For those who enjoy this industry and have participated in the annual fall hunt for limited bourbon and whiskey releases, you know about the elusive Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). For those who might not know, or those just starting to explore the wonderful world of Bourbon, let me explain. With the popularity that Buffalo Trace saw during the pandemic years, this only proliferated the hype of the BTAC lineup, increasing the lack of availability while inflating the costs; basic economics.

Personally, I believe many would agree that the fall/winter of every year, maybe associated with the holiday season, is often when the most highly allocated and limited edition whiskeys and bourbon are released. These bottles are often low in production numbers, have limited distribution, and have a higher MSRP coupled with even higher secondary market costs. Occasionally these bottles will show up at MSRP or slightly above during drawings or for loyalty programs. Today’s review comes was one of those bottles from the Buffalo Trace Distillery which is a part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC); 2023 Thomas H. Handy.

Bottle Information

From the Buffalo Trace website: Named after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, this uncut and unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel, just as it was over a century ago. Full of rich flavors, this authentic American rye whiskey is a symbol of the timeless history of New Orleans and the legacy of Thomas H. Handy.

• Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Minnesota Rye, Kentucky Corn, North Dakota Malted Barley)
• Proof: 124.9
• Age: 6 Years 2 Months
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $125
• 2024 National Average: $700
• Official Website

When I first started this adventure, I never thought I would even see a bottle of BTAC, let alone own one. Over the years these bottles have started to slowly show up a bit more on store shelves, yet they are three to five times the actual MSRP. However, as they say, patience sometimes pays off. We saw several of these bottles during the 2023 release in NoCo, many of which stayed on shelves and can still be found there six months later. Thankfully, I was given a chance to purchase this bottle through a loyalty program, although still marked up by $100, it was well worth the probably once-in-a-lifetime purchase.

Overall, this fruit-forward spicy rye provided an amazing Long Colorado Winter Hug finish with ending notes of Rye Spice, Dry Oak, and Sweet Dried Fruit. This is the first bottle from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection I have owned, and it was not a letdown! Although I paid over MSRP, I would definitely do it again at this purchase price! With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Rye Spice, Spearmint, and Oak
• Palate: Spearmint, Cinnamon, Rye Spice, Oak, and Dehydrated Fruits (Fig/Raisin/Apricot/Peach)
• Finish: Long Colorado Winter Hug with Ending Notes of Rye Spice, Dry Oak, and Sweet Dried Fruit
• My Rating: Save It! (This is the first bottle from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) I have owned, and it was not a let down! Although I paid over MSRP, I would definitely do it again!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™