Sazerac today announced the release of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024. The collection consists of five iconic whiskeys produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, America’s oldest continuously operating distillery. This year’s version features all five Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC): Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon, George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and William Larue Weller Bourbon.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley noted that “this year’s William Larue Weller Bourbon shines among the collection.” It has “its characteristic notes of caramel and its long, creamy finish”. Wheatley also pointed out that:

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the acquisition of the Weller brand by the Sazerac company. For more than two decades, we’ve worked hard to create the iconic flavors that whiskey lovers love within the Weller brand and the Buffalo Trace Antique collection. Our commitment to this tradition is stronger than ever and we look forward to continuing it into the future.

The Antique collection is bottled in transparent glass, allowing the rich color of the whiskeys to be highlighted. The back label of each bottle offers a detailed history and description of the whisky. Limited-edition Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles are sold individually and available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $149.99 each. The bottles, however, generally sell for high prices. The entire collection will probably cost you several thousand dollars.

William Larue Weller Bourbon

The 2024 William Larue Weller the expression was aged for 12 years in barrels stored on the lower floor of a warehouse at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. They were barreled at a barrel strength of 114/57% ABV.

According to Wheatley:

Antique Collection Uncut, Unfiltered Wheat Recipe Bourbon is hand-bottled at 125.8 proof and honors wheat bourbon recipe pioneer WL Weller by substituting wheat for grain traditional rye.

Weller whiskey features “a blend of new leather, light pipe tobacco and caramel, enveloped by the warm sweetness of marshmallow and notes of ripe fruit” on the nose. The palate features “rich notes of caramel and butterscotch,” which “coat the palate with a long finish and notes of oak, caramel and fruit.”

Weller expressions are among the most decorated American whiskeys. Most recently, the 2024 Global Whiskey Challenge recognized William Larue Weller Bourbon “best in class” from North America last year at the 2024 Global Whiskey Challenge.

Bourbon Eagle Rare 17 years

The Eagle Rare 17 year old is bottled at its initial strength of 101 proof/50.5% ABV. The same proof as the original Eagle Rare expression launched in 1975. This year, Bourbon Eagle Rare 17 years was distilled in spring 2007 and aged for 17 years and four months.

Eagle Rare 17 features “complex notes of oak and caramel intertwined with subtle nuances of vanilla and peppery spice with a caramel sweetness evened out by the spiciness of rye, toasted oak and tobacco.” The finish features Eagle Rare’s signature length and complexity, with a “combination of caramel, pepper, leather and oak, combined with roasted tobacco and dried fruit.”

Last year, Eagle Rare 17 YO marked the oldest expression of its whiskey since its inclusion in the Antique collection. This expression has taken top honors at several major spirits competitions, including the 2024 World Whiskey Competition, where the 19-year-old whiskey won a double gold medal and best in class.

George T. Stagg Bourbon

THE George T. Stagg Bourbon was first released by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2002 in response to consumer demand for a well-aged, barrel-strength whiskey.

Reminiscent of its namesake, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is known for its bold and robust character. Stagg, a colorful figure in bourbon history, was the original buyer of the OFC Distillery, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.

This year’s George T. Stagg was bottled at 136.1 proof/68.05% ABV from barrels aged over 15 years and two months.

The whiskey features “a powerful aroma of deep aged wood, rich oak and black cherry” and “a layered profile of spice, oak, caramel and a gentle touch of cinnamon” on the palate. The finish is long and dry, with a lingering impression of complexity and warmth. T

The 2024 International Whiskey Competition last year awarded George T. Stagg first place for Best Bourbon, American and Kentucky Whiskey.

Sazerac 18 year old rye whiskey

The 2024 Kentucky Sazerac 18 Year Old Pure Rye Whiskey was bottled at 18 years and five months at XXX/XX%ABV proof. It owes its name to the official cocktail of New Orleans.

Rye whiskey features aromas of oak and leather with subtle notes of “ripe plum, rye grain and earthy undertones.” Rye spice, smoke, black cherry and a touch of licorice are present on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering, subtle notes of tobacco and charred oak.

Rye Sazerac 18 years old 2023 received an exceptional gold medal at the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Distillery has filled the barrels for this year’s edition Thomas H. Handy Sazerac right Rye whiskey at 125 proof/62.5% ABV more than six years ago. This uncut, unfiltered whiskey is now 127.2 proof/63.6% ABV, representing an increase in alcohol percentage from last year’s nearly 125 proof offering.

According to Wheatly, inspired by the bartender who first used rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail, Thomas H. Handy is bottled directly from the barrel, honoring his traditional method from over years ago. a century.

The Thomas H. Handy 2024 “is bold and invigorating” with aromas of “freshly cracked black pepper and cinnamon” and pronounced “spice and oak flavors.” The finish is exceptionally long and spicy, with lingering notes of cinnamon, pepper and cloves. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 2023 received a double gold medal at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition.

THE Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is one of America’s most famous whiskey collections and its expressions are among the most decorated American whiskeys. Buffalo Trace Distillery has won over 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskeys. These whiskeys are truly one of a kind and belong in every whiskey collection.

See also Sazerac to Auction Rare and Coveted Whiskeys for Hurricane Relief for more information about an online auction of BTAC and other rare whiskeys from Sazerac.

Cheers