Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Review (2024)

Thomas H. Handy
Sazerac
Straight Rye Whiskey
2024 Release
127.2 Proof
MSRP: $149.99
Review

Please enjoy our Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey Review!

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey is part of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, an annual release generally consisting of 5 whiskeys: 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. Of these, Thomas Handy is the youngest of the collection with a six year age statement, whereas all of the other whiskeys have double digit ages. It is one of two rye whiskeys in the collection, the other being the Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye.

Thomas H Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

From Buffalo Trace Distillery: “The team at Buffalo Trace Distillery filled the barrels for this year’s Thomas Handy Rye at 125 proof over six years ago. This uncut, unfiltered whiskey is now 127.2 proof, bumping up in alcohol percentage from last year’s nearly 125 proof offering. 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.” (Editor’s note: It is not clear that Thomas Handy was a bartender at the time. He did however own the Sazerac House when rye began being used in the Sazerac cocktail, replacing the original Sazerac de Forge et Fils Brandy.)

Tasting Notes – Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey Review

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻Nose: Tart orange, cloves and other rye spices, hint of dry oak, touch of hot cinnamon gum; vanilla and brown sugar; alcohol vapor less than expected for the proof
👉🏻Taste: Tart orange, rye spices, lightly burnt caramel, brown sugar, hot cinnamon gum, dry oak
👉🏻Finish: Growing white pepper and hot cinnamon spice; light char and dry oak; long; lingering spice; pleasant warmth

Tart orange citrus and rye spices, particularly cloves, are most noticeable in the nose of Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey. A hint of hot cinnamon gum is there, too. However, there’s more than just citrus and spice. A touch of dry oak, as well as brown sugar and vanilla, are in the background, too. Those richer flavors become more evident after a few sips, as I acclimate to the orange citrus and spices. The alcohol vapor is less intense than I would have expected for the proof.

Similar flavors continue into the taste, with the tart orange citrus and rye spices remaining at the forefront, with a bit of hot cinnamon gum. But, there are also some richer flavors from lightly burnt caramel and brown sugar, and mild dry oak. As in the nose, the richer flavors become more evident after a few sips.

The finish of Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye becomes dominated by growing hot white pepper and cinnamon spice, which lasts until the end of the long finish. As it fades somewhat, the finish grows more dry with light barrel char and dry oak. In the end, I am left with a little dry wood, lingering spice, and a pleasant deep warmth.

Quite A Bit of Citrus and Spice

There is quite a bit of citrus and spice in this rye. That’s not a surprise, given its high proof. However, in a way, it is actually a bit of a surprise. As this is a Kentucky rye, presumably with a low rye content, I would expect the intensity of spice and citrus to be on the low side, too. However, they are not.

Conclusion

Thomas H Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey is always one of my favorites in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Even though it is the youngest member, I enjoy its spice and bold flavors. If you are a fan of a citrusy, hot cinnamony, spicy rye, with a bit of richness, too, then it’s worth giving this rye a try. Have you had this year’s Thomas Handy Rye? What did you think? Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey Review (2024)! If you would like to learn more about the distillery, then check out our Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour! Also, read this related review: Sazerac Rye Full Proof vs Sazerac Rye 90 Proof Comparison Review.

Note: This sample was graciously provided by the brand for my review.

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