Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (Fall 2012)

I still have the label, with an ABV of 67.4, but I'm unsure of the year; it seems to have been from the late 2000s. As I recall, it was potent, with a very spicy rye character, not sweet but packed with flavor and a long, tingling aftertaste reminiscent of eucalyptus, nettles, and mint. I drank it with ice to help temper the alcohol's intensity, and also used it to create classic shaken cocktails. I wish I still had it to try now that I enjoy barrel-proof whiskies.

It takes a few sips, but then it's good. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't worth the price or the buzz.

2016 - The nose is dominated by oak. It drinks lighter than its stated proof.

Aromas of lemon, vanilla bean, stone fruit, and cinnamon.