Tequila takedowns, cask finishes, and BTAC pricing…oh my!

This week, Buffalo Trace announced the release of its Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Of the five bottles in the group, none exceed $149.99. You read that right. MSRP is $149.99.

Tequila takedowns, cask finishes, and BTAC pricing...oh my!

Fawn Weaver’s tequila takedowns prove questionable

It’s not often we get a mashup of whiskey and tequila to talk about, but Fawn Weaver, founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has delivered just that. In two of three Instagram videos she called Tequila Takedown Part 1 and Takedown part 2, Weaver expressed her dismay over learning that tequilas she’s loved for years contain additives—flavoring, coloring and aromatics—that Mexico’s regulatory body doesn’t require distillers report unless they exceed 1 percent of the liquid by volume.

After criticizing tequila makers who use additives, Mexico’s regulators who OK them and Americans who purchase them instead of bourbon, she heaped praise on Uncle Nearest bourbon for its purity. But wait, there’s more.

Part 1 was weird, especially when, at the end, she said, “I see dead people,” clanked a bottle of Uncle Nearest on the wooden stopper of Don Julio 1942 and then began dancing. (WTH?)

Part 2 was strange when she voiced her disappointment about shopping at a store where she couldn’t find any additive-free tequilas except one—Patron El Cielo, a cristalino. (If you don’t know what that is, trust me, cristalinos are worthless, high-priced spirits, marketing gimmicks of the worst order.) In a few flag-waving moments, she mentioned America and American products to point out that Americans should buy only American. (Editor's note: It appears that Tequila Takedown Part 2 has since been deleted from Weaver's Instagram account.)

All of this served to make Part 3 even weirder. She said “Big Tequila” has worked to convince consumers that tequila is “more pure, more clean than our native product, bourbon”—a claim which she didn’t substantiate and which I find no fact. In this video, she’s flanked stage right by several bottles of Uncle Nearest whiskies and stage left by high-quality, additive-free tequila bottles. After calling the tequilas pure and lovely, she said, “And that’s what this is all about. Those of you who know me, you’ve already figured that out. … you knew this Part 3 was coming, telling me who your favorite additive-free tequilas are.”

I don’t buy it. Weaver is backpedaling. If she wanted to elevate great tequila, why did she call her series Tequila Takedown? Heck, at least start off Part 3 calling it Tequila Uplift. Watch Parts 1 and 2 and compare her words to Part 3. You’ll figure it out.

She went from being upset that no one told her about additives to becoming flummoxed that she couldn’t find anything on the web to guide her to the good stuff. (www.tequilamatchmaker.com is an excellent source for this). She never said anything in the first two Takedowns that even hinted that she was going to praise additive-free tequilas in the third Takedown. When tequila-knowledgeable critics pounced after Takedowns 1 and 2, Weaver got wise.

And to ensure you know where I stand, additive-free tequilas are the best by far.

Loving current cask finishes

Just when I wanted to proclaim this year that I’m finished with cask finishing, some great bottles came my way to make me think, “Finally, something that really benefitted from and was noticeably changed by another cask.”

The guys at Pursuit United have figured out double oak better than many. Using net-encased oak “staves” (Jenga-looking rectangles, really) inserted into the cask via the bunghole, they get much greater control over the oak impact on the whiskey. Taste it regularly, and when it’s ready, yank out the “sausage link staves” and let the spirit continue aging in its first cask.

It suits my palate for sure, and apparently others’ as well. They kept running out of bottles when selling at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Great problem to have.

Sherry casks, you ask? Sometimes. I've preferred PX’s golden raisin note over oloroso’s nutty note until Angel’s Envy master distiller, Owen Martin, turned that notion on its head. His solution is long aging (17 months in the case of a single barrel oloroso second cask I helped pick) and casks chosen carefully by a trusted and good supplier. I really dreaded the idea of picking an oloroso cask, but I was blown away by the results he poured us.

I was in Austin, Texas, recently to attend an event centered on Bearface, a Canadian whisky. This whisky starts in ex-bourbon casks, moves to red wine casks, aged in shipping containers in British Columbia, and then finished in virgin, toasted Hungarian casks. I’ll detail that process in a later story, but just know the whisky is good, truly unique and wholly affordable. If you’re looking for a low-proof sipper with character, I recommend it.

But this year, perhaps my favorite surprise was Barrell Bourbon’s Ice Wine Cask finish. I try to spit out most of what I’m tasting for reviews, but none of that happened when reviewing this. I try to review at least two and ideally three whiskies in the course of an afternoon, but this one stole the show, was swallowed happily and my sipping glass was refilled at least twice. The other two reviews were pushed to the next day. 

Blame high BTAC prices on retailers

This week, Buffalo Trace announced the release of its Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Of the five bottles in the group, none is higher than $149.99. You read that right. MSRP is $149.99.

To the multitudes who blame distillers for soaring prices, you’re mistaken. Put this one squarely on retailers who know the market will bear much more. If read reviews closely, most list MSRPs. That's the only clue you need to know who's price gouging.

Nuff said about that.

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection returns for Fall 2024

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.

Celebrating 25 years of Weller at Buffalo Trace Distillery, William Larue Weller is the clear standout of this year’s exceptional lineup

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection returns for Fall 2024

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has returned for the fall 2024 season, representing some of the finest whiskeys produced by America’s Oldest Continuously Operating Distillery. This year’s portfolio includes all five Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) staples: Eagle Rare17-Year-Old Bourbon, George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and William Larue Weller Bourbon.

"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,” stated 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."

Each expression in the Antique Collection is housed in a clear glass bottle, displaying its rich color. The back label on each bottle offers a detailed history and description of the whiskey. The limited-edition Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles are sold individually and available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (local taxes and fees will vary).

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 pioneered the wheated bourbon recipe, substituting wheat for the traditional rye grain. On the nose of the 2024 William Larue Weller, a blend of new leather, light pipe tobacco, and caramel, enveloped by the warm sweetness of marshmallow and hints of ripe fruit. Rich caramel and toffee notes coat the palate with a long finish and oak, caramel, and fruit notes. The 2024 Global Whisky Challenge awarded last year’s William Larue Weller Bourbon “Best of Class” North America during the 2024 Global Whisky Challenge.

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, this year’s Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon was distilled in the spring of 2007. On the nose, Eagle Rare 17 delivers complex notes of oak and caramel intertwined with subtle undertones of vanilla and pepper spice with a caramel sweetness evened by the spiciness of 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. Last year’s Eagle Rare-17-Year-Old Bourbon marked the oldest release of the spirit since its inclusion in the Antique Collection. Several well-respected spirits competitions recognized the expression, including the 2024 Whiskies of the World Competition, where the 19-year-old whiskey won a Double Gold, Best in Class medal.

George T. Stagg Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery first released George T. Stagg bourbon in 2002 in response to a consumer request for a well-aged, barrel-strength whiskey. The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is known for its bold character reminiscent of its namesake, the original purchaser of O.F.C. Distillery, now famously recognized as Buffalo Trace Distillery. This year’s George T. Stagg sits at 136.1 proof and is comprised of barrels aged more than 15 years and two months. The whiskey presents a powerful aroma of deep aged wood, rich oak, and dark cherry. A layered profile of spice, oak, caramel, and a soft touch of cinnamon hit the palate. Its long and drying finish leaves a lasting impression of complexity and warmth. The 2024 International Whisky Competition awarded last year’s George T. Stagg First Place for the Best Bourbon, American, and Kentucky Whiskey.

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 has 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 on this year’s Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye lingers gracefully, imparting subtle hints of tobacco and charred oak. The 2023 Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye was honored with the Gold “Outstanding” Medal in the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

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. The 2024 Thomas H. Handy 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. The 2023 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition.

Buffalo Trace Rolls Out 2023 Antique Collection

Buffalo Trace has released five bourbons and whiskies to comprise their 2023 Antique Collection. Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare was aged for 19 years and three months, bottled at 50.1% alcohol by volume (101 proof) and is said to offer notes of caramel, cherry and dark chocolate. Buffalo Trace George T Stagg Bourbon was aged 15 […]

The post Buffalo Trace Rolls Out 2023 Antique Collection first appeared on Whisky Critic – Whisky Reviews & Articles – Style. Attitude. Whisky..

Buffalo Trace has released five bourbons and whiskies to comprise their 2023 Antique Collection.

Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare was aged for 19 years and three months, bottled at 50.1% alcohol by volume (101 proof) and is said to offer notes of caramel, cherry and dark chocolate.

Buffalo Trace George T Stagg Bourbon was aged 15 years, bottled at 68% alcohol by volume (136 proof) and is said to offer notes of cherry, chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla.

Buffalo Trace Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Whiskey was aged 18 years, bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof) and is said to offer notes of aniseed, black pepper, clove, honey, tobacco leaf and the ubiquitous vanilla.

Buffalo Trace Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey was bottled at 62.85% alcohol by volume (125.7 proof) and is said to offer notes of black licorice, caramel, orange and pine.

Buffalo Trace William Larue Weller Bourbon was bottled at 64% alcohol by volume (128 proof) and is said to offer notes of brown sugar, cherry, maple syrup and, of course, vanilla.

All five bottles in the 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection are being made available for $125 per bottle.

The post Buffalo Trace Rolls Out 2023 Antique Collection first appeared on Whisky Critic - Whisky Reviews & Articles - Style. Attitude. Whisky..

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023

The spirits in the Antique Collection are aged and proofed at the pinnacle of their flavor profiles to embody the best possible expression of each whiskey. Each expression is stored in a unique crystal-clear glass bottle to showcase its gorgeous color…

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023

Buffalo Trace Distillery is pleased to announce the return of its award-winning Antique Collection for the fall 2023 season, showcasing the products that best represent the Distillery’s exceptional craftmanship and dedication to distilling high-quality, award-winning spirits. This year’s portfolio includes all five Buffalo Trace Antique Collection  (BTAC) staples: George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey, William Larue Weller Bourbon, and a milestone for this year, the oldest Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon in the collection’s history.

The spirits in the Antique Collection are aged and proofed at the pinnacle of their flavor profiles to embody the best possible expression of each whiskey. Each expression is stored in a unique crystal-clear glass bottle to showcase its gorgeous color, complemented with a back label that provides a complete product story and description. The limited-edition Antique Collection bottles are sold separately and will be available at retail in early October at a suggested retail price of $124.99 (local taxes and fees will vary).



Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon

At 19 years and three months old, this year’s Eagle Rare-17-Year-Old the oldest release of the spirit since its 23-year inclusion in the Antique Collection. This whiskey was distilled in the spring of 2004, and barrels were aged in Warehouses C, I, K, M, and Q. Eagle Rare 17 is once again bottled at 101 proof in tribute to the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975. The expression imbues tasting notes of dark chocolate and cherry pie filling on the nose with a well-balanced flavor of caramel-drizzled chocolate sponge cake, finishing with dry and spicy notes of an earthy cigar box. The 2022 Eagle Rare 17 release won Taste Master for the 2023 American Whiskey Masters, making it the overall winner of the entire competition.

*17 years indicates the minimum age for Eagle Rare 17 barrels to be bottled. With taste as a priority for the distilling and lab experts at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the age of actual barrels in the whiskey varies yearly to meet its ideal flavor profile.

George T. Stagg Bourbon

At 135 proof, the 2023 George T. Staggoffering was distilled in the spring of 2008, and its barrels were aged in Warehouses C, I, K, L, and M. This powerful 15 years and 4-months-old bourbon is described as having scents of cinnamon and cherry cola and a well-balanced mix of leather, chocolate, and vanilla on the palate, complete with a robust, earthy finish. Last season’s George T. Stagg placed 1st for the Best American Whisky in the 2023 International Whisky Competition.

Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey

The 2023 Sazerac 18-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey release flaunts a scent of dried orange, rye grain, clove and aniseed, a palate of black pepper, vanilla, and waves of oak, and a florally honey and tobacco leaf finish. This collection of rye whiskey barrels was filled between the fall of 2004 and the spring of 2005 and aged in Warehouses K, L, and M. The previous release of Sazerac Rye 18 earned the Gold Medal in the 2023 American Whiskey Masters.



Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey

The 2023 Thomas H. Handy expression is comprised of barrels aged for over six years. Initially launched in response to a consumer request for more well-aged and barrel-strength whiskey, this uncut, unfiltered straight rye whiskey clocks in at 124.9 proof. The flavor profile includes an aroma of orange zest and lemon oil, caramel, and hints of pine. On the palate, freshly baked rye bread spread with orange marmalade and honey appear first, followed by a lingering finish of light oak and black licorice. Judges at The Spirits Business 2023 American Whiskey Masters awarded last season’s Handy a Master Medal.



William Larue Weller Bourbon

Crafted in response to a consumer request for more well-aged and barrel-strength whiskey, William Larue the Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon. This year’s offering was distilled in the spring of 2011, and its barrels were aged in Warehouses C, L, M, and N. The 2023 William Larue Weller bourbon registers at 133.6 proof, surpassing last year’s proof offering of 124.7. Candied notes of dark brown sugar and vanilla bean are found on the nose, followed by a warm and full palate with stewed cherry and brown sugar crumble and a robust, dense finish enveloped with baking spice and a hint of maple syrup. The 2022 Antique Collection Weller secured a Master Medal during the 2023 American Whiskey Masters.

2021 State of Ohio Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Bottle Lotteries Announced

Like last year, the previous year and the year before, the The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottle lottery. This is a lottery to win the opportunity t…

Like last yearthe previous year and the year before, the The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottle lottery. This is a lottery to win the opportunity to purchase a hard to find bottle of select Buffalo Trace products at retail prices. The 2021 edition begins at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6 and runs through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13.


Entrants must be an Ohio resident 21 years or older and the following is required:
  • Ohio Driver’s License Number / Ohio Identification Card Number
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Street Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Email Address
  • Preferred OHLQ store location for purchasing the product if you win
Winners will be notified in January and will have the opportunity to purchase one bottle. Bottles must be purchased by 1/17/2022 or risk forfeiting the ability to purchase. 

The following brands will be available in the lottery.
Pappy Van Winkle Collection (same prices as 2021)
  • Old Rip Van Winkle 10, $69.99 plus tax
  • Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, $79.99 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 15, $119.99 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 20, $199.98 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 23, $299.99 plus tax
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Products (same prices as 2021)
  • Eagle Rare 17, $99.99 plus tax
  • Sazerac Rye 18, $99.99 plus tax
  • Thomas H. Handy, $99.99 plus tax
  • William Larue Weller, $99.99 plus tax
  • George T. Stagg, $99.99 + tax

The tasting notes are:

  • Eagle Rare 17 - 101 Proof - The fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes, and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla, and tobacco. This bourbon lingers, finishing with a hint of leather and toffee.
  • Old Rip Van Winkle 10 - 107 Proof - A sweet vanilla nose with caramel, pecan, and oak wood. Smooth, mellow flavor consisting of robust wheat, cherries, and oak. Features a long, smoky wheat finish with hints of fruit, spice, and oak tannins.
  • Pappy Van Winkle 15 - 107 Proof - An elegant and sweet aroma with caramel corn and vanilla. Features a big flavor of leather, oak, and complex fruitiness. Finishes smooth with notes of spice and oak tannins.
  • Pappy Van Winkle 20 - 90.4 Proof - Intense and tantalizing. Smooth with a citrus zest note. Some sherry notes, dried fruits, and vanilla. The finish is long and elegant.
  • Pappy Van Winkle 23 - 95.6 Proof - Early aromas of caramel and cream with soft notes of oak, nuts, and leather. Features a sweet taste composed of vanilla, maple, and honey joined by complimentary flavors of citrus and spice. Has a long-lasting oaky finish, along with many of the early flavors.
  • Sazerac Rye 18 - 90 Proof - Very mature, with notes of oak, leather molasses, and all-spice. The long, warm finish is preceded by notes of mint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, vanilla, and lingering pepper.
  • Thomas H Handy - 129.5 Proof - Powerful, lush, and boldly spicy. Flavors of toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit, followed by mint, cinnamon, and clove. The finish ultimately reveals subtle notes of allspice, coconut, and nutmeg. Long and warm.
  • Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year - 90.4 Proof - Highlighted by light aromas of dried mango, cocoa, fruit, and spiced peach. Flavors of honey, oak, and tobacco dance on the pallet. The finish is balanced and dry, with a lingering tingle.
  • William Larue Weller - 125.3 Proof - Fragrant scents of caramel corn, new leather, plums, light toffee, and pipe tobacco. The palate tastes of marshmallow, salted almonds, nougat, figs, and dates. This whiskey finishes smooth, composed, and flavorfully sweet.
I'll have plenty of more coverage on this throughout the week so be sure to check back often. 

Source: OHLQ

Buffalo Trace Releases 2021 Antique Collection

In what is a yearly tradition, Buffalo Trace has announced the release of their 2021 Antique Collection. This collection usually includes William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old, an…

In what is a yearly tradition, Buffalo Trace has announced the release of their 2021 Antique Collection. This collection usually includes William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old, and Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old. 

However, this year, George T. Stagg will not be released because the selected barrels didn't meet the Buffalo Trace taste standards for the Stagg brand.

Drew Mayville, master blender, director of quality says about Stagg
Quality is always paramount for our products. If the taste doesn’t match our expectations, then we will not release it to our customers. And unfortunately, this year’s yield of Stagg did not meet our expectations. Good news is, we’ll have the barrels we put up in 2007, which are on track so far for a 2022 release, barring anything unforeseen changes.

The four releases are:

  • William Larue Weller - Distilled in the winter of 2009 and aged in Warehouses C, D, K, L and Q. This bourbon registers at 125.3 proof (62.65% alcohol). A nose of crème brulee, followed by cherry and toasted graham crackers on the palate and a long rich finish of coca, herbs and oak.
  • Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye - Distilled in the spring of 2015; aged in warehouses I, L, O, and K and weighs in at 129.5 proof (64.75% alcohol). The flavor profile includes anise and cinnamon with a rich finish of spearmint and chocolate.
  • Eagle Rare 17 Year Old - 101 proof (50.5% alcohol) whiskey was distilled in Spring of 2003 and aged on the first floor of Warehouse P. Has a nose of ripe cherries, vanilla cream and oak, followed by a taste of caramel and coffee and a long finish of oak, pepper and fresh herbs. 
  • Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old - Flavors of bright apples and herbs, anise and maple syrup on the palate and a finish of cocoa, coffee and dates. The barrels for this whiskey were filled in the spring of 2003 and it rested on the second and fourth floors of Warehouses K and P. It is bottled at 90 proof (45% alcohol). 

Suggested retail is $99 per bottle. 

My Take

Expect to see these releases in the December OHLQ bottle lottery. Last year, the State had 493 bottles available of the Antique collection and had 94,608 entries for around a 1 in 200 chance of winning. At $99 each, these bottles are a no brainer if you ever see them available.... sadly, the odds of that happening aren't very good. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below. 


Source: Buffalo Trace

Wild Turkey Antique Collection

Buffalo Trace announces George T. Stagg will be excluded from 2021’s Antique Collection and everyone loses their minds, right? Wrong. The unexpected news means very little to me, and honestly, plenty of whiskey fans as well. Besides, most enthusiasts r…

Buffalo Trace announces George T. Stagg will be excluded from 2021’s Antique Collection and everyone loses their minds, right? Wrong. The unexpected news means very little to me, and honestly, plenty of whiskey fans as well. Besides, most enthusiasts rarely see George T. Stagg, and when we do, it’s often marked up beyond its sippable […]

The post Wild Turkey Antique Collection appeared first on Rare Bird 101.