2014 release of Thomas H. Handy Sazerac, Buffalo Trace's barrel-proof straight rye, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 129.2 proof. This edition was named World's Best American Whiskey at the 2015 World Whiskies Awards.
About This Whisky
The 2014 Handy was aged 6 years and 3 months and came from a batch of 47 barrels. The rye was distilled in spring 2008 and aged on the fifth floor of Warehouse M. It went into bottle at 129.2 proof (64.6% ABV), and the following year's release came in lower at 126.9.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Orange peel, clove, mint and dark caramel, with cinnamon and rye spice.
- Palate: Oily and forceful: pepper, toffee, herbal rye and oak, with plenty of heat.
- Finish: Long and spicy, dry rye and baking spice holding on.
Serving & Food
Start with a small pour in a Glencairn and a splash of water, or use a large cube to take the edge off. At this strength it also makes a very bold Sazerac. Serve with venison, pickled herring on rye bread or dark fruitcake.
How to Enjoy
A run of Handy vintages, or a glass of award-winning rye at full strength.
Product Details
Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery / Sazerac Company
Expression: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye
Country: USA
Region: Frankfort, Kentucky
Release: 2014
Distilled: Spring 2008
Age: 6 years 3 months
Batch: 47 barrels
Style: Straight rye whiskey
ABV: 64.6%
Proof: 129.2
Volume: 750mL
Bottling: Uncut and unfiltered
About the Distillery
Buffalo Trace sits on the Kentucky River at Frankfort, on a site where warehouses and production buildings go back to the late 1700s. For much of the 20th century it was the George T. Stagg Distillery, named in 1904 by superintendent Albert B. Blanton.
The Sazerac Company bought it in 1992, restored it and renamed it Buffalo Trace in 1999. It became a National Historic Landmark in 2013, the year before this Handy was bottled.