THOMAS H. HANDY SAZERAC STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY 2019

Style Summary

Extraordinarily powerful, rich and beautifully complex, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 2019 is a highly collectible barrel-proof rye whiskey from the legendary Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

Bottled at an impressive 125.7 proof (62.85% alcohol), this limited release delivers an exhilarating combination of creamy butterscotch, vanilla, dark caramel and bold rye spice.

Uncut, unfiltered and bottled at natural barrel strength, it is an exceptional expression of American whiskey craftsmanship.

Origin / Style

Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Region: Kentucky, United States
Collection: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Release: 2019
Distilled: Spring 2013
Age: Approximately 6 Years
Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Alcohol: 62.85% ABV / 125.7 Proof
Bottling: Barrel Proof, Uncut & Unfiltered

Tasting Profile

Nose: Rich and expressive, with creamy butterscotch, vanilla and dark caramel followed by cinnamon, black pepper, toasted oak and hints of dried fruit.

Palate: Intensely concentrated and full-bodied. Layers of sweet vanilla, toffee and caramel unfold alongside bold rye spice, clove, cinnamon and warming pepper.

Texture: Powerful, rich and mouth-coating, with impressive concentration and an almost luxurious intensity.

Finish: Exceptionally long and warming, with lingering vanilla, caramel, oak and a persistent wave of rye spice.

The Legendary 2019 Release

Released as part of the highly sought-after 2019 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this expression was distilled in spring 2013 and matured in the distillery's Warehouses K, M and N.

Bottled after approximately six years of maturation, it demonstrates that exceptional rye whiskey does not necessarily require decades in oak.

Instead, Thomas H. Handy celebrates the vibrant, spicy character of rye, combining youthful energy with remarkable depth and concentration.

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Produced in extremely limited quantities, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection represents some of America's most celebrated whiskeys.

Each annual release is eagerly anticipated by collectors and enthusiasts, with individual bottlings becoming increasingly desirable as they disappear from the market.

The 2019 Thomas H. Handy is a particularly compelling addition to any serious American whiskey collection.

How to Enjoy

A whiskey of this strength and character deserves to be appreciated slowly.

We recommend tasting it neat initially, allowing the aromas to develop in the glass.

A few drops of water can soften its considerable intensity and reveal additional layers of vanilla, caramel and spice.

Serve in a quality whiskey tasting glass and allow plenty of time to enjoy its evolution.

Food Pairing

Excellent with dark chocolate, roasted pecans, caramel desserts, aged cheeses and richly flavoured smoked meats.

The Tasting Room Recommendation

A remarkable collector's whiskey and an unforgettable experience for lovers of powerful American rye.

The 2019 Thomas H. Handy offers everything that makes the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection so desirable: rarity, intensity, exceptional craftsmanship and a distinctive personality.

Its combination of creamy butterscotch, vanilla, caramel and explosive rye spice makes it a fascinating contrast to the richer, sweeter character of traditional Kentucky bourbon.

For serious whiskey enthusiasts, this is a bottle worth discovering—and for collectors, a special vintage worth preserving.

Best Enjoyed: Neat • A Few Drops of Water • Special Occasions • Collecting