Buffalo Trace Unveils 2024 Antique Collection
Among the most anticipated news during the annual whiskey release calendar, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has returned for the fall 2024 season.
This year’s portfolio includes all five Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) staples: Eagle Rare17-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 shines among the collection this year with its caramel notes and long, creamy finish,” says Buffalo Trace distillery master distiller Harlen Wheatley. “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,” Wheatley adds. “Our commitment to this tradition is stronger than ever, and we look forward to carrying it well into the future.”
The back label on each bottle offers a 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 per 750-ml. bottle (local taxes and fees will vary).
With distiller-provided tasting notes included, the 2024 collection is as follows:
William Larue Weller Bourbon
The 2024 William Larue Weller barrels aged over twelve 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 comes bottled at 125.8 proof and honors W.L. Weller, who pioneered the wheated bourbon recipe, substituting wheat for the traditional rye grain. On the nose of the 2024 William Larue Weller, a blend of new leather, light pipe tobacco and caramel, with the warm sweetness of marshmallow and hints of ripe fruit. Caramel and toffee notes are on the palate, with a finish and oak, caramel and fruit notes.
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. On the nose, Eagle Rare 17 has notes of oak and caramel with undertones of vanilla and pepper spice with a caramel sweetness evened by the spiciness of rye, toasted oak and tobacco on the palate. A combination of caramel, pepper, leather and oak, paired with roasted tobacco and dried fruit finishes this 17-year and 4-month-old whiskey.
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. The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is named after the original purchaser of O.F.C. Distillery, now recognized as Buffalo Trace Distillery. 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 whiskey presents an aroma of deep aged wood, rich oak and dark cherry. A layered profile of spice, oak, caramel and a touch of cinnamon hit the palate.
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye Whiskey
Bottled at 18 years and five months and named after the official cocktail of New Orleans, the 2024 Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey has scents of oak and leather with hints of ripe plum, rye grain and earthy undertones. Rye spice, smoke, dark cherry and a touch of licorice are on the palate. The finish has hints of tobacco and charred oak.
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 over six years ago. This uncut, unfiltered whisky is now 127.2 proof, bumping up in alcohol percentage from last year’s nearly 125 offering. Inspired by the bartender who first used rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail, Thomas H. Handy is bottled directly from the barrel. The 2024 Thomas H. Handy has scents of freshly cracked black pepper and cinnamon. Spice and oak flavors are prominent, with a finish of cinnamon, pepper and clove.
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