Sazerac Rye dates back to the 1800’s and symbolizes the tradition and history of New Orleans saloons. It was at the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street where local patrons were served toddies made with Rye whiskey and Peychaud’s Bitters. The libation became know as the “Sazerac” and America’s first branded cocktail was born. This 6 year-old version of the famous Sazerac Rye is produced at the scenic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, home of numerous other whiskies such as Eagle Rare 10 year-old, Eagle Rare 17 year-old, Blanton's, Rock Hill Farms and George T. Stagg.
The beautifully designed bottle harks back to the pre Civil War days when barrels of whisky were poured into ornately engraved decanters supplied by the distiller, displaying the colour of the whiskey to good effect. In what seems to be a company tradition (and a refreshing one), the price of this whiskey is nowhere near the kind of money many other distinguished Ryes command. Keep this one as the perfect (and proper) whiskey for a Manhattan or Sazerac Cocktail.
Tasting note: Bright, deep gold colour. Enticing aromas include caraway and dill at first then green apple, spice and sweet nutty/vanilla notes. A most interesting rye profile. Entry is soft, becoming plush and spice driven with dried apple and white pepper counterpointed by drying vanilla oak. Perfect balance. Very long aftertaste of dried coconut, dark rye bread and a subtle mint fade. A sophisticated whiskey with enough mid palate sweetness, complexity and kick to convert one-eyed Bourbon nuts.
