Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is the uncut, unfiltered straight rye whiskey of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, one of the most sought-after annual releases in American whiskey. This bottle is 125.7 proof, the strength of the 2019 edition, which was distilled in the spring of 2013 and aged about six years.
The whiskey is named after Thomas H. Handy, the New Orleans bartender credited with making the Sazerac cocktail with rye whiskey in the nineteenth century. Each fall, Buffalo Trace releases it alongside George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old and Sazerac 18 Year Old, and together the five are among the most hunted bottles of the year.
Handy is bottled straight from the barrel, without water or filtration, so its proof changes from year to year. The 2019 edition matured in Warehouses K, M and N at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, before being bottled at 125.7 proof. At that strength, rye's signature spice is concentrated and bold, and the whiskey opens beautifully with a little water.
The tall, slender bottle carries Handy's antique-style label and red capsule. It is a cornerstone for any collection of American rye and a superb gift for a whiskey enthusiast.
Specifications
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Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)
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Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, uncut and unfiltered
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Expression / Batch: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2019 release
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Age: About 6 years (distilled spring 2013)
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Proof / ABV: 125.7 proof (62.85% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: New charred oak; Warehouses K, M and N
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Region: Frankfort, Kentucky, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
At cask strength, taste a small measure neat, then add water a few drops at a time to find your balance. It also makes an unforgettable Sazerac, the cocktail that bears Handy's name. Pair it with dark chocolate, charcuterie or a full-bodied cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Thomas H. Handy?
A New Orleans bartender credited with making the Sazerac cocktail with rye whiskey in the nineteenth century.
Is Thomas H. Handy cask strength?
Yes. It is bottled uncut and unfiltered, so the proof varies from year to year.
What proof is this bottle?
It is 125.7 proof, or 62.85% ABV.
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