Thomas H. Handy Sazerac from the 2015 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 126.9 proof. A year after its predecessor's world award, this batch came in a little softer and fuller.
About This Whisky
Distilled in spring 2009, this rye was aged on the fourth and seventh floors of Warehouses I, K and M and bottled at 6 years and 2 months. The batch drew on 58 barrels, more than the 47 used the year before, and it came in at 126.9 proof (63.45% ABV). The 2015 release notes pointed to fig, clove and allspice.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Rye spice and caramel, then fig, orange peel, vanilla and charred oak.
- Palate: Big and rounded, with dark sugar, cinnamon and clove over oak.
- Finish: Long and warming, pepper and allspice fading into barrel sweetness.
Serving & Food
Let a small measure sit in the glass, then taste it neat before adding cool water. It stands up well to rich food: try beef short rib, blue cheese with honey, or a slice of sticky toffee pudding.
How to Enjoy
A 2014 and 2015 side-by-side to see how warehouse and barrel choice move a rye from year to year.
Product Details
Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Expression: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
Release: 2015
Distilled: Spring 2009
Age: 6 years 2 months
Batch: 58 barrels
Warehouses: I, K and M
Label strength: 126.9 proof
ABV: 63.45%
Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
Format: 750mL
About the Distillery
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is released every autumn and has five members: George T. Stagg and William Larue Weller bourbons at barrel proof, Eagle Rare 17 Year, Sazerac 18 Year and Thomas H. Handy.
Handy joined the line-up in 2006 as its barrel-strength rye. Each year the distillery publishes a fact sheet with the age, proof and warehouse locations for every whiskey, which is why collectors can follow each release so closely.