The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has returned for the fall 2024 season, representing whiskeys produced by the country’s oldest continuously operating distillery. This year’s portfolio includes all five Buffalo Trace Antique Collection staples: Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon, George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and William Larue Weller Bourbon.
William Larue Weller Bourbon
The 2024 William Larue Weller barrels were aged more than 12 years on the lower floor of a rick warehouse at Buffalo Trace Distillery, at a barrel entry proof of 114. The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered wheated recipe bourbon honors W.L. Weller, who pioneered the wheated bourbon recipe, substituting wheat for the traditional rye grain. The producers have described the tasting notes as rich caramel, with notes of toffee and fruit.
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon
Bottled at its initial strength of 101 proof in tribute to the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975, this year’s Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon was distilled in the spring of 2007. The producers have described Eagle Rare 17 as having tasting notes of rye, toasted oak, and tobacco. Last year’s Eagle Rare-17-Year-Old Bourbon marked the oldest release of the spirit since its inclusion in the Antique Collection.
George T. Stagg Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Distillery first released George T. Stagg bourbon in 2002 in response to a consumer request for a well-aged, barrel-strength whiskey. This year’s George T. Stagg sits at 136.1 proof and is comprised of barrels aged more than 15 years and two months. The producers say it has tasting notes of spice, oak, caramel, and a soft touch of cinnamon.
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye Whiskey
Bottled at 18 years and five months and named after the official cocktail of New Orleans, the producers of 2024 Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey have described this release as having tasting notes of dark cherry, smoke, and a touch of licorice.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
The team at Buffalo Trace Distillery filled the barrels for this year’s Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey at 125 proof more than six years ago. Inspired by the bartender who first used rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail, Thomas H. Handy is bottled directly from the barrel, honoring its traditional method from over a century ago. The producers described this release as having tasting notes of spice and oak flavors with a finish of cinnamon, pepper, and clove.
Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery, commented: "William Larue Weller Bourbon shines among the Collection this year with its caramel notes and long, creamy finish. It's fitting that this year also marks the 25th anniversary of Sazerac Company's acquisition of the Weller brand. For more than two decades, we've worked hard to craft the signature flavors that whiskey enthusiasts love, both within the Weller brand and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Our commitment to this tradition is stronger than ever, and we look forward to carrying it well into the future."
Each expression in the Antique Collection comes with a label on each bottle which offers a detailed history and description of the whiskey. The limited-edition Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles are sold individually and available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (local taxes and fees will vary).
For more information on the Antique Collection, visit Buffalo Trace’s website.
