Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2017

Uncut. Unfiltered. 5-star Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult. 94.5 from David Broom. The 2017 Thomas H. Handy — the boldest, most powerful expression in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection rye lineup.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is one of five annual releases in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection — the cask-strength companion to the refined 18-year Sazerac Rye. Named for Thomas H. Handy, the New Orleans bar owner credited with popularizing the Sazerac cocktail and the first to use rye whiskey as its base spirit, Handy is bottled directly from the barrel: uncut, unfiltered, at whatever proof the barrels naturally reached.

The 2017 earned a 5-star Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult and a 94.5 from David Broom, who called it "an extraordinary aromatic nose." It is defined by a lush, spice-forward profile: toffee and fig cake on the nose, cinnamon and clove through the palate, and a long warm finish of allspice, coconut, and nutmeg — a flavor progression that has made Handy the most immediately recognizable of the five BTAC releases for experienced rye drinkers.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with warm copper highlights.
• Nose: Powerful and lush — toffee, fig cake, candied fruit, and warm rye spice.
• Palate: Bold and intensely spiced — cinnamon, clove, dark fruit, and caramel. The proof builds through the mid-palate.
• Finish: Long and warming — allspice, coconut, nutmeg, and a clean rye spice fading slowly.

Critical Acclaim — 2017 Vintage

• F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal: 5 Stars / Highest Recommendation
• David Broom: 94.5 — "An extraordinary aromatic nose."

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2017 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Browse all Sazerac expressions or explore all rye whiskey at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the 2017 Handy compare to the 2018 and 2020 vintages? The 2017 arrived at a lower proof than the 2018 (126.2) and 2020 (129), but earned equally strong critical scores. Pacult awarded the 2017 his Highest Recommendation, making it one of the most acclaimed Handy vintages. Proof differences between vintages reflect different barrel cohorts and aging conditions.
• How does Handy differ from Sazerac 18 Year? Sazerac 18 is aged 18 years and bottled at a refined 90 proof — mellow, complex, and approachable. Handy is uncut cask strength and younger — bold, raw, and intensely powerful. They are complementary expressions from the same rye program.
• Is the 2017 still available? In limited quantities through specialty retailers. The 2017 is now several years out of primary BTAC distribution — finding it requires a retailer with legacy allocation.
• How should I serve Thomas H. Handy? Start neat with at least 5 minutes rest before nosing. Add a few drops of still water to open the fruit and spice notes. Ice suppresses the aromatics that make Handy worth drinking.