2023 Antique Collection Features 5 Releases, Including Oldest Eagle Rare 17 in BTAC History
Get ready bourbon lovers, because Buffalo Trace Distillery is back with their highly anticipated Buffalo Trace Antique Collection for the fall 2023 season. This year’s lineup features all the fan-favorite BTAC bottles, including George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey, William Larue Weller Bourbon, and the oldest Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon ever released in the collection’s history.
That is great news for the 2023 BTAC release, because in recent years that has not always been the case due to strict quality control standards. With bourbon of this caliber, and the expectations that accompany it, there are many things that can go wrong over a 20-year maturation period. However, sometimes the only thing that is needed is more time in a bourbon barrel.
SEE ALSO: 2023 Bourbon Release Calendar
That’s exactly what the Frankfurt, KY distillery has done in the case of the 2023 Eagle Rare 17 release. This year’s expression features the oldest whiskey ever bottled for this BTAC all-star. All of the ER17 bottles feature 17-year old bourbon, but that’s just the minimum requirement. This ’23 release is an overachiever, featuring juice that has been soaking in oak barrels in the hillsides of the Bluegrass State for 19 years and 3 months. Let’s just say this release is a little extra special.
Table of Contents
2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Regardless if you’re sad to see the summer go or excited with the onset of cooler weather and leaves fallings, one thing whiskey lovers can all agree on is that fall is Bourbon Season! It is the highlight of every bourbon hunter’s chase. In one fell swoop, the2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection presents collectors with five prestigious bottles that anyone could build an impressive foundation around. Just so we’re clear however, this collection isn’t offered in a 5-bottle set. You’ll need to unearth all of them individually, and then pony up an incredible market price for each.
Nonetheless, theBuffalo Trace Antique Collection was initially released in the year 2000. To put things into perspective, some of this distillate came off the whiskey still in 2004 and has been sitting in rickhouses aging for nearly two decades. To a casual fan in an ever-changing world, that’s impressive all by itself! However, the first BTAC release was developed to showcase the Frankfurt distillery’s craftsmanship for the high quality whiskey it produces on the banks of the Kentucky River. Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, and the proof of more than 200 years of experience can be found in these limited edition bourbons.
Just like the recent Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection or any expression fromPappy Van Winkle, the BTAC release is a must-have for avid Buffalo Trace enthusiasts. Each of the bottles in this season’s collection are impressive, but also vastly different from each other if you’re speaking with a whiskey connoisseur. Nevertheless, the 2023 release includes all five expressions including George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey, William Larue Weller Bourbon, and Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon. The limited-edition Antique Collection bottles are sold separately and will be available at retail in early October.
SEE ALSO: Buffalo Trace Distillery x Chris Stapleton: Traveller Whiskey Collaboration Coming Soon
George T. Stagg –Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
George T. Stagg was one the most prominent players in Buffalo Trace Distillery history, and this whiskey takes you back to those times. Straight out of the barrel, uncut and unfiltered, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon is potent! If you like Stagg, formerly known as Stagg Jr., then this barrel proof whiskey just adds more time aging in the rickhouse. The 2023 George T. Stagg release features bourbon aged for 15 years, 4 months. This juice was distilled in the spring of 2008, the matured in warehouses C, I, K, L, and M.
As for tasting, you can expect the enticing scent of lush toffee sweetness and dark chocolate with hints of vanilla, fudge, nougat and molasses. Underlying notes of dates, tobacco, dark berries, spearmint and a hint of coffee round out the palate.
Overview:
- 135 Proof
- ABV: 67.5%
- Age Statement: 15 years, 4 months
Color:
Deep copper
Aroma:
Lush toffee sweetness and dark chocolate with hints of vanilla, fudge, nougat and molasses.
Taste:
Dates, tobacco, dark berries, spearmint and a hint of coffee.
Finish:
Robust, buttery finish of coffee, molasses, and oak
SEE ALSO: Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Peated Bourbon Review, Release, Price, Proof, Where to Buy
Sazerac Rye 18 Year-Old –Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
The 2023 Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey comes from distillate produced in the fall of 2004 and spring of 2005. The barrels filled during this distillation season were then placed in Warehouoses K, L, and M to age for 18 years. If you’re a fan of the flagship Sazerac 6 Year Rye Whiskey, then just imagine what an extra 12 years of aging will do for your enthusiasm!
This whiskey shares its name with theSazerac Coffee House, established back in 1850 on the vibrant Exchange Alley in New Orleans, Louisiana.This legendary spot quickly became synonymous with the birthplace of “America’s First Cocktail” – the one and only Sazerac. Now we’re not suggesting that’s how you actually consume this fine spirit, but if you buy it then you’re free to drink it however you like.
So what can you expect on the taste? This deliciously mature spirit will make your taste buds sing! Imagine savoring rich oak and leather, sweet molasses, and a delightful blend of all-spice. The incredible finish will leave you feeling warm and satisfied, with hints of refreshing mint, invigorating eucalyptus, spicy cinnamon, creamy vanilla, and a dash of lingering pepper.
Overview:
- 90 Proof
- ABV: 35%
- Age Statement: 18 years
Color:
Deep copper
Aroma:
Very mature, with notes of oak, leather molasses and all-spice.
Taste:
A bold blend of black pepper, coriander seeds, and maple syrup.
Finish:
The long, warm finish is preceded by notes of mint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, vanilla, and lingering pepper.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr. Batches: Info on Every Release
William Larue Weller –Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
William Larue Weller is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is bold, uncut and unfiltered. It’s hand-bottled at barrel proof, which is a stout 133.6 proofing. But what sets Weller apart from the rest? Instead of using the traditional rye grain, Weller swaps in wheat, a game-changing production method that was first introduced by the legendary W.L. Weller himself. This juice was produced in the spring of 2011, then aged in rickhouses C, L, M, and N.
So what’s it taste like? Just a whiff and you’ll catch the alluring scents of caramel corn, new leather, plums, light toffee, and pipe tobacco. On the palate, a symphony of flavors awaits with hints of marshmallow, salted almonds, nougat, figs, and dates. And as you savor each sip, be ready for a smooth and masterfully balanced finish that’s delightfully sweet. So grab a bourbon glass, sit back and prepare to be blown away by the uniquely stout yet smooth flavors of William Larue Weller bourbon!
Overview:
- 133.6 Proof
- ABV: 66.8%
- Age Statement: 12 years
Color:
Copper
Aroma:
Fragrant scents of caramel corn, new leather, plums, light toffee and pipe tobacco.
Taste:
The palate tastes of marshmallow, salted almonds, nougat, figs and dates.
Finish:
This whiskey finishes smooth, composed and flavorfully sweet.
SEE ALSO: Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat Bourbon Review, Release, Price, Proof, Where to Buy
Thomas H. Handy – Straight Rye Whiskey
The 2023 Thomas H. Handy Straight Rye Whiskey has an age statement of 6-year-old juice. Getting better with time like a fine wine, but way more kickass! It all started with a request from thirsty whiskey enthusiasts who wanted something more mature and powerful. So, the team at BT created an uncut, unfiltered straight rye whiskey that packs a punch at 124.9 proof.
This spirit is named after the legendary New Orleans bartender who revolutionized the cocktail game with rye whiskey – Thomas H. Handy. And here’s the best part: they bottle this expression directly from the barrel, just like they did over a hundred years ago. Talk about keeping it real and honoring tradition, right?
This whiskey is a powerhouse, packed with intense flavors and a bold spice. I mean that’s exactly what you expected from a barrel proof rye whiskey isn’t it? Imagine indulging in the lusciousness of toffee, fig cake, and sweet candied fruit – pure bliss! The adventure continues with a burst of mint, cinnamon, and clove. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the grand finish reveals subtle hints of allspice, coconut, and nutmeg. This whiskey is long-lasting and gives you a warm, cozy feeling. Great for those cool fall nights out by the campfire. So get your taste buds ready for an unforgettable experience and your bourbon tumbler ready for high viscosity!
Overview:
- 124.9 Proof
- ABV: 62.45%
- Age Statement: 6 years
Color:
Bright bronze hue
Aroma:
Floral notes, anise, marmalade, and meringue.
Taste:
Flavors of toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit, followed by mint, cinnamon and clove.
Finish:
The finish ultimately reveals subtle notes of allspice, coconut and nutmeg. Long and warm.
SEE ALSO: Eagle Rare Bourbon Review, Price, Proof, Where to Buy
Eagle Rare 17 Year-Old –Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This year’s batch of Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon is truly special. At a ripe age of 19 years and three months, it’s the oldest release since its first introduction into the Antique Collection 23 years ago. Distilled in the spring of 2004 and aged in Warehouses C, I, K, M, and Q, this whiskey’s lineage boasts a rich history. Staying true to its roots, Eagle Rare 17 is bottled at 101 proof, paying homage to the original Eagle Rare brand launched back in 1975.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – what’s with the number 17? Well, it represents the minimum age for Eagle Rare barrels to be bottled. However, the distilling and lab experts at Buffalo Trace Distillery understand that taste is of utmost importance. That’s why they carefully select barrels each year to ensure the whiskey reaches its ideal flavor profile. So, the actual age may vary from year to year, with this one being the oldest at nearly two decades! For now, the only older expression in the lineup is Double Eagle Very Rare, but not by much. This bottle will be scooped up on those grounds alone.
So, what does it taste like? Imagine the rich scent of almonds mingling with the elegance of fine wine. A whiff of cigar boxes adds a touch of sophistication, while a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a delightful twist. As you take that first sip, the dry and delicate flavors dance on your palate. Leather takes the center stage, bringing a touch of rugged charm. Vanilla adds a smooth and creamy element, while a hint of tobacco adds an intriguing smokiness. As it lingers on the finish, a dash of leather returns to bid you farewell, accompanied by a sweet and irresistible toffee note.
Overview:
- Proof: 101 Proof
- ABV: 50.5%
- Age Statement: 19 years, 3 months
Color:
Deep copper
Aroma:
The fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes and cinnamon.
Taste:
The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco.
Finish:
This bourbon lingers, finishing with hint of leather and toffee.
Release Date & Availability
This highly sought-after 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is being released in limited quantities through distributor network. From there, it will make its way to select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States starting in early October 2023. Please note, this collection of premium whiskies will only be available in individual 750ml bottles. It is not a 5-bottle set.
SEE ALSO: Chris Stapleton x EH Taylor Single Barrel Bottled in Bond Bourbon Charity Release
Proof & ABV
The Antique Collection ranges from 90 proof all of the way up to a 135 barrel proof whiskey. Featured in the collection are three cask strength whiskies. These uncut whiskies will cling to the walls of your whiskey barrel tumbler, due to the heavy alcohol content, and droplets will move slowly down your drinking vessel.
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Mash Bill
The mash bill of each individual whiskey within the BT Antique Collection utilizes one of three distinct recipes. Those mashbills include, Rye Mash Bill No. 1, Straight Rye Mash Bill, and the Wheat Mash Bill.
SEE ALSO: E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Bourbon Release, Review, Price & Proof
MSRP & Secondary Price
The cost of the 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection will be a $125 MSRP for each bottle in the collection. It is not offered in a set, therefore to snag the entire lineup, you’re looking at $625 retail pricing. However, if you think that’s expensive, then just th eg wait to see what it’s going to cost on the secondary market, because prices are bound to soar even higher. Secondary prices for bottles in the BTAC series range from $700 to more than $2,000. Good luck finding these unicorns, and grab one of our Getting Into The Halloween Spirits Tshirts to go bourbon hunting in style.
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