Buffalo Trace has once again released its highly anticipated Antique Collection (BTAC) for the fall of 2024, stirring excitement among bourbon and rye enthusiasts. Known for offering some of the finest and rarest expressions of American whiskey, Buffalo Trace's collection is widely regarded as a treasure among connoisseurs. The 2024 lineup includes five staple whiskeys: Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon, George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye, and William Larue Weller Bourbon. Each bottle in this lineup showcases unique flavors and complex profiles, making each annual release a momentous occasion for collectors.
Here’s a detailed look at each expression, the history behind them, and what makes this year’s release particularly special.
William Larue Weller Bourbon: A Standout Anniversary Release
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The William Larue Weller Bourbon has earned a spotlight in the 2024 Antique Collection, and it’s easy to see why. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Sazerac's acquisition of the Weller brand, which has come to be highly regarded for its unique wheated bourbon recipe. Aged over 12 years and bottled uncut and unfiltered at 125.8 proof, this expression stands as a bold testament to Weller’s legacy. William Larue Weller is crafted with wheat instead of the more traditional rye grain, giving it a smooth, creamy texture and a rich depth of flavor.
On the nose, this year’s release offers notes of leather, pipe tobacco, and sweet marshmallow, while the palate is layered with rich caramel, toffee, and oak. These warm, inviting notes are balanced with hints of dark cherry and ripe fruit, giving the bourbon a complex yet approachable flavor. The finish is long and satisfying, characterized by caramel, fruit, and a touch of oak, leaving a lasting impression. This year’s release was hand-bottled to celebrate its intricate layers of flavor, a fitting homage to Weller’s craftsmanship.
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon: Tradition Meets Depth
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A cornerstone of the Antique Collection since its early days, the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon is an expression of refined tradition. This year's bottle was distilled in the spring of 2007 and aged precisely 17 years and 4 months on the lower levels of Buffalo Trace’s rickhouses. It’s bottled at its original 101 proof, a tribute to the spirit’s roots dating back to its introduction in 1975.
The aroma of Eagle Rare 17 in 2024 is enticing, blending caramel with red fruits like apple and cherry, supported by subtle hints of vanilla and oak. On the palate, this year’s release brings a well-rounded mix of sweet caramel and baking spices, underscored by pipe tobacco and leather. Its finish is smooth yet robust, leaving a lingering taste of vanilla and warm spices. This depth of flavor and balanced finish have made Eagle Rare 17 a sought-after bottle, ideal for those who appreciate a classic, nuanced bourbon.
George T. Stagg Bourbon: A Bold Barrel-Strength Icon
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Since its debut in 2002, the George T. Stagg Bourbon has become a favorite among fans who appreciate high-proof, full-bodied bourbon. The 2024 release, aged over 15 years and 2 months, comes in at a fiery 136.1 proof, capturing the essence of a rich, barrel-strength bourbon. Named after George T. Stagg, a figure crucial to Buffalo Trace’s history, this whiskey embodies bold flavors and robust character.
The initial aroma is dominated by deep, woody oak and dark cherry, followed by caramelized apple and notes of barrel char. On the palate, George T. Stagg reveals a complex mix of rich caramel, dark fruit, and spices like clove and allspice. A hint of leather and a touch of tannic oak give it a structured finish that’s both long and satisfying. This year’s version is slightly sweeter than previous releases, with cherry and caramel adding a refined balance to the whiskey’s intense oak character. George T. Stagg remains an assertive, powerful choice for those who enjoy the true strength of bourbon.
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Straight Rye: Subtle Elegance in Rye Form
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The Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye Whiskey often flies under the radar, yet it consistently delivers a sophisticated rye experience. Bottled at a modest 90 proof, it’s aged for 18 years and 5 months, offering a maturity and complexity that rye enthusiasts treasure. Named after New Orleans’ official cocktail, Sazerac Rye is an homage to the classic drink.
The nose of the 2024 Sazerac 18-Year-Old greets with notes of caramel, plum, and earthy leather, while the palate opens with a gentle sweetness followed by herbal notes of basil and mint. The rye’s spice is present but subtle, allowing flavors of black pepper and Thai basil to shine through. The finish is smooth, with hints of fresh mint and oak lingering. Despite its lower proof, Sazerac 18 offers an impressive complexity and remains a go-to for fans who enjoy a more refined, nuanced rye.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye: A High-Proof Rye with Character
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Rounding out the Antique Collection is the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye, a younger, high-proof counterpart to the Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye. This 2024 release was bottled at 127.2 proof after more than six years of aging, making it an intense, spice-forward option for rye lovers. Named after a prominent New Orleans bartender known for popularizing rye in the Sazerac cocktail, this uncut, unfiltered rye embodies the bolder side of Buffalo Trace’s rye expressions.
This year’s Thomas H. Handy opens with powerful aromas of dark chocolate, orange zest, and allspice, followed by a palate dominated by flavors of clove, nutmeg, and bright orange peel. A hint of dark coffee and pepper emerges in the background, adding depth to its complex profile. The mouthfeel is full and rich, finishing with lingering notes of black pepper, clove, and caramel. It’s an adventurous, spirited rye that rye fans are sure to appreciate for its lively, robust flavor.
Collecting and Pricing: What to Expect
Each bottle in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection retails at a suggested price of $149.99, though resale values often soar as collectors vie for these limited-edition bottles. With its rich history, diverse lineup, and high demand, the BTAC continues to be a coveted collection. Whether for drinking or collecting, the 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection offers whiskey lovers a chance to experience the heights of American bourbon and rye.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is one of the most historic and acclaimed distilleries in the United States. Its roots trace back to 1775 when the site was first established as a working distillery. The distillery's current name, Buffalo Trace, was adopted in 1999, paying homage to the ancient buffalo crossing on the banks of the Kentucky River nearby.
Buffalo Trace is renowned for producing a diverse range of whiskies, including bourbon and rye, under various labels. The distillery's flagship bourbon is Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a widely recognized and award-winning expression that reflects the classic characteristics of Kentucky straight bourbon. Buffalo Trace Distillery also produces other well-known brands such as Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve.
The distillery is notable for its commitment to preserving traditional whiskey-making methods. Buffalo Trace is known for its use of high-quality grains, time-tested fermentation processes, and copper pot stills. Additionally, the aging warehouses on the site, some dating back to the 1800s, contribute to the unique flavor profiles of Buffalo Trace whiskies. The distillery boasts a vast array of aging barrels, including those positioned in various locations within the warehouses, each imparting distinct characteristics to the maturing spirits.
