Sazerac Rye 18 Year (Fall 2021)

Served neat from a bar pour. This is my initial experience with any Saz 18. The aroma suggests 18 years of aging with a musty log cabin scent, complete with hints of moss. There's considerable sweetness beneath the surface. The rye presents as a peppercorn blend. Revisiting the sweetness, it's mainly like sweet cream vanilla frosting, with a subtle hint of dark chocolate. The musty oak aroma is quite enjoyable; I find myself returning to it, evoking a desire to be in an old wooden cabin by a fire. On the palate, the texture is thin. I had anticipated a more oily consistency, similar to a Lost Prophet, but it's lacking. Initially, there isn't much complexity. I detect sugared mint leaves. The mid-palate is dominated by rye. Curiously, it doesn't taste like an ultra-aged rye at this stage (the aging becomes more apparent later, but still not to a 18-year degree). Rye and vanilla are present. The finish is the most intriguing aspect. The oils finally make an appearance. However, it's quite tannic. The finish is mint chocolate chip followed by dry wood chips. Then, the tannic quality intensifies, which is somewhat off-putting. After experiencing Eagle Rare 17 and now this, I have no interest in owning a bottle if this is the typical experience. I do not find it enjoyable. I would much prefer Michter's 10 Rye based on memory. While it's an expensive pour at $40, it provides valuable insight if faced with a choice between buying it or something else.

Light copper color. The nose has notes of light butterscotch, citrus, vanilla, and a hint of licorice. The flavor profile is spicy, peppery, and cinnamon with light to medium sweetness and some lingering musty/moldy oak. It's not as rich or intense as the other Antique Collection bottlings, but that's expected with 45% ABV. It's certainly my least favorite of the collection. Rated 3.91.

Tasted this alongside the 2020 Thomas H. Handy. The Handy is vastly superior by comparison, but this is still a pleasant, sweet, oak-forward spirit. A great pour if you enjoy chewing on wood staves or whittling wood sculptures with your teeth in your free time.

Starts out gentle on the palate. A spicy heat arrives at the finish. Nice to have after a meal. It has notes of pepper, mustiness, and a touch of oak. While it wasn't amazing, I'm pleased I got to try it.

Outstanding. I love the aroma, the taste, and the finish.

It's not my preference, but it is well-balanced.