Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2022 130.9 Proof

130.9 proof. Cask strength. Uncut. Unfiltered. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2022 — the annual BTAC straight rye expression named for the New Orleans proprietor who popularized America's first cocktail.

Thomas H. Handy was the proprietor of the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans in the late 19th century, credited with popularizing the Sazerac cocktail — a rye-based drink now officially designated the cocktail of New Orleans and widely recognized as America's first cocktail. The BTAC expression bearing his name is the younger, cask-strength rye: bottled at natural barrel proof without dilution or filtration, delivering the full intensity of Buffalo Trace straight rye.

The 2022 at 130.9 proof is in the standard Handy proof range — slightly below the 2016's 126.2 but reflecting the specific barrels selected for the 2022 BTAC program. Each year's proof and tasting character reflects that year's barrel selection. The 2022 is the most recent Handy vintage currently available.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright amber with vibrant rye-influenced tones.
• Nose: Bold rye spice, dried fruit, caramel, and vanilla at full cask strength intensity.
• Palate: Powerful — rye grain, dark fruit, brown sugar, and warming spice at 130.9 proof.
• Finish: Long and assertive — pepper, cinnamon, and rye spice.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Proof: 130.9 (65.45% ABV)
• Bottling: Cask strength, uncut, unfiltered
• Release: 2022 BTAC Annual Release
• Size: 750ml

Explore the full Thomas H. Handy collection or browse all rye whiskey at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was Thomas H. Handy? The proprietor of the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans in the late 19th century, credited with popularizing the Sazerac cocktail — now officially the cocktail of New Orleans and recognized as America's first cocktail.
• How does Handy 2022 compare to earlier vintages? Each BTAC Handy vintage reflects a different barrel selection with varying proof and character. The 2022 at 130.9 proof is in the standard Handy range and is the most recent vintage available.
• How does Handy differ from Sazerac 18 Year? Sazerac 18 Year is aged 18 years — mature, elegant, and complex. Handy is younger at full cask strength — bolder and more assertive. Together they show the full range of what American rye can express.
• Is the 2022 Handy still available? Yes — BTAC releases are strictly limited and sell out at allocation.