Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2018 126.2 Proof

126.2 proof. Uncut. Unfiltered. The boldest, most powerful expression in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection rye lineup.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is one of five annual releases in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and the companion piece to the 18-year Sazerac Rye. Where the 18 Year is aged and refined — mellow spice, leather, dried fruit — Handy is cask strength, younger, and deliberately powerful. It is named for Thomas H. Handy, the New Orleans bar owner credited with popularizing the Sazerac cocktail and the first to use rye whiskey as its base spirit.

The 2018 arrived at 126.2 proof and earned a 5-star Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult — "Extraordinary whiskey by any measure" — and a 94.5 from David Broom: "An extraordinary aromatic nose." The 2018 is defined by a lush, spice-forward attack: toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit on the nose, building through mint, cinnamon, and clove on the palate to a long, warm finish of allspice, coconut, and nutmeg. It is the BTAC release that most clearly demonstrates what American straight rye is capable of at full proof.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with warm copper highlights.
• Aroma: Powerful and lush — toffee, fig cake, candied fruit, and a warm rye spice backbone.
• Palate: Bold and intensely spiced — mint, cinnamon, clove, and dark fruit over a caramel base. The proof is present but the flavors are too complex to be overwhelmed by it.
• Finish: Long and warming — allspice, coconut, nutmeg, and a clean rye spice fading slowly.

Critical Acclaim — 2018 Vintage

• F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal: 5 Stars / Highest Recommendation — "Extraordinary whiskey by any measure."
• David Broom: 94.5 — "An extraordinary aromatic nose."

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Proof: 126.2 (63.1% ABV)
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2018 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Explore the full Sazerac collection or browse all rye whiskey at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Thomas H. Handy differ from Sazerac 18 Year? Sazerac 18 Year is aged 18 years and bottled at a more traditional proof — mellow, complex, leather and dried fruit. Handy is uncut cask strength, younger, and far more aggressive. Pacult calls it power; the 18 Year is refinement. Both are essential BTAC rye expressions but for different occasions and preferences.
• Who was Thomas H. Handy? Thomas H. Handy was the owner of the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans in the 1870s and the barman credited with first using rye whiskey as the base spirit for the Sazerac cocktail — now recognized as America's first cocktail. The bourbon bearing his name honors that foundational moment in American cocktail history.
• How should I approach Handy at 126.2 proof? Start neat with a long rest in the glass — at least 5 minutes before nosing. Add a few drops of still water to open the fruit and spice notes. The proof is real but the flavor complexity at this level is exceptional. Ice will suppress the aromatics that make Handy worth drinking.
• Is the 2018 Handy still available? In very limited quantities. BTAC releases sell out at primary retail immediately upon fall release. The 2018 is now several years out of primary distribution — finding stock requires a specialty retailer with legacy allocation.