Buffalo Trace unveils 2023 Antique Collection

Kentucky-based Buffalo Trace has revealed its 2023 Antique Collection for autumn, which includes the oldest Eagle Rare whiskey in the range’s history.

Always a highlight on the Buffalo Trace calendar, since its debut in the year 2000, this year’s lineup is comprised of staples from the series, fronted by the oldest Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon in the collection’s 23-year-history.

The Eagle Rare (65% ABV), bottled at 101 proof as a nod to the original Eagle Rare brand that launched in 1975, was distilled back in spring 2004 with barrels aged in warehouses C, I, K, M, and Q. It was aged for 19 years and three months.

Drinkers can account for notes of dark chocolate and cherry pie, as well as ‘caramel-drizzled chocolate sponge cake’, with a spicy and earthy ‘cigar box’ finish.

Following that is the George T Stagg Bourbon (68%). The 15-year-old Bourbon, distilled in spring 2008, was aged in warehouses C, I, K, L, and M, and offers scents of cinnamon and cherry cola, with a leather, chocolate and vanilla profile to taste. For this one, drinkers can expect an ‘earthy’ and ‘robust’ finish.

Up next is the Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Whiskey (45%). This bottling was filled between autumn 2004 and spring 2005, and then aged in barrels from Warehouses K, L, and M.

Its profile is said to cover dried orange, rye grain, clove and aniseed on the nose, before shifting towards black pepper, vanilla, and ‘waves of oak’ on the palate. The finish, meanwhile, leaves notes of honey and tobacco leaf.

The other rye on the roster, the Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey (62.85% ABV), uncut and unfiltered, is a straight rye whiskey with flavours of orange, caramel and hints of pine. Light oak and black liquorice make for the finish.

And last but not least, rounding things off is William Larue Weller Bourbon (64% ABV). This release was distilled in spring 2011 and aged in barrels from Warehouses C, L, M, and N – at 133.6 proof it’s higher than last year’s edition of  (62.35 ABV).

Notes of dark brown sugar and vanilla bean are found on the nose, while stewed cherry and brown sugar crumble form the palate. The finish, described as ‘rich and dense’, offers baking spice and a touch of maple syrup.

The bottles from the Antique Collection went on sale in early October, and are sold separately for a RRP of £102 (US$124.99)

In other recent Buffalo Trace news, the brand is also scheduled to open a new store in London’s Covent Garden this December.