Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Buffalo Trace’s upscale brands are predominantly shining within the whiskey industry.
Its Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is one of the year’s most anticipated whiskey releases.
Of course, we’ll not miss this year-long mythical bottle release, and we’ll share all the juicy details.
Discover all the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection lineup, what makes them unique, and why all whiskey hunters are eyeing this annual release to get their hands on each bottle.
What’s the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a five-bottle collection of uncut and unfiltered bourbon and rye whiskeys under the Buffalo Trace flagship that is released annually.
The mythical bottles from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection have been running for over two decades, and its 2022 release contains three bourbons and two rye in its lineup.
Each bottle from the collection is made distinctively from different mash, procedures, maturation, and alcohol content.
It’s sold in limited quantities, making the bottles nearly impossible to find.
5 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Line-Up
1. George T. Stagg
MSRP: $99 for 750ml (2022)
Average Price: Around $604
Alcohol Content: 69.7%
Why We Like It:
George T. Stagg 2022 Antique Collection has been aged more than 15 years, distilled in the spring of 2007, and bottled with an impressive high alcohol proof.
This uncut bourbon whiskey has a bold and intense flavor profile.
We recommend putting a few drops of water to open its layer of flavors, but if you like to take its full complexity, drink it neatly.
Despite its high alcohol proof, you can experience its chocolate notes and heavy oak aroma.
It delivers the richness of dark chocolate, vanilla-forward notes, and the sweetness of toffee.
2. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old
MSRP: $99 for 750ml (2022)
Average Price: Around $999
Alcohol Content: 50.5%
Why We Like It:
At 101-proof, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old is solid dram with the right alcoholic taste and doesn’t go overboard. It was distilled in the spring of 2005 and aged more than 17 years.
This Eagle Rare 2022 Antique Collection is as balanced as you want your bourbon to be. It has a pleasant, almost wine-like flagrant aroma with floral and present tobacco notes.
On the palate, you can expect this 101-proof whiskey to have a flavor boost of oakiness, caramel, and vanilla bean, with a lingering full-bodied finish of butterscotch and baking spice.
3. William Larue Weller
MSRP: $99 for 750ml (2022)
Average Price: Around $1,099
Alcohol Content: 62.35%
Why We Like It:
William Larue Weller is a wheated bourbon distilled in the spring of 2010. This uncut and unfiltered bourbon is aged more than 12 years and showcases a dark and rich whiskey hue.
“Each warehouse does deliver taste nuances based on location…and we know where to find the good ones.”
– Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller
William Larue Weller offers a rich expression from its fragrance to its tasting profile. You’ll experience its sweet fragrance with toasted coconut and caramel notes on the nose.
A touch of mint and peppery spice will welcome your palate, along with sweet molasses and dark cherries. Its 124.7-proof gives a flavorful finish with hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and toffee.
4. Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old
MSRP: $99 for 750ml (2022)
Average Price: Around $1,917
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
This one-of-a-kind rye whiskey has been well-aged for 18 years after distilling from its 2003 and 2004 spring production but is bottled with lower proof than other collection bottles.
At 90-proof, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old from Antique Collection makes the most approachable whiskey but has a lot of flavor complexity, especially when neatly drunk.
It has a mellow but zesty aroma of lemon and orange.
But on the palate, it has a bold peppery mouthfeel with maple syrup notes balances the spiciness—a solid pick for rye whiskey lovers.
5. Thomas H. Handy
MSRP: $99 for 750ml (2022)
Average Price: Around $700
Alcohol Content: 65.45%
Why We Like It:
Thomas H. Handy is the youngest bottle in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. But it has a high proof of 130.9-proof after aging for more than six years.
This expression has a strong profile, from its aroma to its full-tasting notes and finish.
We recommend you drink it with a splash of water to open its strong and complex notes fully.
It gives full floral notes in the nose with an anise and spice aroma. Expect some heat to the palate with subtle chocolate notes, a burst of orange peel, and more baking spices.
Note: Average prizes are from Drizly. It may vary depending on your local liquor stores.
When Did Buffalo Trace Release Its Antique Collection?
Buffalo Trace released its first Antique Collection in 2000, and its inaugural bottles started with Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old, and the original 19-Year-Old W.L. Weller.
This collection is a celebration of the Sazerac Company and its flagship, the Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky, for its genuine distilling heritage.
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection takes advantage of the developing popularity of well-aged, premium whiskey. True enough, its bottles are continuously evolving every year.
FAQs Related to Buffalo trace Antique Collection
What is the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)?
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) is a highly sought-after annual release of limited edition, premium American whiskeys produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery.
What whiskeys are included in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?
The collection typically includes five whiskeys: George T. Stagg Bourbon, William Larue Weller Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon, and Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye.
How is the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection released?
The BTAC is released once a year in limited quantities, usually in the fall, and is highly anticipated by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors.
What makes the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection special?
The BTAC is renowned for its exceptional quality, unique flavor profiles, and rarity. Each release is crafted from carefully selected barrels and showcases the distillery’s finest offerings.
Are there different variations within the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?
Yes, each whiskey in the collection represents a different style and aging process, offering a diverse range of flavors and characteristics for whiskey enthusiasts to explore.
What is the pricing range for bottles in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?
Prices for bottles in the BTAC can vary significantly depending on factors such as the specific release, market demand, and secondary market value. They are often priced higher than standard whiskeys due to their rarity and prestige.
Are there any tips for increasing my chances of obtaining bottles from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?
Joining whiskey enthusiast communities, staying informed about release dates and lottery procedures, and building relationships with local retailers can increase your chances of acquiring bottles from the BTAC.
Is it worth investing in bottles from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?
While bottles from the BTAC can appreciate in value over time, investing in whiskey should be approached with caution and knowledge. It’s essential to consider factors such as storage conditions, market trends, and personal enjoyment when investing in whiskey.
In Summary
Buffalo Trace is truly dedicated to offering exceptional bourbon, and its Antique Collection has always been the most awaited series ever.
From its bourbons: George T. Stagg, W.L. Weller, and Eagle Rare 17, to its two ryes: Sazerac Rye 18 and Thomas H. Handy, this collection is worth the wait and exceeded our expectations.
What started as a trilogy of bottles in 2000 evolved into the sought-after five-bottle collection of uncut and unfiltered bourbon and rye whiskeys we have today.
References:
- https://www.winemag.com/2022/03/21/allocated-bourbon/
- https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/buffalo-trace-george-t-stagg-bourbon-wont-be-released/
