-25%
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey 2017 Release - Bourbon Brothers Australia
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey 2017 Release - Bourbon Brothers Australia
-25%
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey 2017 Release - Bourbon Brothers Australia
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey 2017 Release - Bourbon Brothers Australia

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey 2017 Release

$1,199.00

$899.00
Overview

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 2017 Release

Part of the world-renowned Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye 2017 Release is a bold, barrel-proof expression that honours one of America’s great whiskey pioneers. Named after the 19th-century New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac cocktail, this annual release has become a must-have for serious collectors and rye enthusiasts alike.

The 2017 edition was bottled at an impressive 127.2 proof (63.6% ABV), uncut and unfiltered, capturing the raw intensity of straight rye drawn directly from the barrel. Crafted with a traditional rye mash bill and aged just over six years in new American oak, it delivers the unapologetic spice, depth, and character that defines this legendary whiskey.

The 2017 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is a collector’s treasure; rare, powerful, and uncompromising. For those who appreciate barrel-strength whiskey, it remains one of the most thrilling rye experiences available.

Product Details
Attribute Detail
Brand Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac Company)
Producer Buffalo Trace Distillery
Country / Region USA, Frankfort, Kentucky
Style Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill Not disclosed
Age Statement Just over 6 years
ABV 63.6% ABV, 127.2 proof
Cask Type New American oak barrels
Bottle Size 750ml
Release Type 2017 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection release, highly allocated
Tasting Notes

Nose: Toffee and fig cake, with a touch of candied fruit.

Palate: Rich and spicy, cinnamon and clove layered over the sweetness.

Finish: Long and warm, easing into allspice, coconut, and nutmeg.

Profile shifts a little year to year since it's bottled at barrel proof with no adjustments.

What sets this bottle apart
  • The only rye in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection lineup
  • Bottled straight from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered, at 127.2 proof
  • Named after Thomas H. Handy, the New Orleans bartender who put rye whiskey into the original Sazerac cocktail
  • One of the most allocated ryes in the US, now a genuine collector's bottle
  • Full barrel proof, so no two years taste quite the same
Distillery Information

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky is one of the most awarded distilleries in the world. Thomas H. Handy comes out once a year as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, alongside bottles like George T. Stagg and William Larue Weller. This 2017 release was aged just over six years in new American oak before bottling. It's named after the New Orleans bartender who first swapped brandy for rye whiskey in the Sazerac cocktail back in 1873, and the whiskey still carries that same bold, spicy character.

Awards & Recognition

  • 94.5 points, David Broom
  • 5 stars, Highest Recommendation, F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • Part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, one of the most anticipated whiskey releases of the year

Who this bottle is for
  • Rye drinkers after the boldest, spiciest pour on the shelf
  • Bourbon fans ready to step up to barrel proof
  • Buffalo Trace Antique Collection chasers filling out the set
  • Anyone after a genuinely allocated bottle, not just a label that says limited
How to enjoy

  • Best neat to get the full barrel proof kick
  • A splash of water opens up the spice and fruit
  • Great for sharing. One pour and everyone will have an opinion

Why we curate it

The 2017 Thomas H. Handy has had years to build a reputation, and it's earned every bit of it. No filtering, no shortcuts, just spice, toffee, and fig cake straight from the barrel. Bottles like this don't come around often, so if you can get your hands on one, it's worth having.