Sazerac today announced the launch of the 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The collection consists of five iconic whiskeys produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, America’s oldest continuously operating Distillery. This year’s release features all five Buffalo Trail Antique Collection (BTAC) bases: Eagle Rare 17 YO Bourbon, George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18 YO Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and William Larue Weller Bourbon.

“This year’s William Larue Weller Bourbon shines among the Collection,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. It has “characteristic caramel notes and a long, creamy finish.” Wheatley also noted:

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Sazerac Company’s acquisition of the Weller brand. For over twenty years, we have worked hard to create the signature flavors that whiskey lovers love 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 forward into the future.

The Antique Collection is bottled in clear glass, allowing the rich color of the whiskeys to be prominently displayed. The back label of each bottle provides a detailed history and description of the whisky. The limited-edition Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles are sold individually and are available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $149.99 each. But bottles are often sold at significant premiums. The entire collection will probably cost you a few thousand dollars.

William Larue Weller Bourbon

2024 William Larue Weller The expression was aged for 12 years in barrels stored on the lower level of a warehouse at Buffalo Trace Distillery. These were kegged to withstand barrel entry at 114/57% ABV.

According to Wheatley:

Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered wheat recipe bourbon is hand-bottled at 125.8 proof and honors W.L. Weller, who pioneered the wheated bourbon recipe, substituting wheat for the traditional rye grain.

The nose of Weller whiskey features “a blend of new leather, light pipe tobacco and caramel wrapped in the warm sweetness of marshmallow and hints of ripe fruit.” The palate showcases “rich caramel and toffee notes” that “envelop the palate with a long finish and notes of oak, caramel and fruit.”

Weller expressions are among the most decorated American whiskeys. Most recently, the 2024 Global Whiskey Competition honored last year’s William Larue Weller Bourbon with North America’s “Best in Class” award during the 2024 Global Whiskey Competition.

Kartal Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon

Eagle Rare 17 YO is bottled at initial strength 101 proof/50.5% ABV. Same as the original Eagle Rare expression released in 1975. Kartal Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon Distilled in the spring of 2007 and matured for 17 years and four months.

Eagle Rare 17 exhibits “complex notes of oak and caramel, intertwined with subtle undertones of vanilla and pepper spice, with caramel sweetness balanced by the spiciness of rye, toasted oak, and tobacco.” The finish has Eagle Rare’s trademark length and complexity and features “a combination of caramel, pepper, leather and oak paired with roasted tobacco and dried fruit.”

Last year’s Eagle Rare 17 YO marked the oldest expression of the whiskey since its inclusion in the Antique Collection. The expression has taken top honors at many major spirits competitions, most notably the 2024 World Whiskeys Competition, where the 19-year-old whiskey won Double Gold and a Best in Class medal.

George T. Stagg Bourbon

George T. Stagg Bourbon was first introduced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2002 in response to consumer demand for a well-matured, barrel-proof whiskey.

Reminiscent of its name, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is known for its bold and robust character. A colorful figure in bourbon history, Stagg was the first buyer of OFC Distillery, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.

This year’s George T. Stagg is bottled at 136.1 proof/68.05% ABV from barrels that are more than 15 years and two months old.

On the palate, the whiskey exhibits a “strong aroma of deep old wood, rich oak and dark cherry” and a “layered profile of spice, oak, caramel and a soft touch of cinnamon.” The finish is long and dry, giving a lasting impression of complexity and warmth. T

The 2024 International Whiskey Competition awarded George T. Stagg First Place for Best Bourbon, American and Kentucky Whiskey last year.

Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey

2024 Sazerac 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled at 18 years and five months old at XXX proof/XXABV%. It takes its name from the official cocktail of New Orleans.

The rye whiskey has aromas of oak and leather with subtle hints of “ripe plum, rye grain and earth tones.” Rye spice, smoke, dark cherry and some licorice are clearly felt on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering and subtle hints of tobacco and charred oak.

The 2023 Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye was awarded the Gold Superior Medal at the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Distillery has filled this year’s barrels Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey six years ago at 125 proof/62.5% ABV. This uncut, unfiltered whiskey is now 127.2 proof/63.6% ABV, increasing the alcohol percentage from last year’s around 125 proof.

Inspired by the bartender who first used rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail, Thomas H. Handy is bottled directly from the barrel, honoring the traditional method of more than a century ago, according to Wheatly.

The 2024 Thomas H. Handy is “bold and refreshing,” with aromas of “freshly cracked black pepper and cinnamon” and prominent “flavors of spice and oak.” The finish is extremely long and spicy, with persistent notes of cinnamon, pepper and clove. 2023 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition.

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection It is one of America’s most famous whiskey collections, and its expressions are among the most decorated American whiskeys. Buffalo Trace Distillery has won more than 1,000 awards for its extensive selection of premium whiskeys. These whiskeys are truly one of a kind and belong in every whiskey collection.

See also Sazerac to Auction Rare and Coveted Whiskeys for Hurricane Relief For information on the online auction of BTAC and other rare Sazerac whiskies.

Cheers