William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17, George T. Stagg, Sazerac 18, and Thomas H. Handy Rye whiskeys are all part of the Buffalo Trace 2024 Antique Collection
Buffalo Trace has rolled out its 2024 Antique Collection. The latest edition of the annual series includes all five whiskeys (William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17, George T. Stagg, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye, and Thomas H. Handy Rye) from the original release, but news is that the Weller is this year’s true star.
“William Larue Weller Bourbon shines among the Collection this year with its caramel notes and long, creamy finish. It’s fitting that this year also marks the 25th anniversary of Sazerac Company’s acquisition of the Weller brand,” says Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “For more than two decades, we’ve worked hard to craft the signature flavors that whiskey enthusiasts love, both within the Weller brand and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Our commitment to this tradition is stronger than ever, and we look forward to carrying it well into the future.”
William Larue Weller Bourbon
The 2024 William Larue Weller barrels aged over twelve years on the lower floor of a rick warehouse at Buffalo Trace Distillery at a barrel entry proof of 114. The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered wheated recipe bourbon is hand-bottled at 125.8 proof and honors W.L. Weller, who helped pioneer the wheated bourbon recipe. On the nose, the 2024 William Larue Weller offers a blend of new leather, light pipe tobacco, and caramel, alongside the warm sweetness of marshmallow and hints of ripe fruit. Rich caramel and toffee notes coat the palate, followed by a long finish filled with oak, caramel, and fruit.
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon
Bottled at its initial strength of 101 proof in tribute to the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975, the 2024 Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon was distilled in the spring of 2007. On the nose, it delivers notes of oak and caramel intertwined with undertones of vanilla and pepper with a caramel sweetness evened by rye, toasted oak, and tobacco on the palate. A combination of caramel, pepper, leather, and oak, paired with roasted tobacco and dried fruit finishes this 17-year and 4-month-old whiskey.
George T. Stagg Bourbon
The 2024 George T. Stagg comes in at 136.1 proof and is comprised of barrels aged more than 15 years and two months. The whiskey presents an aroma of deep aged wood, rich oak, and dark cherry. A layered profile of spice, oak, caramel, and a touch of cinnamon hit the palate. Its long and drying finish leaves a lasting impression of complexity and warmth.
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye Whiskey
Bottled at 18 years and five months and named after the official cocktail of New Orleans, the 2024 Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey delivers scents of oak and leather with subtle hints of ripe plum, rye grain, and earthy undertones. Rye spice, smoke, dark cherry, and a touch of licorice jump on the palate. The finish lingers gracefully, imparting subtle hints of tobacco and charred oak.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
The team at Buffalo Trace Distillery filled the barrels for this year’s Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey at 125 proof over six years ago. This uncut, unfiltered whisky is now 127.2 proof, bumping up in alcohol percentage from last year’s nearly 125 offering. Inspired by the bartender who first used rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail, Thomas H. Handy is bottled directly from the barrel, honoring its traditional method from over a century ago. This year’s release is bold and invigorating with scents of freshly cracked black pepper and cinnamon. Spice and oak flavors are prominent, with a long-lasting finish of cinnamon, pepper, and clove.
Each expression in the Antique Collection comes housed in a clear glass bottle with back label that offers detailed histories and description of the whiskeys. The limited-edition expressions are sold individually and available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
In May, Buffalo Trace Distillery unveiled a first-of-its-kindly, nearly 25-year-old wheated bourbon whiskey, Weller Millennium.
