Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2020

129 proof. 6 years and 2 months. Barrels filled spring 2014, drawn from Warehouses K, M, and N. Uncut and unfiltered. The 2020 Thomas H. Handy — the boldest BTAC rye release.

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, Handy is cask strength, younger, and deliberately powerful — the BTAC release that most directly showcases what American straight rye looks like at full barrel proof without intervention.

The 2020 arrived at 129 proof from barrels filled in spring 2014 and drawn from three warehouses (K, M, and N) — an unusually broad warehouse selection reflecting the team's effort to achieve the target flavor profile across different building environments. At 6 years and 2 months, this is younger than most BTAC Handy releases but arrives at proof that more than compensates for the age gap. The 32% evaporation rate is lower than older expressions but still meaningful concentration over six years.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with warm copper tones.
• Nose: Bold and spiced — cinnamon, clove, and dark chocolate with an underlying sweetness.
• Palate: Powerful rye grain character — bold spice, dark chocolate, candied fruit, and a warm heat that builds through the mid-palate.
• Finish: Long and spiced — warm cinnamon, oak, and a lingering rye heat.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Distilled: Spring 2014
• Age: 6 years, 2 months
• Warehouses: K, M, and N
• Proof: 129 (64.5% ABV)
• Evaporation: 32%
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the 2020 Handy compare to the 2018 and 2019 vintages? The 2018 arrived at 126.2 proof; the 2019 at 128.4; the 2020 at 129. All three are in the same proof range but reflect different barrel selections and distillation years. The 2020 was distilled in 2014 vs 2013 for the 2019 — slightly younger spirit, slightly higher proof.
• How does Handy differ from Sazerac 18 Year? Sazerac 18 is aged 18 years and bottled at a refined 90 proof — mellow, complex, and approachable. Handy is uncut cask strength at 6 years — bold, raw, and intensely powerful. They are complementary expressions representing different philosophies within the same rye whiskey program.
• Who was Thomas H. Handy? Thomas H. Handy owned the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans in the 1870s and is 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.
• Is the 2020 BTAC still available? In limited quantities through specialty retailers. BTAC releases sell out at primary retail immediately upon fall release.