I have tried all the other four whiskeys in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection several times before but for some reason I have never tried TH Handy before so this was a totally new experience for me.
Thomas H. Handy was apparently the person who first started to use rye whiskey instead of brandy in the Sazerac cocktail and it is him that this is named after. It is a straight from the barrel uncut and unfiltered version of the standard Sazerac Rye. That is an excellent drink and I love a barrel proof so this can only be utterly amazing, right?
Let’s have a look at my review of the TH Handy Sazerac Rye to find out:
On the website:
“Powerful, lush, and boldly spicy. Flavors of toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit, followed by mint, cinnamon and clove. The finish ultimately reveals subtle notes of allspice, coconut and nutmeg. Long and warm.”
Distiller: Buffalo Trace
ABV: 63.6%
Proof: 127.2
Age: 6 Years
Release: 2017
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Woodchips, dried herbs, peanuts, hazelnuts with some ethanol. It is very reserved and not spectacular.
Taste:
Earthy with raisins then a hint of ginger cake, baking spices, treacle, cool mint, raw ginger and pepper. For want of a better word – it’s crazy!
Finish:
Brown sugar, rye, all spice some tangerine and pepper. Leaves a dark fruit taste in your mouth at the very end.
Summary:
Very interesting indeed, the nose is poor but then on the palate it kind of takes you on a journey jumping from one contrasting flavor to the next like a ball bearing whizzing around a pinball machine. Because of this it comes across a little unbalanced but provides and excitement that almost entirely makes up for that.
It is not too hot for its high proof either, I didn’t add any water as that’s not my bag but I don’t think it needs it.
It’s very difficult to describe exactly what it is like but to borrow a well-worn cliché you will either love it or hate it I think.
One of the crazier whiskeys I’ve tried so if that’s your thing you are in for a treat with this.