Sazerac Rye 18 Year (Fall 2020)

The first BTAC I managed to try this year, which is quite unusual given how scarce this particular bottling is. Unfortunately, the bar didn't have a Glencairn, so I had to drink it from a rocks glass. Despite this, I found the aroma to be excellent. In addition to the typical brown sugar and caramel notes, this one featured deep orange peel, leather, and eucalyptus. The mouthfeel was excellent for its proof. Everything from the aroma was present on the palate, with an additional mint characteristic on the back end. The finish was a little short for my preference, but that's to be expected for spirits at 90 proof. I would strongly endorse a serving of this.

Smell: Pine needles and fruit with a prominent classic rye character, accented by a whisper of vanilla and a hint of tobacco. Taste: Continues with pine and fruit, but gains more vanilla and some black tea. End: The finish is the least striking aspect, with berry and vanilla alternating. This possesses a remarkably dense texture for being 90 proof. It has one of the most substantial mouthfeels I've encountered. Extremely intricate with some distinctive tastes.

Molasses, coconut, and almond on the nose. It gradually opens up and delivers a long finish. A significant molasses impact. Stronger oak/cask influences than previous Saz 18 releases.

From a wine barrel. Herbal aroma, not overly sweet, but the herbal notes carry through on the palate with some dill and cinnamon. The finish has a lasting presence. Maple syrup. Superb!

It's like maple syrup that spent time in vanilla extract barrels. Hints of Marsala are present. Despite its 90 proof, it drinks significantly bolder, which is a positive.

Noticeably superior and less oak-forward than the 2023 expression.