The 2025 release of Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey showcases the bold, uncut, and unfiltered style that has made this annual expression a cornerstone of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Crafted from a traditional rye mash bill and aged to peak intensity, this year’s bottling is drawn straight from the barrel at 129.8 proof. The result is a powerful, spice-driven whiskey layered with dark sweetness, rich oak, and the signature heat that defines Handy. Each release reflects the character of the year’s barrels, offering a unique, collectible snapshot of high-proof rye at its purest.

Distilled in the spring of 2018 and 2019, this whiskey is aged for over six years, capturing the essence of time in every sip. The use of plump rye, Kentucky corn, and malted barley creates a rich and complex flavor profile. Aged in new white oak barrels with a #4 char, the whiskey develops a deep, dark color, beautifully showcased in its clear glass bottle.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Cinnamon, clove, orange peel, dark caramel, and seasoned oak.

Palate: Explosive rye spice, brown sugar, molasses, peppercorn, and toasted wood.

Mouthfeel: Full-bodied, oily, and bold with intense barrel-proof richness.

Finish: Long and powerful with lingering spice, caramelized sweetness, and warm oak.