The Featured Articles

Fans of extra-aged and uncut, unfiltered whiskies can rejoice! Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its full lineup of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, including the triumphant return of perennial favorite, George T. Stagg.

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection was introduced more than two decades ago, and remains one of the most anticipated annual releases in the category of whiskey. The five ensemble whiskies utilize three distinct mash bills from Buffalo Trace Distillery: rye mash bill #1, wheat mash bill, and straight rye mash bill. Aged and proofed at the pinnacle of their taste profile set by the distilling and lab team experts at Buffalo Trace, this collection is available only once a year.

EAGLE RARE 17 YEAR-OLD

This 101 proof whiskey was distilled in the spring of 2005 and barrels were aged in warehouses H, K, and L. This bourbon has a nose with a hint of tobacco, chocolate covered cherries and a touch of oak, followed by caramel, vanilla bean, dark chocolate and oak on the palate, yielding to a full-bodied finish of baking spice, vanilla, and butterscotch.

GEORGE T. STAGG

Last year, Buffalo Trace opted not to release its uncut, unfiltered 15-year-old George T. Stagg bourbon because it did not meet the usual lofty standards for the Stagg brand. This year, the 2007 Stagg barrels showed up strong with the classic Stagg presence: full of maturity, balance, and flavor, and at a delightfully hefty proof of 138.7 (its highest since 2016).

Created in 2002 at the request of a fan for a well-aged barrel strength whiskey, George T. Stagg bourbon is well respected amongst bourbon connoisseurs and spirit judges. This year’s offering was distilled in the spring of 2007, making it 15 years and five months old at bottling. The proof is 138.7, the highest proof for this whiskey in the past six years. This year’s barrels were aged in warehouse K. Tasting notes for this bourbon call out toasted pecan and chocolate sauce on the nose, a rich blend of baking spice, vanilla, and cherry pie on the palate, and a robust finish of black coffee, molasses, and oak.

SAZERAC RYE 18 YEAR-OLD

This Kentucky straight rye whiskey release symbolizes the tradition and history of New Orleans. The famed Sazerac Coffee House, founded in 1850, began using rye in place of French brandy in its signature cocktail. The libation became known as the “Sazerac” and America’s first branded cocktail was born.

This is the whiskey that started it all, notable for its mellow spice and dry sweetness that jazz dances lightly on the palate. A rich nose of orange peel, lemon zest, and molasses anchors a bold blend of black pepper, coriander seeds, and maple syrup in the flavor profile before a well-rounded finish with mint, tobacco leaf, and oak.

THOMAS H. HANDY SAZERAC RYE WHISKEY

Named for the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, this uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel, just as it was over a century ago.

This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2016; aged in warehouses I, L, and M and weighs in at a hearty 130.9 proof, the highest proof for this whiskey since 2012. Full of rich flavors, this edition of the authentic American rye whiskey offers a nose with floral notes and tones of anise, marmalade, and meringue, followed by a palate of baking spice, a burst of orange peel, subtle dark chocolate, and a long finish of cinnamon, praline, and candied orange.

WILLIAM LARUE WELLER BOURBON

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is hand-bottled at barrel proof using a production method pioneered by its namesake. A Kentucky-based distiller, W.L. Weller became known in 1849 as the first to produce straight bourbon using wheat, instead of the typical rye grain, in the mashbill.

This year’s release was distilled in the spring of 2010 and barrels were aged in warehouses C, K, and N, and registers at 124.7 proof. Fragrant scents of toasted coconut, butterscotch, and caramel are followed by a touch of mint, and tones of dark cherry and molasses, on the palate as it builds to a full-bodied finish composed of leather, nutmeg, toffee, and vanilla.

VAN WINKLE COLLECTION

To the delight of whiskey enthusiasts everywhere, the time has come for Buffalo Trace Distillery’s annual release of all five Van Winkle whiskey expressions. This year marks a special milestone as it is the 20th anniversary of the partnership between the Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace Distillery. In 2002, the Van Winkles entered into an agreement with Buffalo Trace to produce, age, and bottle all its whiskeys, entrusting its wheated mashbill exclusively to the distilling team at Buffalo Trace to continue the family legacy started more than 125 years prior.

Van Winkle bourbons are crafted with Pappy’s original “wheated” recipe. Distilling with corn, barley, and wheat allows the whiskey to age more gracefully giving it a softer, smoother taste. This time-honored aging process produces some of the most sought-after bourbons in the world.

OLD RIP VAN WINKLE 10 YEAR

This straight bourbon whiskey is bottled as close to barrel proof as possible with just a splash of Kentucky limestone water, added after emptying the barrels, to round out the aging process.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year is a big, bold, 107 proof bourbon that has great balance considering its high proof and robust flavor. A sweet vanilla nose, redolent of caramel, pecan, and oak wood notes, plays nice with a smooth, mellow flavor consisting of robust wheat, cherries, and oak and featuring a long, smoky wheat finish with hints of fruit, spice, and oak tannins.

VAN WINKLE SPECIAL RESERVE 12 YEAR

Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year is an enticingly sweet, full-bodied whiskey lovingly described by some as “nectar-y.” The 12 years of aging and medium proof of 90.4 come together just right for an exceedingly pleasant pour.

The overall impression is smooth and decadent; this fine bourbon can compete with any excellent cognac as an after-dinner drink. Highlighted by subtle aromas of dried mango, cocoa, fruit, and spiced peach, the tastes of honey, oak, and tobacco dance on the palate before taking a bow with a balanced, dry finish that has a lingering tingle.

PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S FAMILY RESERVE 15 YEAR

Crafted according to the exclusive Van Winkle family wheated recipe, this bourbon remains undisturbed for 15 years to age in deep-charred heavy oak barrels, untouched by human hands.

Then, at long last, it is specially selected from these barrels.

The 15 Year emerges as an unbelievably opulent 107 proof bourbon that takes wood and distillate to its absolute pinnacle. The elegant and sweet aroma, with hints of caramel corn and vanilla, escalates to a big flavor of leather, oak, and complex fruitiness and a finish smoothed by notes of spice and oak tannins.

PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S FAMILY RESERVE 20 YEAR

Few other bourbons can stand 20 years of aging, but this bourbon does it with style. Aged 20 years and bottled at 90.4 proof for a remarkably smooth and rich profile, there’s a reason it’s the #1 rated Bourbon Whiskey in the world with a 99 out of 100 rating by the World Spirits Championship.

Pappy Van Winkle was a true original and, like its namesake, this bourbon whiskey is full of character. The aromas and flavors are endlessly complex where each sip reveals something novel to discover. The aromatics boast impressive range: intense, tantalizing, and smooth with a citrus zest note. The sophisticated flavor profile comes in waves with sherry notes, dried fruits, and vanilla. The finish is long and elegant with layer upon layer of nuance.

PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S FAMILY RESERVE 23 YEAR

This very rare, limited edition bourbon takes generations of distilling know-how to produce. Only the most careful and intensive distilling method can be used to create a whiskey as special as this one. Barrels for the Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year were carefully selected from the heart of the warehouse to be bottled into one of the oldest bourbon offerings available in the world.

This signature whiskey is considered best enjoyed neat, as you will not want to dilute this unique 96 proof experience. The forefront aromas of caramel and cream mingle with soft notes of oak, nuts, and leather, cresting to a sweet (but not cloying) taste composed of vanilla, maple, and honey joined by complementary flavors of citrus and spice, culminating in a lengthy, oaky finish that echoes the earlier flavors as well.