Volume: 750ml
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Origin: Kentucky, USA
Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

In a lineup known for power and intensity, Sazerac 18 Year Old takes a different path.

The 2025 release from Buffalo Trace Distillery leans into elegance rather than sheer force — a carefully matured rye whiskey aged for over 18 years and bottled at a restrained 90 proof.

And that lower proof is exactly the point.

After nearly two decades in oak, this whiskey doesn’t need brute strength to command attention. Instead, the proof allows the mature rye character to unfold slowly — seasoned oak, herbal spice, warm leather and old-world depth layered together with remarkable balance.

Distilled in Spring 2006 and 2007, then matured across Warehouses O, K and L, the whiskey lost an incredible 77% to evaporation before bottling. What remains is deeply concentrated yet surprisingly graceful.

The nose opens with polished rye spice and seasoned oak before moving into subtle herbal notes and soft leather richness. On the palate, mature spice, oak and earthy warmth build slowly, carrying through into a long finish filled with lingering caraway seed, leather and drying oak.

For many rye lovers, Sazerac 18 represents the refined side of ultra-aged American whiskey — proof that maturity and restraint can sometimes say more than sheer intensity.

Extremely limited worldwide allocation.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Seasoned oak, bright rye spice, herbal lift and soft mature leather.

Palate

Layered rye spice and oak balanced by earthy richness, leather and gentle sweetness.

Finish

Long and elegant with lingering rye spice, caraway seed, leather and mature oak.