Sazerac Rye

Sazerac Rye
Photo by Luke Grabowski

A little background

Sazerac Rye is the namesake of the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans, the very location where Thomas H. Handy (the man responsible for Peychaud’s bitters) would eventually perfect the famous Sazerac cocktail. This bottle, otherwise known as “Baby Saz”, is currently made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, along with its sought-after counterparts, the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye and Sazerac 18-year from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This bottle does not have an age statement, but rumor has it that it is aged for roughly 6 years, and it is bottled at 90 proof (45% abv). Sazerac Rye has a suggested retail price of around $30.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Medium Amber

Nose

The nose is relatively sweet and herbal. There is obvious rye spice, dried herbs, some soft ginger, a healthy dose of vanilla, dried cherry, and a touch of oak.

Palate

This whiskey delivers a quick burst of peppery rye spice up front, along with the slightest touch of alcohol burn. This is accentuated by nice spice profile, consisting mainly of allspice, cinnamon, and anise. The spices are quickly balanced by some sweet bubble gum notes, plenty of dried cherry, and dried citrus peel.

Finish

The finish is medium-long with a pleasantly thick viscosity. There is some peppery rye spice and lingering heat, but the sweet notes really take over. I found more of that sweet bubble gum flavor, more dried cherry, and a touch of citrus, all underscored by soft oak notes that round out the pour.

In closing

Sazerac Rye is an overall great whiskey, especially when you consider the retail price of this bottle. This rye is thick and smooth, and delivers plenty of sweet and spicy flavors that really fit together seamlessly. The nose starts off very sweet and herbal, but this whiskey presents with more heat and spice that the nose would suggest. All of these great spices are then balanced by plenty of delicate sweet flavors that make for a very easy-drinking pour. This whiskey can easily stand on its own as a sipping whiskey, but based on the overall profile, it is also no mystery why it works so well in a cocktail. If you see this bottle on the shelf for a reasonable price, I suggest you do what I do and get as many bottles as possible because this rye will not disappoint.

Sazerac Rye

90 Proof
Sazerac Rye
8.4

Complexity

 8.2/10

Nose

 8.4/10

Palate

 8.2/10

Finish

 8.3/10

Value

 8.8/10

The Good

  • History
  • Price point
  • Packaging
  • Sweet, herbal note
  • Thick, smooth finish

The Bad

  • Limited availability
  • Overly sweet at times
Official Site
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Luke Grabowski

A Tallahassee-based lawyer and whiskey enthusiast. Luke has an unwavering love for bourbon and rye whiskey. He is also an avid bourbon hunter who never passes up an opportunity to search for and discuss bourbon. When he's not in the courtroom, chances are you will find Luke at home admiring his bourbon collection and enjoying time with his wife, their newborn son, and 4 crazy dogs. You can follow Luke's personal bourbon blog at www.capitalcitybourbon.com or on Instagram @capitalcitybourbon.

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