The lineup within the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) generally maintains consistency year after year. However, what undergoes variation is the age and, in some instances, the proof of the whiskey. The BTAC, inaugurated in 2000 with a trio of expressions—Sazerac 18-year-old, Eagle Rare 17-year-old, and Weller 19-year-old—expanded to six releases in 2005. The ensemble comprised Sazerac, Eagle Rare, W.L. Weller, and three iterations of George T. Stagg. Since then, the collection has typically settled at five bottles, with a singular exception in 2021 when George T. Stagg was omitted due to barrels falling short of the distillery’s exacting standards. Each BTAC bottling is individually priced at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $125, up from the $100 SRP of previous years.
2023 Eagle Rare 17-year-old, 50.5% This year heralds the oldest release of Eagle Rare in its 23-year BTAC history. While denoted as 17 years old, the whiskey’s age exceeds this, standing at 19 years and 3 months. Maintaining a proof of 101, this offering from mashbill one exhibits the characteristic baking spice associated with rye on the nose. Surprisingly, the extended barrel aging does not impart an overwhelming abundance of tannins. Initial sips reveal caramel notes, followed by a burst of citrus and a tobacco-rye finish. A subsequent sip uncovers a subtle hint of cherry pie mid-palate, making it an exceptionally delightful pour.
2023 George T. Stagg, 67.5% With an impressive 135 proof, this 15-year and 3-month-old bourbon is an uncut and unfiltered rendition of Buffalo Trace bourbon, aged an additional six years. Boasting the most profound and complex nose among the 2023 BTAC lineup, it melds rich dessert chocolate with hints of red fruits. The high proof imparts a bold and earthy experience at first sip, evolving into an orange zest and tobacco finish. A drop of water enhances the dram, revealing more nuances of dark chocolate. The prolonged finish is undeniably gratifying.
2023 Sazerac 18-year-old, 45% This rye, distilled between the fall of 2004 and spring of 2005, represents a low-rye mashbill aptly nicknamed “barely-legal rye” by brand representatives—a treat for bourbon enthusiasts. Aged an additional 12 years, the extra time in oak imparts balance to the abundant citrus, clove, and licorice notes on the nose. The 90 proof allows for a citrus explosion on the first sip, which mellows nicely, culminating in a minty finish. Sazarac’s rye, a low rye by distillery standards, is affectionately dubbed “barely legal rye” by the team.
2023 Thomas H. Handy, 62.45% This barrel-strength rye, composed of barrels aged over six years, packs a flavorful punch despite its low age statement. Essentially an uncut and unfiltered Sazarac rye, the intense rye profile dominates the first whiff at 124.9 proof. The initial sip may feel hot, but the flavor explosion quickly overshadows the proof, revealing traces of mint, honey, marmalade, and more. A second sip unravels hints of spearmint, and the nose evolves into an herbal tea with prolonged exposure in the glass.
2023 William Larue Weller, 66.8% Distilled in the spring of 2011, this wheated bourbon, at around 12 years old, remains uncut and unfiltered, in contrast to the core line product, Weller 12-year-old. Despite the 133.6 proof, it boasts the sweetest nose among the BTAC offerings. Soft notes of salted caramel and vanilla belie the high proof, offering a remarkably mellow palate. Deep and rich, the initial encounter brings baked cherries, abundant vanilla, and caramel, concluding with a long and warm finish, accompanied by lingering notes of chocolate.
