Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (2017 Antique Collection)

Name: Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (2017 Antique Collection)
Brand: Buffalo Trace
SKU: 088004140045-17
Price: 2099.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Price

$2,099.95

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Age: 18 Years Old (2016 Release) | Region: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA | Proof: 90 Proof

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Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old is the extra-aged, low-proof rye of Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection. The 2017 release was distilled in the spring of 1998 and bottled at 90 proof from a small batch of 25 barrels.

The Elemental Distinction

18-year age statement; bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV)
Distilled spring 1998 - barrel-aged stock, not the older steel-tanked whiskey
Among the first releases after Buffalo Trace moved off the tanked 1985 batch
Just 25 barrels - one of the smallest runs in the collection
The oldest whiskey in the Antique Collection

Sensory Profile

Nose: Deep caramel, candied citrus, and baking spice.

Palate: Herbaceous oak and caramel-soaked apple over vanilla.

Finish: Charred oak and rye spice.

Strategic Position

Sazerac 18 takes Buffalo Trace's rye to 18 years at the collection's lowest strength of 90 proof. The 2017 is a transitional release - distilled in 1998 from barrel-aged stock as the brand moved off its old steel-tanked whiskey. It anchors the rye side of the full American whiskey collection at Midnight Whiskey, a world away from the last 90-proof Eagle Rare 17 in profile.

Technical Specifications

Distillery	Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY
Category	Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill	Buffalo Trace rye recipe (grain % undisclosed)
Age	18 yr (distilled spring 1998)
Proof / ABV	90 proof / 45% ABV
Bottling	Bottled at 90 proof
Distillation	Spring 1998 (barrel-aged, post-tank stock)
Batch size	25 barrels (2017)
Critic Status	Best Rye Whiskey Aged 11 Years and Over (Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2018)
Release	2017 Antique Collection (annual)
Format	750 ml
Regulatory	DSP-KY-113
Country	United States (Kentucky)

Collector Note

The 2017 Sazerac 18 wears the green closure and an 18 Years Old panel; it was distilled in the spring of 1998 and came from just 25 barrels. It sits among the early post-tank releases, drawn from continuously barrel-aged rye rather than the 1985 stock vatted in steel for earlier years. Seamlessly advancing the vertical sequence, the 2018 Sazerac 18 release continued that barrel-aged run the following year.

Recommended Serving

Neat suits the 18-year oak and caramel notes; at 90 proof no water is needed. A tulip glass holds the charred-oak-and-rye-spice finish. This is a slow sipping rye.

Production Methodology

Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old is distilled at Buffalo Trace from its rye mash bill and held 18 years before bottling at 90 proof. The 2017 release was distilled in the spring of 1998, from a batch of 25 barrels. It is among the first Sazerac 18 releases drawn directly from barrel-aged stock: earlier editions had pulled from a 1985 batch moved into steel tanks to halt aging, and the brand transitioned to continuously aged barrels in the mid-2010s.

Authentication & Vault Preservation

Every bottle sold through Midnight Whiskey is sourced as an authentic, sealed product and inspected before it ships. Orders are packed with padded, glass-rated handling and require an adult signature (21+) on delivery; we do not ship to anyone unable to verify legal drinking age. For our full sourcing and handling protocols, see our editorial and authentication standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2017 Sazerac 18 from the old steel-tanked stock?

No. Earlier Sazerac 18 releases drew from 1985 whiskey held in steel tanks to halt aging, but by 2017 the brand had moved to continuously barrel-aged stock. The 2017 release was distilled in the spring of 1998 and aged a full 18 years in oak, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) from 25 barrels.

What makes the 2017 Sazerac 18 scarce?

It came from just 25 barrels, among the smallest runs in the collection, and lost heavily to evaporation over 18 years. The 2017 release was distilled in spring 1998 and bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). It is the oldest whiskey in the Antique Collection.

Shipping information

Adult Signature Required: Federal law requires an adult (21+) with a valid government ID to sign for all deliveries. Carriers cannot leave alcohol unattended.

Processing Time: Most orders process within 1–8 business days. You will receive a tracking number via email as soon as your bottle ships.

Insured Shipping: We strongly recommend electing Shipping Protection at checkout. Midnight Whiskey is not liable for loss or damage once in the carrier's possession unless insurance is purchased.

Restrictions: We ship only within the permitted U.S. states and cannot deliver to P.O. Boxes or U.S. Territories.

All Sales Final: Due to alcohol regulations, we cannot accept returns for change of mind.

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