Sazerac 18 Year Old from Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection is exceptionally delicious and precious. The Sazerac name harks back to the original Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans, where rye whiskey cocktails earned their fame in the 19th century. With this 18-year-old expression, the legacy is alive and well, winning numerous awards each year. 

For those in the know, Sazerac does an 18-year old release each year, and the one I will be reviewing today is the 2019 summer edition.  

What makes this bottle special isn’t just its age but the attention to detail—each barrel is hand-selected for its exceptional quality. Join me as we settle in to decode the flavor within, Sláinte.

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Kentucky 

Release: Fall of 2019 

Proof: 90% 

Composition: Minnesota Rye, Kentucky Corn, North Dakota Malted Barley 

Mash: Sour

Barrel: New White oak #4 Charred 

Average Retail Price in 2024:  $2,000+ 

Tasting Notes

Appearance
In the glass, it’s a deep amber with golden highlights—like a sunset in liquid form. Tilt the glass, and you’ll see slow, elegant legs that hint at a full-bodied experience.

Nose

Wonderful greeting of a warm floral bouquet, orchard fruit and spice—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—wrapped in a blanket of sweet vanilla. There’s an earthy undertone of oak and toasted rye bread, tobacco, with a pop of citrus zest, adding depth and intrigue.

Palate

The moment it touches your tongue, you’re met with a burst of flavor. Rich caramel and real maple syrup, dark berries both sweet and tart, joined by a medley of spices—black pepper, anise, and just a hint of mint for freshness. The rye grain shines through, bold and unmistakable, but it’s tempered by the oak’s mellow sweetness. The mid-palate is so smooth and balanced, dried fruits like figs and raisins come into play. Many layers here and the mouthfeel is silky, with just enough warmth to remind you this is no lightweight pour.

Finish
The finish is long, dry, and deeply satisfying. The spice lingers, mingling with toasted oak and a faint echo of dark chocolate. It’s just so earthy, sweet, balanced, and blissful, calling me in for another ride. 

Overall Impression of Sazerac 18 Year Old 2019 Edition

Sazerac 18 Year Old is everything you want a rye whiskey to be: complex, balanced, and endlessly drinkable. It’s a masterclass in how age can transform rye, mellowing the edges while still preserving its vibrant character. At 18 years, this rye hasn’t lost its spark—it’s just grown wiser and more sophisticated. I know now why this expression has won many awards and recommendations. I won’t be purchasing a bottle now as today’s price has surpassed 2k, but I will surely be telling the story of how special it was. 

Have you had the chance to try any of the 18-year expressions from this collection?

Share your tasting notes in the comments—I’d love to hear how it hit your palate.