The Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is part of the 2015 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection; unfiltered and uncut this clocks in at 63.45% ABV or 126.9 proof.  This bottling process which doesn’t add water or filter the rye helps to preserve a lot of the bold, at times, over the top flavors.

The nose has a woody, funky aroma with a spicy kick.  The wood taste comes on strong with spicy fruit notes.  The finish is bold upfront but long and mellows into a sweeter spice profile.

If you are not a lover of rye then this is not a bottle for you.  Add a few drops of water to mellow it out, if you like, but don’t be afraid to enjoy it raw and unfiltered.