Distillery: Sazerac (Buffalo Trace)
Proof: 90
Age: 6 years
Mashbill: 51% rye, 39% corn, 10% malted barley
Price: $40-$50
Company
Buffalo Trace is arguably the most well-known distillery on the planet. Its lineup includes the likes of Pappy. E.H. Taylor, Blanton’s, Elmer T. Lee, W.L. Weller, and more. This was originally created by the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company.
Production
According to their site, this is the one and only New Orleans Original Sazerac Rye. In the 1800s, The Sazerac Coffee House served toddies made with Rye Whiskey and Peychaud’s Bitters. This became known as the Sazerac cocktail.
Nose – 93/100
This has a standard rye nose with strong hints of orange, raisin, and vanilla. It’s easy and pleasant.
Palate – 93/100
Traditional bourbon flavors like vanilla and caramel followed by rye spice, oak, and raisin.
Finish – 92/100
Initial rye spice heat wave with lingering black pepper and raisin (a mainstay note throughout the entire experience).
Value – 90/100
Sazerac Rye’s MSRP is around $25, so the fact that you’re going to have to pay $40-$50 to get a bottle in most cases is unfortunate. That being said, I still think it’s generally worth purchasing at the $40 mark. This is a solid, balanced, and easy-sipping rye whiskey that makes for a great old fashioned.
Verdict – 92/100
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 95+
- Gold – 90 – 94
- Silver – 80 – 89
- Bronze – <80
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.