Among connoisseurs of bourbon and rye whiskey, few annual special releases are as venerated as the bottles that make up the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Every Fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery shares an elevated, extra-aged, high-proof version of its already expertly crafted whiskeys. Every year, the collection varies in both age statement and proof for each bottle. Whiskey fanatics have made it a mission to go to great lengths and pay a massive price for these bottles, so it’s only fair that they know what they’re getting into before the hunt begins.

We were lucky enough to be provided samples from Buffalo Trace. In our taste tests, we worked our way up from the lowest-proof whiskey, to the highest. Although these samples were provided, as always, our tasting notes and opinions are 100% our own. Without further ado, here is everything you need to know about the 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and our first blush tasting notes on each bottle.

Sazerac Rye 18-year-old Whiskey

At 90 proof, this year’s 18-year-old Sazerac Rye is the lightest of the bunch. Distilled and barreled between 2004 and 2005, this whiskey presents notes of caramel, clove, and dill on the nose. The palate is very herbal, with a prominent dill note and more clove and black pepper, with a clear presence of rye grain. The finish is long with notes of vanilla and a hint of dill and tarragon.

For those who love an unabashed rye whiskey, this is for you. For lovers of bourbon, the herbal and rye spice notes might not be to your liking. Compared directly to the rest of the collection, I would have enjoyed trying this at a higher proof, but the overall flavor profile is very nice.

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon

Don’t let the name on the bottle fool you, this bottling of Eagle Rare was actually aged 19 years and 3 months. Because of the extra barrel influence, this 101-proof bourbon whiskey will likely be the most sought-after in this year’s collection.

On the nose, this whiskey has deep rich notes of caramel, toffee, and damp oak. The palate is rich with a light spice, vanilla, milk chocolate, and tobacco. The finish is sweet, syrupy, and satisfying — overall a very pleasurable drinking experience. Would I have liked to see this at a higher proof? Yes, but that’s the role George T. Stagg is meant to play. As it stands, for a 19-year-old bourbon, this is very well-balanced and not overly oaked.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey

Full disclosure, the 2022 Thomas H. Handy bottling was my favorite from that year’s collection. Thankfully, this year’s expression, bottled at 124.9 proof, still delivers. All of the qualities expected from an uncut, unfiltered, barrel-proof rye from years past are still here.

Immediately on the nose, I notice more sweetness than I recall from last year’s herb-forward bottling. Caramel, nutmeg, and orange peel are the primary notes, with a savory herbal note that reminds me of thyme or possibly rosemary on the back end. Upon sipping the primary note I pick up is baking spice — hot cinnamon and clove. That is backed up with notes of dark cherry and candied walnut. There might be more complexity here than in this year’s Sazerac 18, but compared to how I remember the 2022 Thomas H. Handy, I was hoping for more savory herbal qualities like dill or tarragon. That being said, this is still a remarkably crafted rye whiskey.

William Larue Weller Bourbon

Over the last handful of years, the W.L. Weller line of wheat-forward bourbons has built up quite the reputation. Due in part to its link to the Van Winkle line of wheated whiskeys, Weller bottles have become harder and harder to acquire. The William Larue Weller presents the highest-tier expression in the line of wheated bourbons. This year’s bottling was distilled and barreled in 2011 and bottled at 133.6 proof, which dwarfs last year’s 124.7 proof whiskey.

This bourbon is absolutely delicious and, for me at least, is one of those whiskeys that presents very similar notes across noes, palate, and finish. On the nose, there are notes of cherry, brown sugar, red apple, and maple. Those continue on the palate with a slight injection of warm baking spice. The finish is rich and buttery and is reminiscent of a baked apple dessert. It drinks much softer than its staggering 133.6 proof and is overall, uncomplicated, but very satisfying.

George T. Stagg Bourbon

Every year, George T. Stagg tends to be one of the stars of the Antique Collection — and with good reason. It is the most heavily aged, unadulterated version of Buffalo Trace’s most commonly used mash bill. This year’s offering is aged for 15 years and four months. Unfiltered and bottled at a whopping 135 proof, this bourbon is pure bourbon.

On the nose, this whiskey presents a slightly savory caramel apple note that is paired with cinnamon and candied cherry. The cherry is carried through the palate with an injection of apple, cola, and a slight chocolatey, hazelnut sweetness. The finish is long and satisfying with a bit of saltiness and a very nice savory quality. Overall very tasty and demonstrably different from the 2022 expression.