It is starting to feel like a ritual to usher in the Fall season, and at last, it’s here: the 2017 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection release announcement.
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection was first introduced a little over ten years ago. It features five whiskeys (two ryes and three bourbons) that are some of the most highly sought-after in the market. Each is a pillar in the limited edition whiskey industry.
For 2017, the announcement comes weeks later than it has previously. But nevertheless, the vital stats for each bottle are as follows:
George T. Stagg: clocks in this year at 129.2 proof (last year’s release was 144.1 proof) and 15 years and 3 months old (last year’s release was 15 years, 4 months).
There were 309 barrels selected. Last year, there were 142 barrels, which yielded approximately 9,120 bottles. This was 3,799 bottles more than 2015.
William Larue Weller: 128.2 proof (last year’s release was 135.4 proof) and 12 years and 6 months old (last year’s release was 12 years)
There were 155 barrels selected. Last year, there were 144 barrels, which yielded approximately 13,420 bottles. That was 5,640 more bottles than 2015.
Eagle Rare 17 Year-Old: As always, 90 proof and at least 17 years old. This year, there are 36 barrels. In 2016, there were 32 barrels, which yielded approximately 4,192 bottles. That was 786 more bottles than 2015.
Sazerac Rye 18 Year-Old: As always, this is 90 proof and at least 18 years old. This year, there are 25 barrels. In 2016, there were 24 barrels, which yielded approximately 2,587 bottles. That was 1,423 fewer bottles than 2015. This is also the second year of pulling the rye from barrels that are presently aging, as opposed to tanked whiskey that had previously been aged.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac: 127.2 proof (last year’s release was 126.2 proof) and, as always, 6 years old. This year, there are 72 barrels. In 2016, there were 61 barrels, which yielded approximately 11,944 bottles. That was 1,120 more bottles than 2015.
Our reviews of last year’s releases can be found here: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17, Thomas H. Handy.
Release dates for these vary from state to state, but typically begin near the end of September/early October. Suggested retail price is $90 each, but expect to see a markup.
Happy hunting, and please remember, be courteous to your store owners and fellow hunters.
