Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: A Rare and Prestigious Selection for Whiskey Connoisseurs

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is the epitome of premium, limited-edition whiskies, offering whiskey connoisseurs a rare and exceptional drinking experience. Produced by the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery, this collection features some of the finest bourbons and ryes, each carefully crafted and aged to perfection. With its limited releases and exceptional quality, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has become one of the most coveted collections in the world of whiskey. Whether you’re a collector, a whiskey enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the finest spirits, this collection is sure to impress.

In this guide, we’ll provide an in-depth look at the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, its history, the expressions included, tasting notes, and why it’s a must-have for any whiskey lover. Let’s explore the extraordinary whiskies that make up this collection.

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What is the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is an annual release of limited-edition bourbons and ryes from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The collection includes a selection of rare whiskies that are typically aged for several years and released in small quantities, making them highly exclusive and incredibly sought after. Each year, whiskey enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the release, hoping to add these prized bottles to their collections.

Each expression in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is unique, showcasing a different aspect of the distillery’s craftsmanship. From high-proof, cask-strength bourbons to complex, full-bodied ryes, the collection offers something for every palate. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has become synonymous with quality, rarity, and exclusivity, making it a true standout in the world of whiskey.

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Key Expressions in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection typically includes five distinct expressions, each of which offers a unique tasting experience. Let’s take a closer look at these exceptional whiskies:

1. George T. Stagg Bourbon

One of the most iconic expressions in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, George T. Stagg Bourbon is a powerful, uncut, and unfiltered whiskey bottled at cask strength. Known for its bold flavor and high proof, George T. Stagg is a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike. This bourbon has a deep, rich flavor profile, with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and spice. Its robust character and full-bodied nature make it an unforgettable drinking experience.

• Flavor Profile: Dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, oak, and spices.
• Aging: Typically aged for 15 years or more.
• ABV: 60-65% cask strength.

2. William Larue Weller Bourbon

William Larue Weller is a wheated bourbon that is bottled at barrel proof, offering a smooth, rich flavor with a slightly sweeter profile compared to rye-based bourbons. This expression is known for its complex character, with flavors of caramel, honey, and vanilla, along with a subtle fruitiness. William Larue Weller is a must-try for those who enjoy a rich and complex wheated bourbon.

• Flavor Profile: Caramel, honey, vanilla, and subtle fruit.
• Aging: Typically aged for 12-15 years.
• ABV: 60-65% barrel proof.

3. Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old

The Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old is a straight rye whiskey that offers a bold, spicy flavor with a well-balanced sweetness. Known for its deep complexity, Sazerac Rye features notes of pepper, cinnamon, and clove, balanced with sweet caramel and vanilla. This expression has become a favorite among rye whiskey lovers due to its rich and vibrant character.

• Flavor Profile: Pepper, cinnamon, clove, caramel, and vanilla.
• Aging: 18 years.
• ABV: 45-50%.

4. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon is a smooth, refined bourbon with a complex flavor profile that develops beautifully with age. Known for its elegant character, Eagle Rare offers flavors of caramel, vanilla, oak, and dried fruit. Its long aging process results in a bourbon that is rich and well-balanced, making it a standout expression in the collection.

• Flavor Profile: Caramel, vanilla, oak, dried fruit.
• Aging: 17 years.
• ABV: 45-50%.

5. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Named after the creator of the famous Sazerac cocktail, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is a high-proof rye whiskey that offers an intense, vibrant flavor profile. Known for its bold, spicy notes of cinnamon, clove, and pepper, this rye whiskey also has a touch of sweetness, with flavors of caramel and vanilla. Thomas H. Handy is often bottled at cask strength, giving it a fiery, full-bodied character.

• Flavor Profile: Cinnamon, clove, pepper, caramel, and vanilla.
• Aging: 6-7 years.
• ABV: 60-65% cask strength.

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Why the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a Must-Have

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is one of the most coveted and prestigious lines of whiskey available today. Here are a few reasons why you should add these exceptional bottles to your collection:

1. Limited Editions

Each expression in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is produced in small quantities, making them rare and highly collectible. These limited-edition releases sell out quickly, often commanding high prices on the secondary market. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, you’ll own a piece of whiskey history.

2. Exceptional Quality

The whiskies in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection are known for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Each bottle is carefully crafted using the finest ingredients and aged to perfection, resulting in a whiskey that is rich, complex, and full of character. Whether you prefer bold, spicy rye or smooth, sweet bourbon, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection offers something for every palate.

3. A True Whiskey Experience

Drinking a bottle from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is an experience in itself. The rich flavors, intense complexity, and high-proof nature of these whiskies make them a standout choice for those who appreciate fine spirits. Whether you’re sipping it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, each bottle offers a memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression.

4. Collector’s Value

Due to their rarity and high demand, the bottles in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection are highly sought after by collectors. Many of these whiskies increase in value over time, making them a smart investment for those looking to build a whiskey collection. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has earned a reputation for being one of the finest collections in the whiskey world, and owning a bottle is a point of pride for any collector.

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Where to Buy Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Given the rarity of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, securing a bottle can be a challenge. However, there are several ways to find these limited-edition releases:

• Local Liquor Stores: Some specialty liquor stores receive limited allocations of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, so it’s worth checking with your local store.
• Online Retailers: Websites like Bourbon Haven often carry rare and hard-to-find whiskies, including expressions from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. You can explore their selection and find limited-edition bottles available for purchase.
• Whiskey Auctions: Many bottles from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection are sold through whiskey auctions, where collectors can bid on rare releases. If you’re looking for a specific bottle, keeping an eye on auction sites can be a great way to secure a bottle.

Visit Bourbon Haven to browse their selection of Buffalo Trace Antique Collection whiskies and secure a bottle for your collection.

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Conclusion

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a true treasure for whiskey lovers, offering some of the finest and rarest expressions in the world of bourbon and rye. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual whiskey drinker, these limited-edition whiskies offer an unforgettable experience that will elevate your appreciation for fine spirits. If you’re fortunate enough to find a bottle, consider adding it to your collection – you won’t regret it.

For the best selection of rare and limited-edition whiskies, be sure to visit Bourbon Haven and explore their premium offerings from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and beyond. Happy sipping!