2013 Sazerac 18 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

The illusive Sazerac 18 never ceases to reel in the accolades or superstar ratings, yet it remains one of those whiskey rarities that make it near impossible to procure on a regular basis, including in its country of origin in the United States! in-fact, the last time we saw this release was in 2008!

Curious as to why this release remains a consistent 45% ABV year in year out when compared others in the Antique range? One simple explanation is that Buffalo Trace (producers of the Antique Collection) have been using the same distillate for the Sazerac 18 since 2003, all stemming from 1985. The resulting eighteen year old Rye whiskey was then transferred into stainless steel tanks to halt the ageing process. Although the influence of wood maturation ceases, small oxygen remain in interaction with the spirit. In small amounts, this can further encourage the development of flavours, and the reason why your stash of 2003 vintage of Sazerac 18 will not taste the same as our featured bottling.

Other Reviews: (96.5 Points) - (n24.5) - really not sure if rye aromas come any brighter than this: the joint rye fruity effect and Demerara sugar hamonise and yield a note of crystal clarity - entracing, enchanting and entirely delectablel (t24) - like this year's stagg, the oils are down here slightly for some reason allowing a less impeded view of the grain at work. Not just crisp, but the vanillas have a drier sawdusty feel, though enchanced by a string of shimmering Demerara and thyme honey notes; (f24) just more of the same in super slow motion. Though very late in the day the spices begin to rise; (b24) if you are looking to climb the Everest of Rye Whiskeys, then good luck in scaling the lofty, jagged peaks. - Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2013.