By Richard Thomas
Rating: B
(Credit: Richard Thomas)
Sazerac Rye is the entry level rye whiskey from Buffalo Trace, named for the parent company and cocktail whose histories are so intertwined. Introduced in 2000, the rye stock behind it is the core rye whiskey for Buffalo Trace exceptions, but not the only one. Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old is coming from the same root distillate now, but Sazerac 18 was drawn from a different stock stored in stainless steel tanks for many years. Thomas H. Handy is also made with the same stock as Sazerac Rye, but curiously not the Col. E.H. Taylor Rye.
The only major change to Sazerac Rye since 2000 is the expression used to be an unstated six year old (i.e. it was described as being six years old, but that age statement never appeared on the label), but it is no longer described in those terms and presumably is not. But now comes a brand extension. “Developed in response to demand from bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts,” says Sazerac, the new expression raises the strength by 5 points, from 90 proof to 100.
The Whiskey
The difference between 45% and 50% ABV in most whiskeys is, in my opinion, enough to change the experience but not enough to revolutionize it. And that was what I got here: it’s Kentucky rye, Buffalo Trace style, and very similar to the basic Sazerac Rye. It just delivers a stronger current of the same.
The nose comes on with orange rind, anise and clove, with the palate retaining the same spices while turning more to apricot for its fruitiness. The finish rolls on with the anise and clove, but that swiftly fades down to a peppery afterglow. By coming on stronger in this way, Sazerac 100 addresses one of the downsides of Sazerac 90 (“Baby Saz”): its lightness. Although perfectly adequate for a $30 rye whiskey, Sazerac 90 was a bit on the light side when it came to mouthfeel and flavor. Sazerac 100 is right on the button.
The Price
Sazerac Rye 100 is a good bargain, coming in at $29.99 in a one-liter bottle. Strictly speaking, that is the same MSRP for normal Sazerac Rye, with +5% ABV and +250 ml of content. If you can find it, buy this one instead.
