Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old 2020

One of the five most sought-after American rye whiskeys produced each year. The 2020 Sazerac Rye 18 Year — from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, released each fall in strictly limited quantities.

Every fall, Buffalo Trace releases the five expressions of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection — George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy, Eagle Rare 17 Year, and the Sazerac Rye 18 Year. Each sells out within hours at primary retail. The Sazerac 18 Year is the only BTAC release bottled at a traditional 90 proof after chill filtration, making it the most approachable of the five for everyday sipping while still carrying the full weight of 18 years of aging.

The 2020 release draws from barrels filled in spring 2002, matured on the third floor of Warehouse K for 18 years and 4 months. The flavor profile reflects what nearly two decades in new charred oak does to rye grain: the aggressive spice of young rye is completely gone, replaced by peppermint, menthol, Baker's chocolate, tannic oak, pine needles, cinnamon, and cloves, closing with cedar, black pepper, vanilla, and a signature Peppermint Patty finish that is one of the most recognized flavor notes in the BTAC lineup.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Rich amber with warm copper highlights.
• Nose: Peppermint and menthol, classic rye spice, and subtle dried fruit.
• Palate: Semisweet Baker's chocolate, tannic oak, pine needles, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Finish: Cedar, black pepper, vanilla, and Peppermint Patties — long, evolving, and unmistakably Sazerac 18.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Distilled: Spring 2002
• Age: 18 years, 4 months
• Warehouse: Warehouse K, 3rd floor
• Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Browse the full Sazerac collection or explore all rye whiskey at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection? The BTAC is an annual fall release of five ultra-premium Buffalo Trace expressions: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy, Eagle Rare 17 Year, and Sazerac 18 Year. Each sells out immediately at retail. Finding bottles after release requires specialty retailers who have held allocation.
• Why is Sazerac 18 Year bottled at 90 proof instead of cask strength? Unlike Stagg, Weller, and Handy — which arrive uncut and unfiltered — Sazerac 18 undergoes chill filtration and proofing before bottling. At 18 years, Buffalo Trace believes the aged rye's complexity is best experienced at a more measured proof, allowing the nuanced development of nearly two decades to express itself cleanly.
• How is Sazerac 18 Year different from standard Sazerac Rye? Standard Sazerac Rye is a 6-year-old expression — spicy, bold, and widely available. The 18 Year is an entirely different whiskey: 12 additional years in oak have transformed the grain character completely. Where the standard expression is punchy and fresh, the 18 Year is mellow, complex, and deeply integrated.
• Is the 2020 vintage still available to buy? In limited quantities through specialty retailers with legacy BTAC allocation. Primary retail sells out immediately upon fall release. Wooden Cork carries allocated BTAC stock — availability reflects current inventory only.