A member of the 2022 iteration of the highly lauded, sought-after Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this is the annual release of Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye. Aged six years and four months and distilled by Buffalo Trace, this is bottled at 130.9 proof.
I know that this Thomas H. Handy rye has won awards, and I’m very happy for them for that, but I did not enjoy my tasting as much as I would like, and in the future will likely find a way to elevate the whiskey with a well-iced cocktail.
Overall, 2022’s Thomas H. Handy is fairly representative of the brand, and while it doesn’t hit the absolute highest point Handy has proven to be capable of, it’s a solid showing and one that fans won’t be disappointed in.
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House Review
Nose:
Huge maple and clove, ripping rye spice, pepper, honey, orange peel and fresh honey and maple syrup.
Taste:
Thick and rich, powerful and brutish. Waves of flavor but aggressive ethanol and powerful rye spice. Maple, blackberry, tobacco and toffee. Moderate oak, viscous and complex, a monster of flavor.
Finish:
Long and powerful, complex and layered. Maple is followed by rye spice and honey. This is a bruiser through and through.
Overall:
I love it; it has that Booker's quality: If you can stand the heat, you’re rewarded with a bonkers pour.
Score:
92
By T8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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