Sazerac Full Proof Rye Review
A smooth, full-proof Kentucky rye that layers caramel, tropical fruit, and baking spice without the harsh edges.
About Buffalo Trace
“The world’s most decorated distillery” – Buffalo Trace Website
One of the best-known American whiskey producers, Buffalo Trace has been distilling since around 1775 and is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the U.S. Its longevity owes much to surviving the temperance movement and Prohibition.
Many of its whiskies honor legendary distillers (George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Elmer T. Lee), while the distillery itself is named after the buffalo migration path across the Kentucky River.
It was originally called The Old Fire Copper Distillery (O.F.C. Vintages), later the George T. Stagg Company, before being acquired by the Sazerac Company in 1992 and rebranded as Buffalo Trace, gaining its national reputation.
The History of Sazerac
Sazerac’s story starts long before the company:
- In 1838, Creole pharmacist Antoine Peychaud mixed brandy, absinthe, and his secret bitters at his New Orleans pharmacy, creating America’s first cocktail: the Sazerac.
- By 1850, the Sazerac Coffee House institutionalized the drink using imported Sazerac de Forge et Fils brandy.
The Sazerac Company emerged over time:
- 1869: Thomas H. Handy purchased the coffee house, acquiring Peychaud’s Bitters.
- The company expanded into distilling, bottling, and marketing, surviving Prohibition and evolving into a family-owned powerhouse.
Today, under the Goldring family, Sazerac is the fifth-largest U.S. spirits company, with 2,000 employees, nine manufacturing facilities, and iconic brands including Pappy Van Winkle, Fireball, Southern Comfort, and Buffalo Trace.
Buffalo Trace, founded in 1787, now houses many of Sazerac’s bourbons and ryes, including the Sazerac Full Proof Rye, combining New Orleans heritage with Kentucky craftsmanship.
Stats
- Age: min 4 yr (not disclosed)
- Proof: 125 (62.5% ABV)
- Mashbill: 51% Rye │ 39% Corn │10% Malted Barley (unconfirmed)
- Origin: Buffalo Trace – Frankfort, Kentucky
- Finish: Straight
- Release: 2025 Allocated Wide Release
- MSRP: $39.95
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Caramelized pecan and skillet cornbread open the experience. Crème brûlée crust crackles underneath with a gentle dusting of cinnamon. There’s a soft cherry blossom sweetness and a restrained herbal mint note — present, but far from dominant. Minimal mint. No dill. This leans Kentucky more than classic herbal rye.
- Palate: A bit of funky corn and coating caramel upfront. Then it bursts — tropical Skittles and baked sugar notes take over. Medium baking spice builds gradually but never spikes. No sharp rye heat — just a rounded, steady climb.
- Finish: Pineapple upside-down cake soaked in caramelized brown sugar lingers alongside cinnamon warmth. Medium length, but the Kentucky hug holds on pleasantly. The spice never dominates — it supports.
- Presentation: The ageless Sazerac bottle but slap a very important blue label denoting “Full Proof” and “125 Proof”
This rye is hugely accessible — full-bodied, layered, and smooth despite 125 proof.
It consistently ramps up in flavor and finishes stronger than it starts.
The only knock? I wish the linger stretched just a bit longer.
Buy this if you:
- Enjoy budget-friendly rye that punches above its price
- Want a proof-forward rye with fruit and sweetness
- Are a Buffalo Trace collector
Skip if you:
- Can’t find it at MSRP.
This is a must-buy for serious collectors.
Value
At face value, this is a minimum 4-year Kentucky rye from Buffalo Trace.
Add 125 proof and layers of flavor, and you get tremendous value, rivaling much pricier options like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and keeping pace with what is, we think, the Single Barrel version of this bottle, Thomas H. Handy.
Transparency
Buffalo Trace is historically guarded with details: age statements, mashbill percentages, and barrel counts are often undisclosed.
While this may lose points in scoring, it also ensures Buffalo Trace remains unique — unreplicable even if someone duplicated every statistic.
For those who prefer numbers, here’s the full score breakdown:
- Nose: 5.8 / 7
- Palate: 5.8 / 7
- Finish: 6.25 / 7
- Presentation: 6 / 7
- Value: 7 / 7
- Transparency: 4 / 7
Bourbon Bishop Rating: 5.81 / 7 – Divine
Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style.
| Score | Descriptor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Hell No | Drain pour. Seriously undrinkable |
| 1.1–2 | Purgatory | Bad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases. |
| 2.1–3 | Only Earthly | Just okay. Best used as a mixer. |
| 3.1–4 | Bliss | Passable sipper. Works well in cocktails. |
| 4.1–5 | Angelic | Good to great. High value for the price. |
| 5.1–6 | Divine | Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style. |
| 6.1–7 | Holy Heaven | Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn. |
Disclosure: This sample was provided to me free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
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