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96
Sazerac Rye (18 year old, 1983, 45%)
Deep amber color. Bold and surprisingly youthful aromas, and quite vibrant for its age-huge spicy notes (mint, cinnamon, vanilla, anise, freshly ground pepper), with rich toffee, caramel and background fruit. Rich, enveloping body. Enormous in flavor, with youthful dynamic spices (mint, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper), wrapped in rich toffee and molasses, tamed by mature oak and leather notes. The flavors intensify on the palate, ultimately reaching a crescendo. The boldness of the spices and maturity of age dovetail perfectly. Its finish is very satisfying and seemingly eternal.
Style: rye whiskey. Price: high $30s. Available nationwide in limited quantities (Buffalo Trace Distillery, 502/223-7641).
An impeccably balanced, distinctive whiskey of outstanding character. The best rye whiskey on the market. For the lover of bold whiskeys. Rye whiskeys seem to have a greater tolerance for aging, given that they are so bold and spicy. This whiskey is an excellent example of this potential.
(1st Quarter 2002 Issue-Vol. 11#1)
95
Sazerac Rye 18 year old, 45%, $48
This is a good as rye whiskey gets. It's powerfully spicy, yet there is a calming sweetness along with soft berry and citrus fruit behind the spice. I find its oily texture very soothing, and this also marries beautifully with the spice from the rye and the resinous oak. The flavors are crisp and incredibly clean, and the 18 years in oak has added formidable depth.
(1st Quarter 2006 Issue-Vol. 15#1)
95
Sazerac Rye 18 year old (2005 release), 45%, $50
(Previously reviewed in Vol. 15, No. 1.) A wonderfully crisp, clean rye for 18 years old (or any age, for that matter), with incredible depth and balance. A perennial classic.
(4th Quarter 2007 Issue-Vol. 15#4)
88
Sazerac Rye, 6 year old, 45%, $20
Youthful and very lively. Bold, crisp, spices (mint, cinnamon, vanilla)
are softened by soothing, sweeter notes (candied fruit, coconut, caramel, and rum notes), becoming dry, flinty, and spicy on the finish. It is very clean and polished, and it is superior to other rye whiskeys in this age range. Nicely done!
(4th Quarter 2005 Issue-Vol. 14#4)
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