Thomas H. Handy invented the Sazerac cocktail. This uncut, unfiltered rye whiskey bearing his name is Buffalo Trace’s most powerful annual release and the 2019 is exceptional.

The Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is one of five annual releases in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection alongside George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17, and Sazerac 18. Of the five, Handy is the rye, bottled at cask strength with zero dilution and zero filtration directly from barrels aged at Buffalo Trace’s Frankfort, Kentucky distillery.

The 2019 received a 5-star Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult and a 94.5 from David Broom, who called it “an extraordinary aromatic nose” and “spicy, wild at heart.” Named for the legendary New Orleans bartender who first put rye whiskey in the Sazerac cocktail, every bottle carries that city’s bold, unapologetic character.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Rich amber with a deep copper hue.
• Aroma: Extraordinary complexity toffee, fig cake, candied fruit, and a warm spice backbone of cinnamon and clove.
• Palate: Powerful and lush. Mint, cinnamon, clove, and dark fruit layered over a bold rye grain foundation. The cask strength proof amplifies everything.
• Finish: Long and warm allspice, coconut, nutmeg, and a persistent rye spice that lingers well past the last sip.

Critical Acclaim

• F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal: 5 Stars / Highest Recommendation “Extraordinary whiskey by any measure.”
• David Broom: 94.5 “An extraordinary aromatic nose. Spicy. Wild at heart.”

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered, cask strength
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2019 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Browse all Thomas H. Handy expressions or explore the full rye whiskey selection at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was Thomas H. Handy? Thomas H. Handy was a legendary New Orleans bartender and saloon owner in the late 1800s who is credited with popularizing the Sazerac cocktail originally made with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, and absinthe. The rye whiskey bearing his name honors that heritage.
• How does Thomas H. Handy compare to other BTAC releases? Handy is the rye of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bolder and spicier than the wheated bourbons (Weller, Pappy) and more grain-forward than George T. Stagg. For rye whiskey lovers, it’s the crown jewel of the annual release.
• What proof is the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2019? The proof varies year to year as it’s bottled uncut directly from the barrel. The 2019 release proof is listed on the bottle label. Adding a few drops of water is recommended to open the nose at cask strength.
• Is this good for making a Sazerac cocktail? Technically yes but at this price and proof, most people reserve it for neat sipping. For a classic Sazerac, Sazerac 6 Year or Buffalo Trace’s standard rye are more practical choices. Handy is for drinking, not mixing.

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