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Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Returns in 2024 To Celebrate WL Weller Bourbon's 25th Anniversary

 

You heard that right, Buffalo Trace fans. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has indeed returned for the 2024 autumn season.

The return celebrates the 25th anniversary of Sazerac Company’s acquisition of the Weller brand.

The collection was first released in 2000, and is said to represent ‘some of the finest whiskeys produced’ at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Each bottle is a premium expression of Buffalo Trace Distillery's diverse whiskey recipes, showcasing either their natural barrel proof strength or the results of extended aging in oak.

This year’s portfolio includes:

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old




Distilled in 2007 and aged for 17 years and four months, the expression is offered at 50.5% ABV. 

It is said to have notes of salted caramel with deep red fruit, like apple or cherry. 

On the palate, the caramel and cherry and are joined with hints of warm baking spice and sweet pipe tobacco. The finish reportedly offers warm vanilla. 

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024: George T Stagg 15 Years Old

 

 

The 2024 release was aged for 15 years and two months, and is offered at 68.05% ABV.

On the nose the notes are said to be woody, with damp oak and barrel char while caramelised apple and dark maraschino cherry balance out the oakiness. 

There are also notes of clove, allspice, and a bit of leathery tannins. The mouthfeel is purported to be viscous and coats the palate, with notes of fine tobacco and salted caramel. 

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024: William Larue Weller Bourbon 12 Years Old

 

 

The standout whiskey of the collection this year, this whiskey entered its barrels at 72% ABV and was aged for more than 12 years on the lower floor of a rick warehouse at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Bourbon is hand-bottled at 62.9% ABV and honours WL Weller, who is believed to have pioneered the wheated Bourbon recipe, substituting wheat for the traditional rye grain.

On the nose, it is said there are notes of new leather, light pipe tobacco, caramel, marshmallow, and hints of ripe fruit. The palate has rich caramel and toffee notes. Reportedly, the finish is long with notes of oak, caramel, and fruit.

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024: Thomas H Handy Sazerac 6 Years Old

 

 

This whiskey has been aged for six years and bottled directly from the barrel at 63.6% ABV.

On the nose, this expression presents notes of dark chocolate and orange zest, with a hint of allspice and caraway seeds. There is a bright orange peel note with notes of clove, nutmeg and allspice. Reportedly, there is also dark roast coffee, along with some herbaceousness. 

The mouthfeel of this rye is said to gently coat the mouth with notes of caramel, black pepper and clove.

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024: Sazerac 18 Year Old

 

 

Aged for 18 years and five months, this expression is bottled at 45% ABV.

The nose presents notes of rich caramel with a hint of barrel char, and grape or plum. It is also said to have a nice, leathery earthiness to the nose, with a pinch of herbal spice.

On the palate, the whiskey begins with a strong note of sweet caramel, followed by a hint of rye spice and black pepper.  The finish reportedly has herbal notes of Thai basil and mint.

 

Each expression in the collection features a back label, which offers a detailed history and description of the whiskey within.

The limited edition Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles are sold individually and are available nationwide in the US at a suggested retail price of US$149.99.

 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team