Indulging in this whiskey hobby can be a delightful experience! As someone who leans more towards drinking this wonderful spirit rather than collecting it, I consider myself incredibly lucky to have the chance to sample the elusive “unicorn” bottles when I get the chance to do so.
The 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a sought-after selection that showcases five limited-edition whiskeys, comprising both bourbons and ryes, released each fall. This year's impressive roster includes:
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon: Aged for 17 years and offered at 101 proof.
William Larue Weller Bourbon: A bold, uncut, unfiltered wheated bourbon with a remarkable proof of 125.8.
George T. Stagg Bourbon: A 15-year-old bourbon with a robust proof of 126.1.
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: This rye whiskey is aged for 18 years and bottled at 90 proof.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey: An uncut, unfiltered rye aged for 6 years, boasting an impressive 127.2 proof.
This year, I was fortunate enough to receive a special opportunity from a very generous friend! I get to taste a small sample from each bottle in this collection. Since I haven’t had the pleasure of trying previous editions, I’m eager to share my thoughts on this year’s offerings.
Eagle Rare 17 Year (101 Proof)
First up is the Eagle Rare 17 Year. The nose immediately greets me with a sweet bouquet of caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar, followed by a gentle whiff of oak and a light hint of hay. On the palate, I’m treated to that sweet caramel up front, which transitions into a surprisingly pleasant hay note before leading into a dry oakiness and a touch of black pepper. The finish lingers with a dryness and spice that have me wishing for more. While it’s a classic, I felt it was outshined by some of the other offerings in the collection.
William Larue Weller (125.8 Proof)
Next, I dove into the William Larue Weller, and wow, this one really impressed me! The nose is a delightful mix of vanilla, chocolate, orange peel, and a touch of honey. On the palate, I’m greeted by dark chocolate that quickly melds into a dry oakiness, with a burst of orange rounding things out beautifully. The finish is long, showcasing a dry oakiness with a hint of cinnamon. For me, this one edges out the Eagle Rare 17 Year, offering a more complex experience that I just can’t resist.
George T. Stagg (15 Years, 136.1 Proof)
Now, let’s talk about the George T. Stagg. This is a powerhouse! The nose presents a delightful mix of dark cocoa, maple, nuts, and vanilla that set the stage perfectly. On the palate, that cocoa comes to life as milk chocolate, enveloped in creamy vanilla and crushed peanuts—think ice cream sundae! There is even a surprise cherry note that I didn’t detect on the nose, making it all the more enjoyable. The finish? All oak and black pepper that lingers for days. In my opinion, this one takes the crown over the other two bourbons!
Sazerac Rye (18 Years, 90 Proof)
Now for the ryes. The Sazerac Rye opens with a classic rye nose of mint, dill, and oak. The palate is dominated by heavy dill, followed by caramel and oak, with a punch of black pepper. The finish carries that dill and pepper dust long after the sip. This one has the prominent flavors and body if a higher proof whiskey.
Thomas H. Handy Rye (6+ Years, 127.2 Proof)
Finally, I tried the Thomas H. Handy Rye. The nose features sweet caramel, light dill, and dusty oak. On the palate, I find it surprisingly tame for its proof—sweet caramel meets sour dill and a hint of pepper. The finish is long and peppery, with some oak lingering on. While it’s a lovely pour, I’m giving the nod to the Sazerac Rye in terms of overall flavor.
Overall, the 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a fantastic lineup, with each whiskey bringing something unique to the table. My personal favorites are definitely the George T. Stagg and the William Larue Weller, both offering rich flavors and unforgettable experiences. If you can get your hands on any of these, do yourself a favor and enjoy them—you won’t be disappointed!
Keep sippin’, my friends!🥃