The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023: A Whiskey Lover’s Dream

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023 represents the pinnacle of American whiskey craftsmanship. This highly anticipated annual release features five exceptional expressions: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac, and Sazerac 18-Year-Old. Announced on October 9, 2023, this year’s collection boasts notable highlights, including the oldest-ever Eagle Rare at 19 years and 3 months. With each bottle showcasing unique characteristics and expert craftsmanship, the 2023 BTAC continues to set the standard for premium American whiskeys. Despite challenges in acquisition due to limited availability, these rare spirits offer an unparalleled tasting experience for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

What’s New in the 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?

This year’s release, announced on October 9, 2023, maintains the tradition by featuring five staples:

1. George T. Stagg Bourbon
2. William Larue Weller Bourbon
3. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon
4. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye
5. Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye

Expert Insight: 2023 Highlights

As a whiskey expert, I’m particularly excited about this year’s collection. The 2023 release features some notable changes and exceptional qualities:

• Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old: At 19 years and 3 months old, this year’s Eagle Rare is the oldest release ever in the Antique Collection. Its extended ageing has resulted in a uniquely complex flavour profile.
• George T. Stagg: Bottled at a robust 135-proof, this year’s Stagg offers an intense flavour experience that true bourbon experts will appreciate.
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye: Despite being the youngest in the collection at just over 6 years old, this rye continues to impress with its bold flavours and complexity.

Breaking Down the 2023 Collection

Let’s dive into the specifics of each expression in this year’s release:

1. George T. Stagg Bourbon (2023 Release)

• Age: 15 years, 4 months
• Proof: 135 proof (67.5% ABV)
• Tasting Notes: Expect a powerful punch of caramel corn on the palate, followed by a slightly bitter finish that invites another sip.

2. William Larue Weller Bourbon (2023 Release)

• Age: 12 years, 6 months
• Proof: 133.6 proof (66.8% ABV)
• Tasting Notes: This year’s Weller offers a delightful balance of butterscotch, dark fruits, and Dutch cocoa, with a long, sweet finish.

3. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon (2023 Release)

• Age: 19 years, 3 months (oldest ever released)
• Proof: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
• Tasting Notes: Look for notes of maple, oak, and a complex interplay of sweetness and tannic bitterness.

4. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (2023 Release)

• Age: 6 years, 2 months
• Proof: 124.9 proof (62.45% ABV)
• Tasting Notes: Despite its youth, expect vibrant flavours of orange marmalade, rye bread toast, and honey, with a long anise finish.

5. Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye (2023 Release)

• Age: 18 years, 5 months
• Proof: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• Tasting Notes: This well-aged rye offers a refined palate of stone fruits, tropical notes, and a creamy finish with lingering pepperiness.

Expert Recommendation: How to Approach the 2023 Collection

As a whiskey expert, I recommend approaching the 2023 BTAC with an open mind and a willingness to explore. Here’s my suggested tasting order to fully appreciate the range:

1. Start with the Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye to prime your palate with its refined flavours.
2. Move to the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old to experience the unique qualities of this year’s oldest release.
3. Try the William Larue Weller next, appreciating the wheated bourbon’s sweet profile.
4. Follow with the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye for a contrast in age and style.
5. Finish with the George T. Stagg, allowing its high-proof and intense flavours to cap off the experience.

Remember to take your time, use a proper whiskey glass, and consider adding a few drops of water to open up the flavours, especially with the higher-proof offerings.

The Challenge of Acquiring 2023 BTAC Bottles

Due to their limited production and high demand, getting your hands on 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles can be challenging:

• The official release began in late October 2023
• The recommended retail price is $124.99 per bottle, but actual prices often far exceed this
• Many liquor stores use lottery systems to distribute their allocation
• Some bars and restaurants may offer tastings of these rare whiskeys

Conclusion: Why The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023 Matters

The 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection represents not just some of the finest American whiskeys available this year, but also showcases the evolution of Buffalo Trace’s craft. The record-breaking age of the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old and the consistent excellence across the range make this year’s collection particularly noteworthy.

As we look to the future of American whiskey, releases like the BTAC serve as benchmarks, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in whiskey production. Whether you’re lucky enough to acquire a bottle or simply appreciate it from afar, the 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a testament to the ongoing legacy of one of America’s most respected distilleries.

1. Buffalo Trace Distillery Official Website – 2023 Antique Collection Press Release
2. Whisky Advocate Magazine – “First Look: Buffalo Trace 2023 Antique Collection”
3. Forbes – “The 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection” by Joe Micallef
4. The Bourbon Finder – “Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023 Blind Tasting and Review”
5. Gear Patrol – “I Tasted My Way Through Buffalo Trace’s Most Hyped Whiskey Collection”
6. Hedonism Wines – “First Look at the 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection”
7. The Whisky Exchange – “Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023”