Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey 2025
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey | 750mL | 45% ABV (90 proof) | Aged 18 Years 5 Months — Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey is the elder statesman of the 2025 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: 18 years and 5 months in the barrel, bottled at a composed 90 proof — the gentlest pour in the annual lineup and the connoisseur's pick for balance. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Named for the historic Sazerac House in New Orleans, birthplace of the Sazerac cocktail — widely regarded as America's first cocktail — in the mid-1800s. The 2025 vintage's official notes: bright rye spice layered with seasoned oak and a subtle herbaceous lift on the nose; mature balance of spice and oak, woody richness, and supple leather on the palate; a lingering finish of rye spice, warm leather, caraway seed, and enduring oak. (The 2024 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge.) Distilled and aged at Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky. A pinnacle rye whiskey for drinkers who prize poise over power.
Tasting notes
Nose: bright rye spice, seasoned oak, subtle herbaceous lift (distillery). Palate: mature balance of spice and oak — woody richness, supple leather. Finish: lingering — rye spice, warm leather, caraway seed, enduring oak.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 750mL, 45% ABV (90 proof) — 18 years 5 months in new charred oak
- 2025 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection; named for New Orleans' historic Sazerac House
- 2024 vintage: Gold Medal, 2025 International Spirits Challenge; Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat at 90 proof — this one needs nothing; an 18-year rye this balanced is for quiet contemplation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2025 Sazerac 18 proof?
90 proof (45% ABV) — official. Ignore listings that show 129.8 or 125 proof; those figures belong to the 2025 Thomas H. Handy or are retailer URL errors.
How old is the 2025 release?
18 years and 5 months — per Buffalo Trace's official 2025 BTAC release.
Why is it called Sazerac?
For the historic Sazerac House in New Orleans, birthplace of the Sazerac cocktail in the mid-1800s — widely regarded as America's first cocktail.
Is it limited?
The distillery has disclosed no bottle count — BTAC releases are issued in limited annual quantities; $149.99 is the distillery's suggested retail.