Sazerac Rye 18 Year (Fall 2018)

The color is a vivid amber that thickly coats the glass with the gentlest of movement of the glass. The nose is strong but not overwhelming with floral rye, sweet fruit, leather and a bit of apple pie spice. The palate is somewhat dry, with the floral rye completely filling the mouth, while oak and leather follow, along with hints of vanilla, smoke and baking spices finishing it off. The finish is medium long with the rye staying put, while the rest of palate melds together and fades away. Despite being 18 years old, oak only plays a minor character in this whiskey making it the perfect sipper for a well aged rye.

I really don’t like this. I am not sure why this hasn’t been discontinued from BTAC. I mean this is bad. Off the nose, smells great, then it hits your taste buds.... and its downhill I taste turpentine-yes floor cleaner. Its thin, not thick, and it taste like it was made by a guy in his garage, not a premier distillery. I love Handy, i will never pay more than $5/pour for this. I don’t like the MSRP much less the aftermarket for his one! Sorry BTAC, you are not perfect.

One wonderful rye full of nuts and spices including pecans, walnuts, cloves, chili, and big red gum, followed by brown sugar, maple syrup, spearmint, grass, a hint of agave nectar, Cherries, stewed red apples, caramel, maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla

Apricot to the nose. Vanilla sweet, maybe hidden licorice and a smooth rye finish.

Smooth with slight heat. Smell and taste of sweet rye mint vanilla.

For me, not as nice as the Handy, but a very different Rye. Softer.