One of two rye whiskies in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Thomas H. Handy (THH) Sazerac Rye comes to us uncut and unfiltered.  This year’s edition arrives at a strong 126.9 proof.  The 2015 edition is comprised of 58 barrels of whiskey aged six years.  30.23%of the original whiskey evaporated.  THH is a barrel proof version of the standard Sazerac rye whiskey.

The nose here is fruity, with some almond, caramel and rye grain notes.  Its a tad sweeter than last year’s, and smells richer.  Taste-wise, it’s surprisingly sweet on entry.  I get a bit of that rye spice, caramel chew, some baking spice and a little toffee.  Very nice balance between the sharp rye and sweet notes.  The finish is medium-long, with both of the dominant flavors carrying over, then becoming a little dry.  Very nice.

This year’s Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is outstanding.  It’s beautiful balance makes it dangerously drinkable.  It really doesn’t drink like a barrel proof whiskey.  Like other members of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this whiskey is going to be highly sought after.  There’s not a lot of THH to go around, and this edition comes highly recommended.