Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Adds E.H. Taylor for 2025
This fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery will celebrate the 25th annual release of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) with its first new addition in nearly two decades: Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon.
Alongside the new expression are the collection’s five staples: Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Bourbon” and pioneer who helped define bourbon quality standards, Colonel E.H. Taylor is a fitting permanent addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the company says. After purchasing the O.F.C. Distillery — now Buffalo Trace — in 1869, Taylor modernized operations with innovations such as advanced grain equipment, copper fermentation tanks and a first-of-its-kind steam heating system that remains in use in the distillery’s barrel warehouses today. Beyond modernizing the facilities, Colonel Taylor played a pivotal role in the movement that led to the 1897 passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. As one of the first consumer protection law in the U.S., this landmark achievement forever altered the standards and practices of whiskey production.
“Colonel Taylor’s signature graced every bottle produced under his watch as a testament to its quality, a tradition we uphold today as a promise of integrity,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Created in his honor, every sip of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon offers more than exceptional flavor — it’s a taste of history and reminder of his strict tenets that have safeguarded America’s world-leading whiskey quality standards for nearly 150 years.”
Each BTAC bottle is accompanied by a letter detailing the whiskey’s production and aging. These limited-edition bottles are sold individually and available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (local taxes and fees may apply). A limited supply will also be available for purchase directly via Legacy de Forge, a new global platform powered by Blockbar (shipping restrictions apply).
E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon is the first new addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection since Thomas H. Handy joined the portfolio in 2006. Aged 15 years and 4 months in the distillery’s warehouses and bottled at 100 proof to meet Bottled-In-Bond standards, this whiskey is crafted from Buffalo Trace’s sour mash recipe. The nose opens with warm vanilla, seasoned oak, charred undertones and maple sweetness, according to distillery notes. On the palate, balanced sweetness and baking spices blend with wood notes, while the finish carries oak and vanilla into soft caramel with a hint of cherry. This Bottled-In-Bond offering bears Colonel E.H. Taylor’s signature, just as every bottle under his watch did.
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Bottled at 101 proof in recognition of the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975. Aged beyond its 17-year statement — maturing 18 years and 4 months — the 2025 Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon opens on the nose with dark tobacco and leather, the company says, accented by ripe cherry and a peppery edge. The palate reveals caramel sweetness with leather and cherry notes, while the finish carries oak, a touch of vanilla and sweetness.
George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Named in honor of the whiskey pioneer George T. Stagg, who acquired the historic O.F.C. Distillery from Colonel E.H. Taylor in 1878. Before taking the helm of what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stagg had built a reputation as a successful whiskey salesman. First introduced in 2002 to meet growing demand for well-aged, barrel-strength bourbon, this year’s George T. Stagg Bourbon was drawn from barrels aged more than 15 years and 4 months. The 2025 release is one of the strongest ever, bottled at 142.8 proof. Opening with an aroma of deep oak accented by a touch of vanilla, the palate reveals vanilla layered with dark tobacco and ripe cherry that leads to an earthy finish with notes of tobacco, vanilla and oak.
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey derives its name from the historic Sazerac House in New Orleans, birthplace of the Sazerac cocktail in the mid-1800s. Bottled at 18 years and 5 months and 90 proof, this year’s release opens with rye spice on the nose, layered with seasoned oak and a herbaceous lift, according to the distillery. The palate delivers a balance of spice and oak, accented by woody richness and leather, leading to a finish of rye spice, warm leather, caraway seed and oak.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey takes its name from the New Orleans businessman and owner of the Sazerac Coffee House, who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac cocktail. This uncut, unfiltered whiskey is made from barrels aged over six years and bottled at 129.8 proof, up from last year’s 127.2. On the nose of this year’s Handy, oak and spice are lifted by bright fruit and a light apple scent, the company says. The palate delivers spice and oak balanced with fruit notes, leading to a finish of oak, vanilla and spice.
William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon
W.L. Weller, the pioneering distiller who first introduced wheat into the mash bill of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, inspired William Larue Weller. The Buffalo Trace distilling team filled the barrels for this year’s release at 114 proof; after 14 years of aging, the whiskey now rests at 129 proof. Uncut and unfiltered, the nose offers layers of vanilla, maple and tobacco, while the palate balances vanilla with toasted oak. Its long finish carries oak and vanilla alongside a touch of ripe fruit.
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