A little background

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 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 six years and bottled at cask strength without chill filtration. Of all of the ryes released in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), this is both the youngest and the highest proof. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is very allocated, but if found at retail, will sell for $99 MSRP (an absolute steal for any of the BTAC expressions). This review is of the 2016 release, which was bottled at 126.2 proof

(Tasted neat from a Halo Glass)

Color

Rust Orange

Nose

The nose is pretty well balanced, with the most dominate scent being orange peel. Caramel and a beautiful rye spice marry well with each other to bring both heat and sweetness. An almost vegetal scent, like steamed cauliflower gives it a pleasant uniqueness and rounds everything out. The nose is definitely powerful in alcohol content, enough to where it highlights all of the scents without the ethanol being too powerful to overcome.

Palate

Burnt oak and caramel are the first two things that immediately take over the palate. The burnt oak is one of the most pleasing flavors I’ve ever had in a rye; it really showcases where it came from and how it was aged. The sweetness of the caramel pairs with an incredibly thick mouthfeel with an oily texture. As the flavor moves to the mid-palate, that bright orange flavor takes over both on the sides of the tongue and the cheeks, making for a delicious sip. The back of the palate feels heavily the spice of the rye as well as the burnt oak.

Finish

The progression of the finish is nearly the same as the palate. It starts with that big, beautiful barrel char and then leaves an incredibly long, sumptuous orange-rind linger that sticks to the tongue for what seems like forever.

In closing

All that I can say is, wow. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is an absolutely phenomenal rye, one of the best that I have ever had. The complexity, depth of flavors, and finish are nearly unmatched. The value is obviously fantastic, and if given the opportunity, I would buy as many of these as I could find (at MSRP pricing). If you have not had the chance to try the 2016 release of Thomas H. Handy Sazerac yet, try to find it. Buffalo Trace really has this one nailed down.