A little background

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old 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 18 Years and bottled at 90 Proof. Of all of the ryes released in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), this is both the oldest and the lowest proof. Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old is very allocated, but if found at retail, will sell for $99 MSRP. This review is of the 2021 release.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Copper

Nose

Honey, vanilla, charred campfire, sweet citrus, caramel green apple, and oak.

Palate

Butterscotch, oak, raisins, and rye spice.

Finish

Chocolate, rye spice, oak, baking spice, and sour cherry.

In closing

Without surprise, the 2021 release of Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old is exceptional. Despite the low proof, the overall experience is wonderful. The most underwhelming aspect is the finish, which is relatively short lived. What’s lacking on the finish is certainly made up for on the nose and palate, which are equally spectacular. Although this is a fine whiskey the way it is, one can’t help but imaging what it’d be like if experienced at fill cask strength. At a retail price of around $100, I’d never pass on a bottle of Sazerac Rye 18 Year from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.