American

Whiskey Review: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (2021 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection)

We review the 2021 release of Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye. It's part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

OVERALL RATING

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Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2021 (image via Buffalo Trace)

Tasting Notes

About:

64.75% ABV, 129.5 proof. Distilled in Spring 2015. Aged six years and four months in #4 charred new American oak from warehouses I, L, O, and K. The sour mash bill consists of Minnesota rye, Kentucky corn, and North Dakota malted barley. 750ml $99.
Appearance:
Deep amber
Nose:
At first, I pick up on cedar and mint. There’s a strange aroma I can’t quite define except that it is reminiscent of saltine crackers. The whiskey has a butterscotch sweetness to it, while the typical rye spices are subdued. Cold cinnamon rolls are the best I can compare it to overall.
Palate:
For cask strength, the whiskey doesn’t drink hot, but it does have an oily mouthfeel. Cinnamon latches onto the tastebuds and sticks around for a while. Dried fruit provides sweetness in the middle. Overall, it’s more earthen with roasted almonds and a touch of leather. The whiskey has a dry finish that is slightly tannic with cedar.
Finish:
Comments:
The Thomas H. Handy in the 2021 BTAC is my second favorite this year. It makes a strong showing with great spice and dried fruit. It feels balanced at cask strength and provides the perfect afterglow.

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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