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Sazerac Rye on Piano

Sazerac Rye - The Character of New Orleans

The one and only New Orleans original, Sazerac Rye symbolizes the culture and history of the Big Easy. In the 19th century, industrious farmers and distillers in the heartland of the United States barreled and shipped their rye whiskeys down the great Mississippi River to the bustling, growing city of New Orleans. These spicy and assertive spirits fueled the whiskey culture of New Orleans and established the first American cocktail, The Sazerac.

A 1 liter bottle of Sazerac Rye - Straight Rye Whiskey

The Birth of the Sazerac Cocktail


The Sazerac was born in the French Quarter at a time when saloons, veiled as coffee houses, lined the streets of New Orleans. At the famed Sazerac Coffee House, the drink of choice became a libation of rye whiskey, absinthe and bitters and with that, the first branded cocktail, The Sazerac, was born. Our Sazerac Rye carries the unrestrained taste and character of New Orleans.

Chilled Sazerac Rye being poured into whiskey glasses for customers to taste
A bottle of Sazerac Rye lying next to fishing lures on a dock

“Any crisper and the glass would shatter … a rare and valuable gem!”

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible


Sazerac Rye

The one and only New Orleans original. Sazerac Rye Whiskey symbolizes the tradition and history of New Orleans. Rye Whiskey dates back to the 1800s, around the time when saloons, veiled as Coffee Houses, began lining the streets of New Orleans. It was at the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street where local patrons were served toddies made with Rye Whiskey and Peychaud’s Bitters. The libation became known as the “Sazerac” and America’s first branded cocktail was born. This is the whiskey that started it all.

Tasting Notes

Close up of a vanilla plant flower

Aroma

The fragrance is of clove, sweet vanilla, anise and pepper. 

Orange slice, top view with transparent background

Flavor

The taste has subtle notes of candies, spice and crisp citrus.

licorice roots, on transparent background

Finish

The big finish is smooth with hints of licorice. 

  • Sazerac Rye is the way New Orleans does whiskey.  That means enjoying a glass at a downtown jazz club, while camping in the woods with friends, or in a winter cabin beside a warm fire. And if it's wedding season, what better gift for the groomsmen but a bottle of  Sazerac Rye.

  • The great thing about Sazerac Rye is that it works seamlessly with a Low Country boil or barbecue. Try a Sazerac Cocktail with smoked salmon and bitter cheeses.  But, fresh oysters with Sazerac Rye? Say no more.

  • Sazerac Rye is a part of the rare and exclusive Legacy de Forge collection.

    Learn more about Legacy de Forge

Recent Sazerac Rye Awards

  • 2022 Excellent / Highly Recommended (90-94 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2022 Category Winner World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine
  • 2022 Silver International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2022 Platinum TAG Global Spirits Awards
  • 2022 Silver San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2022 Gold Denver International Spirits Competition
  • 2022 Gold International Spirits Challenge
  • 2021 Silver American Whiskey Masters
  • 2021 Silver Outstanding Whiskies of the World
  • 2019 Double Gold The Fifty Best
  • 2019 Best Buy Wine Enthusiast Magazine
  • 2019 Great Value Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2019 Silver San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2018 Silver Denver International Spirits Competition
  • 2018 Trophy Finalist; Great Value; Tried & True Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2018 Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2018 Gold Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2018 Silver North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition
  • 2018 Silver Outstanding International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2018 Silver New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2017 Silver World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine
  • 2017 Trophy Finalist; Great Value; Tried & True Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2017 Gold Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2017 Gold Denver International Spirits Competition
  • 2017 Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2017 Silver Outstanding International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2017 Gold World Whisky Masters
  • 2017 Gold New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2017 Gold Beverage Testing Institute - International Review of Spirits
  • 2017 Gold The Fifty Best
  • 2017 Gold American Whiskey Masters
  • 2016 Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2016 "Great Value;" "Tried & True" Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2016 Best American Rye Whiskey International Whisky Competition / Golden Barrel Awards
  • 2016 SPECIAL AWARD - Best of Category/Division/Show Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2016 90+ Wine Enthusiast Magazine
  • 2016 Silver Outstanding International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2016 Gold The Fifty Best
  • 2016 Silver New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2015 Trophy Finalist; "Great Value;" "Tried & True" Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2015 Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2015 Gold Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2015 Bronze International Whisky Competition / Golden Barrel Awards
  • 2015 Gold International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2015 Silver Denver International Spirits Competition
  • 2015 Silver North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition
  • 2015 Gold The Washington Cup Spirits Competition
  • 2015 Gold The Fifty Best
  • 2015 Silver New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2015 Silver Spirits of the Americas
  • 2014 The Washington Cup The Washington Cup Spirits Competition
  • 2014 Gold New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2014 Double Gold The Fifty Best
  • 2014 Excellent / Highly Recommended (90-94 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2014 Silver San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2014 Gold Beverage Testing Institute - International Review of Spirits
  • 2014 SPECIAL AWARD - Best of Category/Division/Show Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2013 Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2013 Excellent / Strong Recommendation (90-94 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2013 Silver Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2013 Silver Outstanding International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2013 Best Rye American Whiskey 7 Years and Under World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine
  • 2013 The Washington Cup The Washington Cup Spirits Competition
  • 2013 Gold The Fifty Best
  • 2012 Excellent / Strong Recommendation (90-94 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2012 Silver San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2012 Best of Category Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2012 Container Design Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2012 Silver Outstanding International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2012 The Washington Cup - announced September 5 2012. The Washington Cup Spirits Competition
  • 2011 Very Good / Recommended (85-89 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2011 Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2011 Gold Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2011 Best in Class International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2010 Very Good / Recommended (85-89 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2010 Silver San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2010 Gold Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

"Versatile, crisp, and an ideal match for cocktails that also include orange liqueur, as well as its namesake classic cocktail.  Light aromas include vanilla and a touch of juicy citrus.  Flavors run to bitter orange, dark chocolate and black tea, finishing with a pepper tingle.  Velvety feel, despite the brisk alcohol.  

Best Buy.  95 points 

Kara Newman Wine Enthusiast

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in New Orleans in 1850 and soon became known as the home of “America’s First Cocktail,” the Sazerac. Using rye whiskey (in place of French brandy), a dash of Peychaud’s Bitters, and Herbsaint, what eventually became the official cocktail of New Orleans was created.  This straight rye has a mellow spice and dry sweetness that dances on the tongue, giving pure delight that is worthy of the Sazerac name.

Tasting Notes

Allspice

Aroma

Plenty of sweetness and spice in the nose: allspice, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and dried fruit.

Caramel

Flavor

The flavor is of burnt caramel, dried herbs, black pepper, and dill pickle.

Close up of a vanilla plant flower

Finish

The long, warm finish is preceded by notes of mint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, vanilla, and lingering pepper.

  • 2023 Silver Luxury Masters Asia
  • 2023 Gold American Whiskey Masters
  • 2023 Gold New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2022 Silver Singapore World Spirits Competition
  • 2022 Silver Luxury Masters Asia
  • 2018 Best Rye - 11 Years and Older Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2018 Silver San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2018 3 Stars - Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2017 4 Stars - Highly Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2016 4 Stars - Highly Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2015 4 Stars - Highly Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2014 2014 American Whiskey of the Year Whisky Advocate Magazine
  • 2014 5 Stars - Highest Recommendation F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2014 #39 of 75 Best Spirits in the World F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2013 Best Rye - 11 Years and Older Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2013 Liquid Gold Award - 96.5 points Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2013 Liquid Gold Award - 95 points Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2011 Extraordinary / Ultimate Recommendation (95-100 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2011 Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition

"Hits the ball out of the park … again." 
    5 Stars/Highest Recommendation 
    F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal

“World Whiskey of the Year”
    Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible

"This is an amazing, truly unique whiskey. There is no rye whiskey on the market that is as old or perfectly balanced as this one. For all who can't get enough flavors and intensity in your whiskey, your search has ended " 
    Whisky Advocate rating: 95
    Whisky Advocate

 

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac

Named after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, this uncut and unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel, just as it was over a century ago. Full of rich flavors, this authentic American rye whiskey is a symbol of the timeless history of New Orleans and the legacy of Thomas H. Handy. Made at our esteemed Buffalo Trace Distillery, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named it Rye of the Year and World Whiskey of the Year.

Tasting Notes

Rye Grain

Aroma

The aromas are powerful, lush, and spicy with rye grain.

Mint

Flavor

Flavors of toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit are followed by mint, cinnamon and clove.

Coconuts

Finish

The finish reveals subtle notes of allspice, coconut and nutmeg. Long and warm.

  • 2023 MASTER Luxury Masters Asia
  • 2023 Master American Whiskey Masters
  • 2023 Double Gold New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2022 Silver Luxury Masters Asia
  • 2022 Gold New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2022 Best in Class/Gold Whiskies of the World
  • 2022 Second Finest Whisky in the World Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2022 Gold International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2022 Top 100 Spirits Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2021 Gold International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2021 Excellent / Highly Recommended (90-94 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2020 Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2020 Top 100 Spirits Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2020 Third Finest Whisky in the World Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2019 Third Finest Whisky in the World Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2019 Trophy Finalist Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2019 Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2019 Silver International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2019 Gold Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2018 Rye of the Year Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2018 Best Rye - No Age Statement Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2018 4 Stars - Highly Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2017 4 Stars - Highly Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2016 Gold World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine
  • 2016 Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2016 Trophy Finalist Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2016 4 Stars - Highly Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2015 Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • 2015 Silver Outstanding International Wine & Spirits Competition
  • 2015 World's Best American Whiskey World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine
  • 2015 "Tried & True" Ultimate Spirits Challenge
  • 2015 3 Stars - Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2014 4 Stars - Highly Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2014 World's Best Rye Whisk(e)y World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine
  • 2013 World Whisky of the Year Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2013 Rye of the Year Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2013 Best Rye - No Age Statement Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2013 Liquid Gold Award - 97.5 points Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
  • 2013 4 Stars - Highly Recommended F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
  • 2013 90 to 94 Whisky Advocate Magazine
  • 2012 Gold Beverage Testing Institute - International Review of Spirits

"Extraordinary whiskey by any measure." 
    Rating: 94.5 
    5 Stars/Highest Recommendation
    F. Paul Pacult Spirit Journal

“Sweet baby Jesus what is this? An extraordinary aromatic nose. The alcohol will sear your taste buds so add some ice. Spicy. Wild at heart” 
    David Broom

 

The Sazerac cocktail garnished with a lemon Peel

The Sazerac Cocktail®

What You'll Need

1 cube sugar

1½ ounces (45ml) Sazerac Rye Whiskey

¼ ounce Herbsaint

3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

lemon peel

Directions

Pack an Old-Fashioned glass with ice.

In a second Old-Fashioned glass place the sugar cube and
add the Peychaud’s Bitters to it, then crush the sugar cube.

Add the Sazerac Rye Whiskey to the second glass
containing the Peychaud’s Bitters and sugar.

Empty the ice from the first glass and coat the glass
with the Herbsaint, then discard the remaining Herbsaint.

Empty the whiskey/bitters/sugar mixture from the second glass
into the first glass and garnish with lemon peel.


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