1983 Sazerac 18 Year Old 2001 Release Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

Named American Whiskey of the Year by Whisky Advocate Magazine in 2001.

Distilled in Spring 1983 and bottled in the Fall of 2001, this time capsule bottle harks back to the earliest days of BT's Antique Collection. When the Sazerac Company acquired what is now called Buffalo Trace distillery in 1992, one of their long-term intentions was to see the eponymous rye brand return. They began distilling it for the first time in 1998, introducing the modern version of Sazerac Rye in 2006. Prior to this, a Sazerac 18 year old was launched in 2000 as part of the now famous Antique Collection. These were bottled from a legendary batch of rye distilled by Schenley at Buffalo Trace when it was still known as George T. Stagg. Distilled in the early 1980s with the intention of releasing a rye line for its popular Cream of Kentucky brand, the company lost interest in the project and the casks were left to age far beyond the normal period for such whiskeys. To the surprise of many, the forgotten liquid had turned into an exceptional product. With 1984 being the final vintage for the Cream of Kentucky, the remaining casks were placed into steel tanks in 2004 to prevent over-maturing. This 2001 release was reportedly bottled directly from the wood. Meanwhile, the tanked rye continued to provide whiskey for the annual release Sazeracs until 2015 when the inventory finally ran out. 45% Alc./Vol. Collectable. (Information on this bottling was partly sourced from whiskyauctioneer.com).

Other reviews... Deep amber color. Bold and surprisingly youthful aromas, and quite vibrant for its age-huge spicy notes (mint, cinnamon, vanilla, anise, freshly ground pepper), with rich toffee, caramel and background fruit. Rich, enveloping body. Enormous in flavor, with youthful dynamic spices (mint, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper), wrapped in rich toffee and molasses, tamed by mature oak and leather notes. The flavors intensify on the palate, ultimately reaching a crescendo. The boldness of the spices and maturity of age dovetail perfectly. Its finish is very satisfying and seemingly eternal. 96 points - whiskyadvocate.com