Buffalo Trace Distillery is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Antique Collection. This release includes the first new addition to the range in almost two decades.
The E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon joins five existing expressions in the collection that commands some of the highest prices in American whiskey.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Adds Historic Expression
The new E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon honors Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., who purchased the O.F.C. Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) in 1869. Taylor modernized the facility with copper fermentation tanks and steam heating systems still used today. He also championed the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which established quality standards for American whiskey production.
“Colonel Taylor’s signature graced every bottle produced under his watch as a testament to its quality, a tradition we uphold today as a promise of integrity,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery.
The new bourbon is aged 15 years and 4 months before bottling at 100 proof. According to official tasting notes, the nose presents warm vanilla, seasoned oak, charred undertones, and maple sweetness. The palate shows balanced sweetness and baking spices with wood notes, while the finish carries oak and vanilla into soft caramel with cherry hints.
Rare Whiskeys in Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Command Premium Prices
All six expressions will retail at a suggested price of $149.99, though market prices typically soar far higher due to extreme scarcity. The collection includes Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Must Read Stories
This year’s George T. Stagg release stands out at 142.8 proof, making it one of the strongest versions ever bottled. The whiskey aged for more than 15 years and 4 months. Official tasting notes describe deep oak aromas with vanilla, a palate showing bold vanilla with dark tobacco and ripe cherry, and a long finish with tobacco, vanilla, and oak.
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old actually aged 18 years and 4 months before bottling at 101 proof. The official notes indicate dark tobacco and leather on the nose with ripe cherry and pepper. The palate reveals caramel sweetness with leather and cherry, finishing with oak, vanilla, and gentle sweetness.
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Maintains Rye Whiskey Excellence
The collection’s three rye whiskeys showcase different aging approaches. Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye aged 18 years and 5 months before bottling at 90 proof. Official tasting notes show bright rye spice and seasoned oak on the nose, with spice, oak, and leather on the palate.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye offers an uncut, unfiltered experience at 129.8 proof after aging over six years. The official notes describe lively oak and spice with fruit and apple on the nose, bold spice and oak balanced with fruit on the palate, and a long finish of oak, vanilla, and spice.
William Larue Weller represents the wheated bourbon style at 129 proof after 14 years of aging. Vanilla, maple, and tobacco dominate the nose. Sweet vanilla with toasted oak enters on the palate, and the finish carries oak and vanilla with ripe fruit.
Buffalo Trace will distribute the limited bottles nationwide, with additional sales through Legacy de Forge, a new platform powered by Blockbar. The 25th anniversary release continues the collection’s tradition of honoring historic American whiskey brands and the pioneers who created them.
