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Whiskey Review: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection)

We review the 2020 version of Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, one of the two rye whiskeys in the yearly Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

OVERALL RATING

10
$99.00
  • Courtney Kristjana is a leading US whiskey taster and aspiring Master of Scotch.
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Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection)

Tasting Notes

About:

64.5% ABV, 129 proof. Distilled in winter 2008. Aged 6 years and 2 months in #4 charred new American oak from warehouses N, M, and K. The sour mash bill consists of Minnesota Rye, Kentucky Corn, and North Dakota malted barley. 750ml $99.
Appearance:
Tawny/dark amber
Nose:
To begin with, sweet French vanilla and custard mingle with bruleed sugar. The whiskey is quite fruity with pear. Near the end, there is a faint touch of star anise.
Palate:
The star anise from the nose is much more present on the palate. As the anise mixes with cinnamon and cocoa, it reminds me of Mexican hot chocolate. On the other hand, there is a touch of crème brulee. The mouthfeel is oily. In spite of the dessert-like qualities, the finish is quite earthy.
Finish:
Comments:
The 2020 Antique Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye stood out the most out of the entire collection. Tasting like Mexican hot chocolate, it is just the perfect whiskey to finish off a night. It did remind me of brandy, or even cognac, and nothing would stop me from sipping it out of a snifter. If you get the chance to taste all of the BTAC, you will see how just how different it is.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Courtney Kristjana

Courtney Kristjana is a leading whiskey taster in the United States. Inspired by an article on Heather Greene, she left her career in Gerontology to pursue her passion for whiskey. Currently studying to become a Master of Scotch, Courtney dreams of one day being nominated for the Keepers of the Quaich. Her reviews may be as strong as the peat in her scotch, but she guarantees honesty, integrity, and an open mind.

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