Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (Fall 2018)

I really enjoyed sipping this neat. It's thick, dark, and incredibly viscous. A nice blend of sweet and savory flavors. I hadn't encountered either before and based on the name alone, I couldn't recall if this particular bottle from the collection was the older, lower-proof version or the younger, barrel-proof one. Based on how it drank, I guessed completely wrong. There was very little ethanol presence; I wouldn't have known it was the high-proof product. The primary indicator should have been its thickness and viscosity. It had a really pleasant cinnamon, oak, and subtle butterscotch character. At first impression, this is a clear new favorite among the barely legal ryes – somewhat akin to Pikesville if it were twice as dense. I didn't verify the mash bill accuracy, but that's my sensory impression. It's not as intricate as some, but it knows its identity and delivers on it perfectly. It's probably not worth the chase (though what really is?), but savor it if you get the chance to try some.

Fiery and intense, even with water, with plenty of rye spice. With a little water, very rich, long-lasting vanilla, maybe a hint of tobacco? Nice sweetness, brown sugar and butter flavor, which contrasts well with the vanilla. Kind of like good chocolate chip cookie dough, without the chips, but hot from the rye. It has a luxurious, full mouthfeel - it really is buttery. I suggest drinking it very slowly, letting it rest for 10-15 minutes before really diving in. The flavors develop more with time. I hit the jackpot with this one. This almost instantly becomes my favorite whiskey, and I know it may be a long time before a bottle like this comes my way again.

This is a top-tier rye, I'm just not a huge fan of rye in general. I had the opportunity to sample this during an extended whiskey tasting session, but unfortunately, I couldn't capture thorough notes. I use the rating system outlined below. The distiller uses a 5-point scale, while I use a 10-point scale, but I'm confident you can manage the conversion! 1. Terrible - So unpleasant I discarded it. 2. Subpar - I would avoid drinking it. 3. Flawed - Contains several imperfections. 4. Less than ideal - Not bad, but I prefer other options. 5. Average - Simply standard. 6. Good - Above average. 7. Excellent - Significantly better than average. 8. Outstanding - In a class of its own. 9. Memorable - A personal all-time favorite. 10. Flawless

I first tried THH on NYE 2018 at the House of Bourbon in New Orleans. Simply put...it was the best whiskey of any kind I’d ever tasted. I attributed it to the moment but it stayed with me until I finally found a bottle for sale. I stand by my initial impression...Pappy 15, Lot B, GTS, even the highly regarded BTAC Saz 18 y.o... you name it...they all fall short of the standard THH has set for my palate. If there's something better out there, I surely can't afford it. Five stars.

Nose (4.0): The aroma is slightly more subdued than I would have preferred. Excellent scents of candied apples, spice, and a hint of dark chocolate. Palate (4.5): Outstanding balance. The aromas from the nose carry through to the palate, harmonizing beautifully. The spice builds without disrupting the overall profile. Its smoothness, especially for a higher proof, is remarkable. Finish (4.5): The finish echoes the beginning with subtle cocoa notes and a pleasant addition of oak. A very sophisticated rye spirit.

The color is a vibrant golden amber, leaving heavy streaks in the glass. The aroma is full of sweet and floral rye, with vanilla, soft sugar, and some grassiness to finish. The taste immediately hits you with dry and spicy rye, which is simultaneously very rich with vanilla and a slight hint of oak. It's a very straightforward taste, but it all combines into a big burst of flavor that stays in the mouth, keeping it warm for a very long and wonderful finish.