Sazerac Rye 100 Proof

Introduction: I've generally not favored rye whiskey, finding most too herbaceous or spicy for my liking, but the standard Sazerac Rye was a pleasant surprise. It's reasonably priced, has a good balance of sweetness, and performs well in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. My consistent criticism has been its lack of depth. Upon the release of this 100 proof version, I was keen to see if the increased proof could address that issue. Nose: The aroma begins similarly to the standard Sazerac Rye but possesses greater complexity. Dark, stewed cherries are joined by the bitterness of orange peel and charred oak. The higher alcohol content leads to a drier profile, reducing the original's honeyed beeswax sweetness while highlighting spice and char. Taste: A fleeting impression of salted caramel initiates the sip before yielding to darker fruit and orange peel notes. These elements integrate smoothly, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and subtly bitter characteristics. Towards the end, tannic oak and a mild rye spice develop, feeling smooth and accessible rather than sharp. The sweetness found in the standard Sazerac is largely absent, replaced by a richer profile influenced by the oak. Finish: The higher proof becomes evident here – initially warm and somewhat fiery, then transitioning to a bittersweet dark chocolate and barrel char. A gentle black peppercorn spice persists longer than in the standard release, lending the finish both substance and presence. Conclusion: Sazerac Rye 100 Proof offers more depth, spice, and complexity compared to the standard bottling. It excels in cocktails and is also enjoyable neat, presenting a balanced, flavorful, and never harsh drinking experience. Available in liter bottles, the modest price increase seems fully justified. This is a robust yet approachable rye that deserves a permanent place in my collection, particularly as my preferred choice for cocktail preparation.

Aroma hints at an herbal profile with wintergreen, fennel, lemongrass, mint, and oak, accompanied by shortbread cookie and vanilla bean. The ethanol level is quite low. The aroma accurately predicts the taste, which is herbaceous with strong anise, camphor, eucalyptus, and hay, balanced by some caramel sauce and burnt sugars. The flavors are well-layered and intricate. It's a very "dark" rye, as the sweeter notes are quite rich. The finish, on the shorter side of medium, offers earthy tobacco leaf, oak, black pepper, barrel char, rye spice, and sweetness from the palate that persists in the form of molasses and brown sugar. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and slick, which is a pleasure. This is a superb example of a botanical rye, nicely balanced with sugary notes. A word of caution, however: the anise/black licorice note is quite prominent, so it might be a divisive spirit. I personally lean towards enjoying it, as the contrast between the herbal spice and rich sweetness really worked for me. For $40.00 for a 1L bottle, this is now the undisputed champion of budget ryes, and it's not even close. I will purchase it frequently.

About what you would expect from Sazerac rye with some added proof. Still heavy on baking spice and a good amount of sweetness from the corn in the mashbill. It makes your tongue a bit warmer, which is welcome, and holds up better in a Sazerac (cocktail). It is nice that supply is finally catching up to demand with this one and we are getting some interesting variants that are not priced astronomically like everything else seems to be these days.

An improvement over the old Sazerac. Great on its own or in a mixed drink. I'm eager to try the 125 proof version.