In one of the most anticipated whiskey announcements of the year, Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled its Antique Collection for the fall 2023 season.
This year’s portfolio includes all five Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) staples: George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey, William Larue Weller Bourbon and the oldest Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon in the collection’s history.
The limited-edition Antique Collection bottles are sold separately. They will be available at retail in early October at a suggested retail price of $124.99.
The 2023 collection includes:
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon
At 19 years and three months old, this year’s Eagle Rare-17-Year-Old Bourbon marks the oldest release of the spirit since its 23-year inclusion in the Antique Collection. This whiskey was distilled in the spring of 2004, and barrels aged in Warehouses C, I, K, M, and Q. Eagle Rare 17 once again comes bottled at 101 proof in tribute to the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975. The expression has distillery-provided tasting notes of dark chocolate and cherry pie filling on the nose with a flavor of caramel-drizzled chocolate sponge cake, finishing with dry and spicy notes of an earthy cigar box.
George T. Stagg Bourbon
At 135 proof, the 2023 George T. Stagg offering was distilled in the spring of 2008, and its barrels aged in Warehouses C, I, K, L, and M. At 15 years and 4 months old, this bourbon has aromas of cinnamon and cherry cola, and a mix of leather, chocolate and vanilla on the palate, the company reports, before a robust, earthy finish.
Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey
The 2023 Sazerac 18-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey has a nose of dried orange, rye grain, clove and aniseed, the company reports, plus a palate of black pepper, vanilla and oak, with a florally honey and tobacco leaf finish. This collection of rye whiskey barrels was filled between the fall of 2004 and the spring of 2005 and aged in Warehouses K, L, and M.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey
The 2023 Thomas H. Handy expression comprises barrels aged for over six years. Initially launched in response to a consumer request for more well-aged and barrel-strength whiskey, this uncut, unfiltered straight rye whiskey comes in at 124.9 proof. The flavor profile includes an aroma of orange zest and lemon oil, caramel and hints of pine, the company reports. On the palate, freshly baked rye bread spread with orange marmalade and honey appear first, followed by a finish of light oak and black licorice.
William Larue Weller Bourbon
William Larue Weller is the Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon. This year’s offering was distilled in the spring of 2011. Its barrels aged in Warehouses C, L, M and N. The 2023 William Larue Weller bourbon is 133.6 proof, surpassing last year’s proof offering of 124.7. Candied notes of dark brown sugar and vanilla bean are on the nose, according to distillery notes, followed by a palate with stewed cherry and brown sugar crumble, and a finish with baking spice and a hint of maple syrup.
Following Bourbon Hunting Season 2023? Other limited releases this fall include:
- Widow Jane Announces The Vaults 2023
- High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 11
- Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F
- Remus Gatsby Reserve 15 Year 2023 Edition
- Ross & Squibb Distillery Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII
- Four Roses 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch
- Heaven Hill Distillery Spring 2023 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
- Heaven Hill 2023 Parker’s Heritage Collection
- Maker’s Mark Debuts Cellar Aged Bourbon
- Michter’s Distillery US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye
- Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect blended whiskey
