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(Buffalo Trace Press Release) At long last, Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its 2012 Antique Collection in September. The much anticipated collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs. Here’s what ardent fans can expect:
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old
The previous edition of this bourbon was honored with a Gold Medal at the 2012 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The 2012 edition was distilled in the spring of 1993 and has been aging on the 2nd, 3rd and 6th floors of Warehouses I and K. After nearly two decades of aging under its belt, it has been described as dry and delicate, with hints of leather, almonds and tobacco.
George T. Stagg
The 2011 release of this perennial favorite was named the “Number One Spirit in the World” by F. Paul Pacult in the 2012 Spirit Journal for the second year in a row, as well as the “Second Finest Whiskey in the World” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. The 2012 George T. Stagg was found in Warehouses H, I, K and L. This uncut, unfiltered bourbon was distilled back in the spring of 1995 and weighs in at 142.8 proof—some strong stuff! This whiskey tastes of rich dark chocolate, coffee and vanilla.
Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old
Last year’s release won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This 2012 rye whiskey release was aged in Warehouses K and is described as intense spice with underlying sweetness and dry finish.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is an uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. The 2011 edition was once again named “Rye Whiskey of the Year” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2006, aged on the fifth floor of Warehouse O and weighs in at 132.4 proof. The flavor has been described as cinnamon, dark fruit, allspice, lingering.
William Larue Weller
William Larue Weller is the Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon. The previous edition was the recipient of a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The 2012 offering was distilled in the spring of 2000 and aged on the second and fourth floors of Warehouses I and P. This William Larue Weller release registers in at 130 proof. It tastes of dark vanilla, almond and plum.
Release Date and Price
The Antique Collection was introduced more than a decade ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal and Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
“Every year the excitement and anticipation of these whiskeys grows,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “We’re excited as well to finally be able to share them, and look forward to seeing what critics and consumers alike think about them.”
These Antique Collection whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September. Suggested retail price is $70 each.
Picked up Stagg and Eagle Rare the other day. It sold out shortly after. I hnaevt opened the ER but finally tasted Stagg for the first time after waiting 2 years. No water added and Holy Smoke, it goes down like 80 proof liquid caramel candy its that smooth without water. This stuff puts my Pappy 20 and 15 to shame. Frankly, tasting this ruined all other whiskeys for me.