Sazerac 18 year Old Rye 2025 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

A rare and immensely refined rye whiskey, this 18-year-old from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection represents one of the highest expressions of rye craft. Matured nearly two decades, bottled at 90 proof, it brings depth, poise and complexity—designed for both serious sipping and collecting.

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Origins & Craftsmanship

Distilled by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, this expression is part of the Antique Collection’s annual release series. The 2025 edition carries an age statement of 18 years, and is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). The whiskey is made using the distillery’s “Kentucky-style” rye mash bill, carefully selected barrels and long maturation in charred American oak, resulting in layered complexity and a mature profile rarely achieved in rye whiskey.

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Critics Reviews

• Renowned reviewer Eric Burke (The Bourbon Guy) described the whisky as “deeply oaked, leather and plum on the nose; palate of rich caramel, mint and pepper with cedar tannins—an 18-year-old rye at the peak of maturity.”

• Spirits writer Anonymous Reviewer for a specialty blog noted: “Oak dominates but never overwhelms; there’s still classic rye spice and herbal brightness preserved under two decades of aging.”

• Industry commentary from whiskey aficionados emphasized that this release is “among the rarest ryes produced annually; the 90-proof bottling offers a more accessible strength yet retains full maturity and elegance.”

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Tasting Profile

• Nose: Rich mahogany colour; aromas of oak, leather, molasses, allspice, mint and cinnamon.

• Palate: Medium-to-full body; dominant oak from long aging, followed by dried stone fruit (plum), dark caramel, vanilla-tinctured rye spice, mint leaf and a hint of eucalyptus.

• Finish: Long and layered; lingering rye spice and pepper, warm oak, charred wood, subtle vanilla and a faint hint of anise or caraway seed.

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Quick Overview