As the crisp autumn air settles in, bourbon lovers gear up for what they affectionately call “hunting season.” This is the time of year when distilleries release their coveted limited-edition whiskeys, and few releases are as prestigious as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.
Since its debut in 2000, this collection has evolved from three to five exceptional whiskeys: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old, and Thomas H. Handy Rye.
Each bottle in the collection represents a unique interpretation of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s whiskey recipes. These offerings are often bottled at barrel proof, aged for extended periods, or sometimes both.
The allure of the Antique Collection lies in its annual variations, akin to different fine wine vintages. Each year, the distillery blends the offerings based on the available barrels, resulting in slight differences in proof and age, adding to their appeal among collectors.
What Makes the Antique Collection Special?
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is much more than just a set of premium whiskeys; it’s a testament to the craftsmanship and heritage of bourbon-making.
Collectors eagerly anticipate the release, comparing each year’s offerings and seeking older expressions that stand out for their unique flavor profiles.
“Every expression in the 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has its distinct flavor profile, but I believe the William Larue Weller Bourbon will stand out this year,” says Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace’s master distiller. His expertise is invaluable, but keep in mind that taste is subjective.
To help you prepare for your hunt, let’s look at each bottle in this year’s collection.
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old has gained a reputation as a fan favorite in past collections, and for good reason. Last year’s release featured a blend of 19-year-old bourbon and was hailed as one of the most flavorful in its history.
This year’s edition maintains the same 101 proof (50.5% ABV) and has been aged for 17 years and 4 months in the lower levels of Buffalo Trace’s rickhouses. The aroma is rich and inviting, combining notes of salted caramel with deep red fruits like apple and cherry.
The caramel and cherry flavors are joined by warm baking spices and sweet pipe tobacco on the palate, leading to a smooth finish reminiscent of vanilla.
Overall, Eagle Rare 17 offers a balanced pour with impressive depth of flavor, making it a staple for bourbon enthusiasts.
George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon Whiskey
George T. Stagg often ranks as a top contender in the Antique Collection. Known for its high proof and deep aging, this bourbon is distilled from the same mash bill as Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace.
After a notable absence in 2021, the 2022 release returned at a record 138.7 proof, which set expectations high for future editions.
The 2024 version is no slouch, coming in at 136.1 proof and aged for 15 years and 2 months. The nose reveals a complex mix of woody, damp oak and barrel char, complemented by notes of caramelized apple and dark maraschino cherry.
This bourbon is bold and assertive, with a heavy oak presence balanced by the sweetness of cherry, clove, allspice, and a hint of leather. Its viscous mouthfeel coats the palate, leading to a long, lingering finish of fine tobacco and salted caramel.
While this year’s offering showcases more oak than previous editions, the underlying flavors of caramel, cherry, and apple keep it from becoming overly tannic.
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey
Sazerac 18-Year-Old is often overshadowed by its higher-proof counterparts, but take into account its charm. At 90 proof and aged 18 years and 5 months, this rye whiskey offers a delightful, consistently satisfying experience.
The aroma features rich caramel notes, a hint of barrel char, and fruity elements like grape and plum. Additionally, there’s a pleasing leathery earthiness and a touch of herbal spice.
The whiskey opens with sweet caramel on the palate, giving way to rye spice and black pepper. The finish is particularly noteworthy, showcasing fresh herbal Thai basil and mint notes.
Despite its lower proof, Sazerac 18 provides a complex and intriguing experience, making it one of the most exciting rye offerings in recent years.
Thomas H. Handy Rye Straight Rye Whiskey
Thomas H. Handy is the higher-proof, younger sibling of Sazerac 18, and it has its own dedicated following among rye whiskey aficionados. This year’s version, aged for 6 years, boasts a robust 127.2 proof from last year’s 124.9.
The nose is inviting, with intense dark chocolate and orange zest aromas and hints of allspice and caraway seeds. The palate features a vibrant orange peel note with an explosion of clove, nutmeg, and allspice. There’s also a touch of dark roast coffee and herbal undertones to round out the flavor.
The mouthfeel is excellent, coating the palate with pleasant caramel flavors enhanced by black pepper and clove. Compared to Sazerac 18, this rye whiskey is flashier and more intense yet still offers a rewarding drinking experience.
William Larue Weller Straight Wheated Bourbon
William Larue Weller is a beloved member of the Antique Collection, likely due to its shared mash bill with the renowned Van Winkle line. This year’s offering, bottled at a robust 125.8 proof, has been aged 12 years and 6 months on the lower floors of the Brickhouse.
Wheatley predicts this bourbon will steal the spotlight in 2024. “This vintage has layers of aroma complexity, followed by a delicious blend of caramel and intricate fruit notes, culminating in a rich, creamy finish,” he shares.
The aroma is thick with caramel apple and toasted marshmallow, balanced by subtle hints of pipe tobacco and leather. Dark cherry, fig, and plum flavors shine on the palate, accompanied by cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of oak.
The finish offers rich butterscotch with lingering notes of clove and cinnamon. It’s hard to disagree with Wheatley; this bourbon is a treat.
Conclusion
The 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection offers an exceptional array of whiskeys, each with unique charm and character. As the anticipation builds for this year’s release, bourbon enthusiasts can look forward to the rich flavors and craftsmanship that define Buffalo Trace’s offerings.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the bourbon scene, the Antique Collection will captivate your senses and elevate your whiskey experience.
FAQs
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is an annual release of five highly sought-after whiskeys from Buffalo Trace Distillery. It includes George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Sazerac Rye, 18-Year-Old, Eagle Rare, 17-Year-Old, and Thomas H. Handy Rye.
The collection varies each year based on the barrels available for blending, which can result in changes in proof, flavor profiles, and overall character of the whiskeys. This variability enhances the collection’s collectibility and allure among enthusiasts.
While personal taste varies, Harlen Wheatley, the master distiller at Buffalo Trace, expects William Larue Weller to be the standout of the collection due to its complex flavors and rich aroma.
The Antique Collection is typically released in the fall and is available at select retailers, but due to its limited nature, it may be challenging to find. Whiskey enthusiasts often participate in lotteries or special events to secure a bottle, so it is recommended that they stay in touch with local liquor stores and distilleries.
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