Sazerac’s Last Drop Distillers Has A 1982 Bourbon On Its Hands

The acquisition sometime ago of niche older liquor company Last Drop Distillers by spirits giant Sazerac provided the latter with a specialty play in the super high premium segment of the alcohol market. Not that Sazerac needed that especially – they have such things as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and the O.F.C. bourbons to fit into that space – but it certainly never hurts either to have another finger or two in the luxury pie. A fruit of labor between the two was recently unveiled in the form of a bourbon distilled back in 1982.

The Last Drop Distillers 1982 Bourbon, according to those behind it, is said to be the very last of this vintage of bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery. Distilled some four decades ago, the bottling is said to have been removed from its American oak barrel (it looks to be a single cask release) at its peak to avoid over aging. It is now a mere 44 bottle release, presented in a special package alongside a 50ml tasting sample and pocket sized tasting book for around $4,000.

“We are tremendously excited to present the 1982 Bourbon, our second smallest release to date,” said Rebecca Jago, joint managing director of the Last Drop, in a prepared statement. “With only 44 bottles worldwide, this is sure to become a collector’s item. The Bourbon is a wonderful spirit: deep and rounded, with delicious notes of dried fruit and honey. We only wish there was more to go around.”

You’ll find some official tasting notes for this super old bourbon below for your consideration. It should be noted as well Last Drop and Sazerac are looking beyond this whiskey towards more future, high end American whiskey releases. To this end Last Drop, it is said, “is bringing controlled, low temperature long-term aging techniques to Kentucky with its just opened, experimental refrigerated Warehouse P at the Buffalo Trace distillery. By keeping their new Warehouse P at a consistent 45 °F year-round to slow the aging process, the Last Drop hopes to create delicious American Bourbons and Ryes older than any on the market, including their 1982 Bourbon.”

Nose: The nose is nothing short of exquisite. Its seductive softness is accented by a rich toffee-like, honeyed vanilla, and candied ripe fruits with undertones of oak.

Taste: Sophisticated with an extraordinary richness and butteriness with layers of apple, pecans, ripened pear, dark Belgian chocolate, caramel and a kiss of black cherries.

Finish: This remarkable whiskey transitions to a memorable finish of dried dark fruit with delightful lingering oak. All the time knowing that you’re tasting history as you enjoy the last drops. This truly is a once in a lifetime taste experience.