"An assault of brown sugar and vanilla aromas, plus a hefty dose of alcohol, this 142.8 proof bottle doesn't taste as hot as you might think for its somewhat frightening ABV. (Someone else at the tasting called it "dangerous," and I'm inclined to agree.) The barrel proof bourbon hits hard and sharp, but tastes sugar-sweet and is perfect for sipping if you are okay with a little burn."
"A classic rye whiskey in every sense of the word. The Sazarac Rye 18-year-old has a sweet, fruity scent; the flavor is herbal, reminding me of fresh wood and raw grain. At only 90 proof ("only"), it's one of the lighter sips in the selective group of six, though it doesn't taste it. There is a kick to the expression that rivals other much higher proof bottles in the 2025 Antique Collection."
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, first released in 2000, comprises highly sought-after limited bottlings that honor the distillery's history and showcase its range. The 2025 lineup introduces Colonel E. H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon alongside five returning expressions: Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old, George T. Stagg, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye, Sazarac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye, and William Larue Weller. George T. Stagg at 142.8 proof offers brown sugar and vanilla aromas, pronounced alcohol presence, and a sugar-sweet, sharp barrel-proof profile suited to sipping with heat. Sazarac Rye 18-year-old presents sweet, fruity notes, herbal flavors of fresh wood and raw grain, and a surprising kick at 90 proof. William Larue Weller provides strong initial aromatics.
Read at Tasting Table
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]