Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2025 Release)

Volume: 750ml
ABV: 64.9% (129.8 Proof)
Origin: Kentucky, USA
Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Thomas H. Handy has always been the wild child of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

Younger, louder and more aggressive than many of its BTAC stablemates, the 2025 release doubles down on exactly what makes Handy special — raw rye spice, oily texture and barrel proof intensity without filtration getting in the way.

Distilled in Spring 2018 and 2019 at Buffalo Trace Distillery, this year’s release was bottled after 6 years and 3 months at a fiery 129.8 proof, completely uncut and unfiltered.

And it drinks exactly how Handy fans want it to.

Bright spice and oak leap from the glass immediately, backed by fresh fruit, baked apple and warming vanilla underneath the intensity. The palate brings thick rye spice, charred oak and dark sweetness together with a punchy, oily mouthfeel that carries through into a long warming finish.

Despite the proof, there’s energy and lift here — something that separates Handy from the older BTAC bourbons. It’s less about polished maturity and more about power, freshness and full-throttle rye character.

For rye lovers, this remains one of the benchmark annual releases in American whiskey.

Extremely limited worldwide allocation.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Bold oak and rye spice lifted by bright fruit, baked apple and vanilla.

Palate

Powerful rye spice layered with charred oak, warming sweetness and subtle fruit tones.

Finish

Long and warming with lingering oak, vanilla and drying spice.

Distillery Details

Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Distillation Years: Spring 2018 & 2019
Age at Bottling: 6 Years, 3 Months
Proof: 129.8 Proof
Filtration: None
Barrel Entry Proof: 125 Proof
Barrel Char: #4 Char
Warehouse Locations: Warehouses N, L, AA & DD