Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye is one of the headline releases in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, an annual range of rare and extra-mature American whiskeys from the famed Kentucky distillery. Each release is drawn from barrels that have rested patiently for almost two decades, with the long stretch in charred oak softening the rye's pepper and lending it a velvety, refined character.
The nose unfolds with seasoned oak, leather, molasses and orange peel, leading into a palate of rich caramel, dried citrus, herbal mint and warm baking spice. The finish is long and gently dry, lifted by notes of eucalyptus, cinnamon and a lingering whisper of black pepper.
Built around a rye-heavy mash bill and aged on the higher floors of the rickhouse, Sazerac 18 offers the structure and spice of classic Kentucky rye balanced by the depth that only this much time in barrel can give.