Sazerac 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 2024

Sazerac 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 2024 is the annual release of one of the most anticipated allocations in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection — barrels filled between fall 2004 and spring 2005 and aged in Warehouses K, L, and M at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, presenting the dried orange, rye grain, clove, and aniseed complexity that 18 years in American oak develops from Buffalo Trace's rye whiskey mash bill, with the previous release earning a Gold Medal at the 2023 American Whiskey Masters.

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) is released annually in limited quantities — Sazerac 18 is among the most allocated expressions in the group, with production constrained by the 18-year maturation requirement and the specific warehouse selection. Warehouses K, L, and M at Buffalo Trace hold barrels in positions with particular temperature exposure and maturation characteristics that contribute to the specific profile of each vintage year. The rye grain backbone — rye whiskey requires at least 51% rye in the mash bill — produces the characteristic dried orange, aniseed, and clove aromatic complexity that long-aged rye develops differently from bourbon, with the black pepper and vanilla mid-palate and the floral honey and tobacco leaf finish that reflect 18 years of barrel integration.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Dried orange, rye grain, clove, and aniseed — the classic BTAC Sazerac 18 profile at full expression
• Palate: Bold black pepper and vanilla with waves of rich oak from 18 years in American oak
• Finish: Floral honey and tobacco leaf — long and harmonious

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Series: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)
• Vintage: 2024 release — barrels filled Fall 2004/Spring 2005
• Warehouses: K, L, and M
• Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Age: 18 years
• Award: Previous release Gold Medal — 2023 American Whiskey Masters
• Size: 750ml

Browse all rye whiskey at Wooden Cork.