The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection was released as a three-bottle collection in 2000.
Twenty-four years later, this coveted lineup of five bourbons and ryes is amongst the most highly anticipated limited edition whiskeys in the United States. As these few bottles sought after by many are heading to liquor stores and bar shelves presently, here is a breakdown of the Collection, including George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old and Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old. Bottle hunters should know that members of the BTAC collection are sold separately. The MSRP is $150 per bottle, but buyer beware: most stores charge dramatically elevated prices.
William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This year’s William Larue Weller was distilled in January 2010 and February 2012. Weller is made from a “wheated” grain recipe, meaning wheat is used instead of the standard rye as a secondary grain. This distillate came off the still at 130 proof (65% ABV) and entered a char #4 white oak barrel at 114 proof, where it aged at least 12 years and 6 months on the lower floors of Buffalo Traces “Rick” warehouse. This expression was bottled non-chill filtered and cask strength at 125.8 proof. Look for leather, pipe tobacco, caramel, and light fruit on the nose. Flavors include deep caramel and toffee notes, capped by a long finish featuring oak, caramel, and fruit.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
Distilled in 2018, this Sazerac straight rye is a double-distilled, sour mash whiskey that came off the still at 135 proof (67.5% ABV) and entered the barrel at 125 proof (62.5% ABV). After six years and three months of aging in the center and top floors of Buffalo Trace’s “Rick” Warehouse in char #4 white oak barrels from Cumberland cooperage, the final product is bottled non-chill filtered and cask strength at 127.2 proof (63.6% ABV). Expect black pepper and cinnamon aromas, leading to a spice and oak dominant palate capped by a long finish of cinnamon, more pepper, and clove.
"For over two decades, we've worked hard to craft the signature flavors that whiskey enthusiasts love, both within the Weller brand and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Our commitment to this tradition is stronger than ever, and we look forward to carrying it well into the future."
— Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Buffalo Trace utilizes three bourbon recipes to create their brands. Mash Bill #1 is a lower rye recipe used to create Buffalo Trace’s flagship bourbon, EH Taylor, Stagg, Old Charter, and this Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old. This distillate came off the still at 70% ABV and entered the barrel at 125 proof. The liquid was aged in char# 4 white oak barrels for 17 years and four months on the lower floors of Rick Warehouse before being bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). Company tasting notes promise “complex notes of oak and luscious caramel intertwined with subtle undertones of vanilla and pepper spice” on the nose. Expect “caramel sweetness balanced by the spiciness of rye spice, toasted oak and subtle flavors of tobacco” on the palate and a “harmonious blend of caramel, pepper, leather, oak, coupled with depth of roasted tobacco and dried fruit” on the finish.
George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
George T. Stagg is an annual cask strength butt kicker that is distilled with, like Eagle Rare, its lower rye mash recipe #1. Distilled in the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009, this bourbon is pulled off the still at 140 proof and enters the barrel at 125. Like all the whiskeys in this Collection, GTS is aged in a char #4 white oak barrel from the Cumberland Cooperage. This expression sat on the lower floors of Rick Warehouse for 15 years and 2 months before being bottled non-chill-filtered this fall at 136.1 Proof. Look for an oak and cherry forward nose leading to deep spice, creamy caramel, cinnamon spice, and more oak on the palate. Expect a long, oak-laden, and drying finish.
Sazerac 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Made from a mash of rye, corn, and malted barley, this whiskey was double distilled in 2005 and 2006, where it was pulled off the still at 135 proof (67.5% ABV) and entered a char #4 white oak barrel at 125 proof. After age 18 years and five months, this BTAC Sazerac Rye was ultimately bottled at 90 proof. Company tasting notes promise oak and leather with ripe plum and rye grain with earthy undertones on the nose. The palate opens with a punch of rye spice, which evolves into smoke, dark cherry, and rye flavors, plus a “touch of licorice.” The whiskey concludes with a lingering oak and tobacco-forward finish.
John McCarthy is a spirit, travel, and lifestyle journalist, managing editor, and author of The Modern Gentleman and Whiskey Rebels: The Dreamers, Visionaries & Badasses Who Are Revolutionizing American Whiskey. McCarthy is also editor of Barleycorn Drinks and Director of Judging of the John Barleycorn Awards.
