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Is Sazerac Rye Hard to Find? Answered (2024 Updated)

Is Sazerac Rye Hard to Find

Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Sazerac Rye is one of the whiskey industry’s workhorses that fuels many of the bar’s rye-based cocktail menus.

It is one of the best quality and affordable options on the rye whiskey shelf. 

Currently, it is distilled and produced in Buffalo Trace Distillery, making it more famous and high in demand. 

But is Sazerac Rye hard to find, or are you just unlucky? Keep reading to find out. 

Is It Difficult To Find Sazerac Rye? 

Close Up Shot of Sazerac Rye Bottle

Sazerac Rye is difficult to find, especially in some places, because it is an excellent rye whiskey for its price. 

Some of the main reasons why it is difficult to find are the limited supply and once-a-year release of Buffalo Trace Distillery. 

With the growing population of whiskey drinkers getting hooked on Sazerac Rye, it is allocated in some places, which makes the expression harder to find. 

Fortunately, you can find bottlings of Sazerac Rye in some online liquor shops like Drizly and Total Wine

Also, if you cannot get hold of a bottle of Sazerac, you can check out Sazerac Rye alternatives like Woodford Reserve Rye, Rittenhouse Rye, and Highwest Rye, which can be a bit easier to find. 

Possible Reasons Why It’s Hard To Find 

Limited Supply

In the press release of Sazerac, the brand announced in 2019 that they began bottling limited quantities of whiskeys from Sazerac House and Buffalo Trace Distillery. 

“We are so excited to put our bottling line to work. Sazerac Rye is the most awarded American Rye Whiskey and an integral ingredient in the Sazerac Cocktail,

– David Bock, Operations Manager at Sazerac House.

While the additional bottling site may help fasten the production, it will take time for the whiskeys inside the barrel to reach their age and be ready for bottling. 

In addition, with such limited supply and high demand for the three expressions, it can be challenging to maintain an excellent inventory of whiskey on different liquor shelves.

While in limited supply, the Sazerac Rye “Baby Saz” is more attainable than Sazerac 18 and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac. 

Once A Year Release

Man Smelling Whiskey on a Glass

Sazerac 18 is one of the best rye whiskeys you can get hold of (if you get lucky) because it is released every year in limited quantities. 

The Sazerac 18 and Thomas H. Hand are part of the famous annual Antique Collection release of Buffalo Trace [1], one of the most anticipated yearly releases in the world of whiskey. 

With the once-a-year releases of these Sazerac Rye expressions, no one gets surprised that it is tough to find. 

Depends On Location 

Sazerac Rye expressions are generally hard to find, and unfortunately, it gets harder to find depending on your location. 

These are some of the states where Sazerac Rye can be extremely tough to find:

  • Colorado
  • South Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • Denver
  • Missouri

However, our folks from Massachusetts, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Chicago tipped us off that there are excellent inventories of Sazerac Rye, especially the Baby Saz, in their area. 

Is Sazerac Allocated? 

2 Bottles of Sazerac Rye

Yes, Sazerac is allocated in some places. With its high demand and low supply, it is treated as allocated in some areas. 

As it is not widely distributed in other places, the secondary market takes advantage when they get hold of Sazerac Rye. 

In some places, a bottle of Sazerac Rye costs $100 or more, which is unbelievably overpriced. 

What Bottles Can You Buy If You Can’t Find Sazerac? 

Sazerac Rye is a famous rye whiskey, and if you can’t find any bottle of Sazerac near you or the hefty secondary market price ruins your day, you can consider some options. 

Rittenhouse Rye, Woodford Reserve Rye, and High West Rye are some solid options that will give you a better grasp of what rye whiskey offers. 

Where Can You Buy Sazerac Rye? 

Opening Bottle of Sazerac Rye

Sazerac Rye is available in local liquor stores and grocery stores in different states (unless it’s allocated). 

If you can drop by the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop, you can snag a bottle of Sazerac Rye. 

In addition, you can have it delivered right to your doorstep by ordering it in Drizly and Total Wine online. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Sazerac Rye made?

Sazerac Rye is a New Orleans original, and it is produced, distilled, and bottled by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. 

What’s the secondary price for Sazerac Rye?

The secondary price for Sazerac Rye is around $90 or more, depending on your location. While the bottles are around $17-$25 in Louisiana, in Denver, it is around $89.99 per bottle.

How rare is Sazerac?

Sazerac Rye, particularly the Sazerac 18 Year Old Release, is considered quite rare due to its limited production and the scarcity of aged whiskey of this caliber.

The rarity is heightened by the fact that it is a part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, an annual release of highly sought-after and collectible bourbons and rye whiskies.

How often is Sazerac Rye released?

Sazerac Rye, specifically the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye, is released annually as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This collection typically sees a release each fall, showcasing a limited quantity of aged and exceptional whiskies.

However, the exact release schedule and availability can vary, and whiskey enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the annual announcement to secure a bottle of this rare and highly-regarded rye.

Is Sazerac allocated?

Yes, Sazerac Rye, especially the Sazerac 18 Year Old Release, is allocated. Allocation refers to the practice of distributing limited quantities of a product to specific markets, retailers, or individuals.

Given its scarcity and high demand, Sazerac Rye is often allocated to ensure a fair distribution among various outlets.

This allocation contributes to the rarity and collectibility of the whiskey, making it a sought-after item for both connoisseurs and collectors.

Is Sazerac a good rye whiskey?

Sazerac Rye is widely regarded as an exceptional and high-quality rye whiskey. Known for its rich history and association with the iconic Sazerac cocktail, this rye offers a well-balanced and flavorful profile. It typically features a robust spiciness, complemented by notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of fruit.

The Sazerac brand, produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail, contributing to the overall excellence of their rye whiskey expressions.

Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Sazerac Rye is celebrated for its complexity and depth of flavor, earning it a favorable reputation among whiskey enthusiasts.

Is Sazerac whiskey hard to find?

Yes, Sazerac whiskey, especially certain releases like the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye, can be challenging to find due to its limited production and high demand.

The scarcity of aged whiskey of this caliber, coupled with its association with the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, contributes to its elusive nature, making it a sought-after and collectible spirit in the whiskey market.

How much is Sazerac worth?

The value of Sazerac whiskey can vary based on factors such as the specific expression, age, and market conditions.

Generally, Sazerac releases, particularly limited editions like the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye, can command premium prices in the secondary market due to their rarity and collectibility.

The official retail price may be more accessible, but the secondary market values can fluctuate based on demand and availability.

What country is Sazerac Rye from?

Sazerac Rye is from the United States. It is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky. As a rye whiskey, it follows the traditional American whiskey production methods, including the use of a mash bill with at least 51% rye and aging in new charred oak barrels.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery, with its rich history and commitment to quality, contributes to the authenticity and excellence of Sazerac Rye as an American whiskey.

How long is Sazerac rye aged for?

The aging duration of Sazerac Rye can vary depending on the specific expression. The Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye, a notable release from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, undergoes a lengthy aging process for 18 years.

This extended maturation contributes to the whiskey’s depth of flavor, complexity, and smooth character.

The aging period allows the spirit to absorb flavors from the charred oak barrels, resulting in a well-balanced and matured rye whiskey that is highly coveted by enthusiasts for its rarity and exceptional quality.

Can you drink Sazerac Rye on the rocks?

Yes, you can certainly enjoy Sazerac Rye on the rocks. Sazerac Rye, known for its robust and flavorful profile, lends itself well to sipping over ice.

The chill from the ice can slightly mellow the spiciness of the rye while allowing the nuanced flavors to evolve, providing a delightful and refreshing sipping experience for those who appreciate the complexities of a quality rye whiskey.

Is Sazerac a common drink?

Sazerac, as a cocktail, is a classic and well-known drink, particularly in the world of cocktails and mixology. The Sazerac cocktail has historical significance, often regarded as one of the oldest known cocktails with roots dating back to the mid-19th century in New Orleans.

However, when referring to Sazerac Rye specifically, it is not as common as some mainstream whiskeys due to its limited production and the rarity of certain expressions, such as the highly sought-after Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye.

Does Sazerac own Eagle Rare?

Yes, Sazerac Company, a family-owned company based in New Orleans, owns Eagle Rare bourbon. Eagle Rare is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is also owned by the Sazerac Company.

Eagle Rare is known for its smooth and well-balanced flavor profile, offering a range of expressions, including the flagship Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon.

Where is Sazerac popular?

Sazerac, both as a cocktail and a brand, has a strong association with the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sazerac cocktail, considered the official cocktail of New Orleans, is deeply rooted in the city’s history and culture.

As for the Sazerac brand, it has a broader presence, being known and appreciated by whiskey enthusiasts across the United States and beyond.

The Sazerac Company, with its diverse portfolio of spirits, has garnered popularity in various markets, and its whiskies, including Sazerac Rye and Buffalo Trace, have become sought-after choices for consumers who appreciate high-quality and distinctive spirits.

So, Is Sazerac Rye Hard to Find?

Sazerac Rye is hard to find in some places, and you are not unlucky for not coming across a good bottle of this rye whiskey. 

Since it is produced in limited quantities, allocated, and released once a year, some shelves have limited supply while others have their bottles covered in dust. 

Sazerac Rye is hard to pass up, only if the rye whiskey is around the MSRP. 

Reference:

  1. Buffalo Trace’s 2022 Antique Collection Brings Back a Five-Bottle Fan Favorite
  2. Bourbon bonanza: Buffalo Trace celebrates filling eight millionth barrel of bourbon since Prohibition
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