Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, 2024 Release is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the boldest and youngest rye in the lineup. Named after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, this uncut and unfiltered straight rye is bottled directly from the barrel, just as it was over a century ago. Aged 6 years and 3 months, it's bottled at natural barrel proof, 127.2 proof (63.6% ABV).

Part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Released once a year alongside icons like Eagle Rare 17 and George T. Stagg, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is built around barrels selected for their exceptional character. Thomas H. Handy is the youngest, boldest expression in the lineup, selected from barrels aged roughly 6 to 8 years at peak spice and grain intensity, before extended oak aging would begin to dominate.

Full Rye Intensity at Barrel Strength

Where Sazerac 18 Year shows what time and oak integration produce, Thomas H. Handy shows intense young rye at full natural concentration: vivid cinnamon, clove, and peppery grain character, bottled with nothing added and nothing taken away.

Tasting Notes

• Character: powerful, lush, and boldly spicy.
• Palate: toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit, followed by mint, cinnamon, and clove.
• Finish: subtle notes of allspice, coconut, and nutmeg, long and warm.

How to Enjoy It

Sip it neat to take in its full barrel-proof intensity, or add a splash of water or an ice cube, since the alcohol can sear the palate at full strength.

Awards

• Gold, 2024 American Whiskey Masters
• Gold, 2024 Global Whiskey Challenge
• Gold, 2024 International Wine & Spirits Competition
• Silver, 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Silver, 2024 International Spirits Challenge

Why Collectors Want This Bottle

• Part of the highly allocated Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.
• Uncut and unfiltered, bottled at natural barrel proof.
• The boldest, youngest rye in the BTAC lineup.
• A single annual release that will never be repeated in this exact barrel selection.

Product Details

• Brand: Thomas H. Handy, Buffalo Trace
• Type: Kentucky straight rye whiskey, barrel proof
• Release: 2024, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
• Size: 750ml
• ABV: 63.6% (127.2 proof)
• Age: 6 years, 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proof of the 2024 Thomas H. Handy?

It is bottled at natural barrel proof, 127.2 proof, which is 63.6% ABV.

How is this different from Sazerac 18 Year?

They're the two rye poles of the Antique Collection. Handy is young and full-proof, with vivid spice and candied fruit; Sazerac 18 is aged three times longer and bottled at 90 proof, trading fire for deep, oaky elegance.

Order Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, 2024 Release from Craft City.