Buffalo Trace is set to release its highly anticipated 2023 Antique Collection, featuring a milestone bourbon that is sure to excite whiskey enthusiasts. This year’s collection includes the oldest Eagle Rare ever included in the Antique Collection, making it a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

For over two decades, the Frankfort Distillery has released its annual Antique Collection, which consists of some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world. Every fall, whiskey lovers line up at stores, hoping to snag a bottle of these award-winning spirits.

Last year, George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year, further solidifying the Antique Collection’s reputation for excellence. The 2022 Eagle Rare 17 even took home the top prize at the 2023 American Whiskey Masters competition, winning the coveted Taste Master award.

As always, this year’s Antique Collection includes five staple whiskeys: George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey, William Larue Weller Bourbon, and, of course, the aforementioned Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon.

Each bottle in the collection has a suggested retail price of $124.99, making them an investment worth considering. The tasting notes provided by Buffalo Trace offer tantalizing descriptions of each whiskey, further fueling the excitement surrounding their release.

The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon has a rich history, with barrels as old as 17 years and three months contributing to its complex flavor profile. Distilled in the spring of 2004 and aged in various warehouses, this bourbon boasts notes of dark chocolate, cherry pie filling, and caramel-drizzled chocolate sponge cake. Its dry and spicy finish is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The other whiskeys in the collection also have their own unique characteristics. The Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, distilled in the spring of 2008, offers a nose of cinnamon and cherry cola. Its palate exhibits a captivating mix of leather, chocolate, and vanilla, with an earthy finish that adds depth to the overall experience.

The Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey, meanwhile, entices with the aromas of dried orange, rye grain, cloves, and aniseed. On the palate, one can expect black pepper, vanilla, oak, and a floral honey and tobacco leaf finish. Its barrels were filled between the fall of 2004 and the spring of 2005, contributing to its distinct character.

The William Larue Weller Bourbon, aged over six years, provides an aromatic journey with notes of orange zest, lemon oil, caramel, and pine. Its palate boasts flavors of freshly baked rye bread, orange marmalade, honey, and a balanced finish of oak and black licorice.

Lastly, the collection features the George T. Stagg Bourbon, distilled in the spring of 2011. This 133.6 proof whiskey delights the senses with a nose of dark brown sugar and vanilla bean. Its palate offers a delightful combination of stewed cherry, brown sugar crumble, and a finish of baking spice with a hint of maple syrup.

With such a diverse range of flavors and ages, Buffalo Trace’s 2023 Antique Collection is sure to impress whiskey enthusiasts from all walks of life. The attention to detail in the distilling and aging process is evident, making each bottle a true work of art.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a whiskey novice looking to expand your palate, keep an eye out for the arrival of the 2023 Antique Collection at your local stores. These limited-edition bottles are expected to fly off the shelves, so act quickly to secure your piece of whiskey history. Cheers!