A 2017 bottling of the ever famous spice monster from Buffalo Trace, Thomas H. Handy. Named after a bar tending legend who introduced the idea of rye being involved with the Sazerac cocktail. Previously you would have had Anton Peychaud heading the helm with him own bitters and a Cognac driven approach to the cocktail. However, after numerous different issues occurring around the two of them, you know have the option of having your Sazerac served with Cognac, Rye or a split base of the two. This liquid is the same mash bill of what makes up the regular bottling of Sazerac Rye, they’re also roughly the same age. The key difference is this barrel selection will be slightly varied, and the ABV is obviously massive in comparison. This is what cask strength rye should taste like to me. It’s a nuclear assault on your senses of spices, power and divisiveness. However, this liquid can also have its softer, more delicate side to things, which just showcases how truly incredible rye can be as a grain for whisky manufacturing.
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.
Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.
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