Empire Merchants
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 127.2 Proof 750ml
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 127.2 Proof 750ml
USA : KENTUCKY : FRANKFORT
51% Rye, 39% Corn, 10% Malted Barley
FULL-BODIED, CINNAMON, DARK FRUIT, BAKING CHOCOLATE, ESPRESSO
Named for the New Orleans bartender who bought the Sazerac Coffee House in 1869 and replaced French brandy with American rye — giving the cocktail the form we recognize today. Thomas H. Handy also purchased Peychaud’s Bitters in 1873; two of the Sazerac’s three core ingredients passed through his hands. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection releases his namesake rye each October: uncut, unfiltered, barrel-strength, aged just over six years.
The 2024 release comes in at 127.2 proof — 6 years and 3 months old. Whisky Advocate 92 pts (Spring 2025, Julia Higgins): citrus and nougat on the nose with cigar wrapper; zippy heat on the palate with leather and black coffee; the finish darkens into espresso with baking chocolate and cherry tang. Add a few drops of water — it opens considerably.
SUGGESTED SERVES :
| Neat | Buffalo Trace’s own recommendation — lets the barrel-proof heat and full complexity show |
| Splash of water | opens the nose considerably; Whisky Advocate found it draws out citrus oil, spice, and leather that high proof can suppress |
| The Sazerac | close the loop — 1.5 oz THH, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, absinthe rinse, lemon twist; the rye that completed the cocktail’s recipe in 1873 |
127.2 Proof
1 bottle per customer.
Please note: Spirits are only available for local delivery or in-store pickup. All orders for shipping will be cancelled immediately.
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