Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Release: 2020

Bourbon: Sazerac Rye

Region: Frankfort, Kentucky

Price: $30.00

Proof: 90

Age:  6 years

The Barrel Cellar Score:  88 Points

Review Date: 05/29/2020

About the Bourbon:   Sazerac Rye, while produced by Buffalo Trace in Kentucky, originated in New Orleans in the Sazerac Coffee House.  It became a popular mixer and is the feature ingredient in what is claimed to be America’s first cocktail, the aptly named the “Sazerac.”  Sazerac Rye has grown more popular as of late owing a solid reputation in part to its older and nearly impossible to find BTAC brothers, Thomas H handy and Sazerac 18-year.

I enjoyed the whiskey for this review using a set of  Prestige diamond whiskey glasses.

Color: Copper

Nose:  Vanilla, peppermint, and oak

Taste: Cherry, leather, dill, and peppermint.  Drop a couple of ice cubes in and notes of honey and citrus emerge.

Finish: mid sustained with black pepper undertones and citrus sweetness.

Assessment: This bottle is my first experience with Sazerac Rye. Typically, with a Rye, I expect a “punch in the mouth” with bold rye spiciness and earthy flavors.  Sazerac is not that; it’s has a light to medium body and a character that is quite delicate.  The finish is short lived with a pleasantly oily mouthfeel.  The reserved flavor of the spirit makes it the perfect candidate to pair with a cigar on a warm summer evening; I’d bet it would pair well with camp-fire fare as well.

Sazerac Rye, from Buffalo Trace Distillery is very good.   88 points.

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