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Age: 18 Years in Oak (28 Years total since 1985 Distillation) | Region: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA | Proof: 90 Proof
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Sazerac 18 Year 2013 is the long-aged rye of the fall 2013 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: spring-1985 distillate that matured 18 years in oak, moved to stainless steel tanks in 2003 to halt further aging, and was drawn down for bottling at 90 proof (45% ABV) — one of the storied tanked-stock releases that ran through 2015.

The Elemental Distinction

  • Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) under the line's fixed 18-year statement.
  • Distilled in the spring of 1985; barrel aging stopped in 2003 when the stock moved to stainless steel tanks.
  • Part of the tanked reserve Buffalo Trace drew from each fall through the final 2015 bottling.
  • Grain recipe of rye, corn, and malted barley; the exact proportions are undisclosed.
  • The oldest spirit in the fall 2013 set by distillation date — 1985 stock, against the spring-2007 distillate behind that year's six-year Handy rye.

Sensory Profile

Nose: Toffee, orange peel, and dry rye earthiness with cool spearmint and old oak, per contemporaneous reviewer accounts.

Palate: Vanilla, candied citrus, and cinnamon over a leathery, tannic mid-palate; reviewers of the release described a refined, settled character rather than raw power.

Finish: Dry and gently gripping, with black pepper, mint, and seasoned oak tapering slowly at drinking strength.

Strategic Position

Every tanked-era Sazerac 18 pours from the same celebrated 1985 stock, so the 2013 is less a new whiskey than a fresh draw of a fixed one — a stable benchmark beside the year-to-year swings of the 90-proof Eagle Rare 17 that year and the barrel-proof bottles across the long-aged rye library at Midnight Whiskey.

Proof 90
ABV 45%
Age statement 18 years
Distilled Spring 1985
Barrel aging halted 2003 (stainless steel tanks)
Mash bill Rye, corn, malted barley (ratios undisclosed)
Warehouse (pre-tank) [verify] — Warehouse K per Tier-2 relay; not stated by Buffalo Trace for this draw
Region Frankfort, Kentucky
Format 750 mL

Collector Note

The 2013 draw sits late in the tank's run: two more annual bottlings followed before the reserve closed with the final 2015 release, after which the line moved to newly distilled stock. Provenance-minded rye collectors treat these late draws — this one and the steel-tank 2014 Sazerac 18 — as the closing chapter of the 1985 vatting.

Recommended Serving

Serve neat in a copita at room temperature; at 90 proof it takes no water well, and a broad-bowled glass exaggerates the oak at the expense of the mint-and-citrus top notes.

Production Methodology

The whiskey was distilled in the spring of 1985 from a rye, corn, and malted barley recipe whose proportions have never been published, then matured 18 years in oak until 2003. At full maturity the stock was moved into stainless steel tanks, halting further wood contact, and Buffalo Trace drew from that reserve for each fall's Antique Collection through 2015. The 2013 bottling was cut to the line's traditional 90 proof.

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 2013 Sazerac 18 from the tanked stock?

Yes. The 2013 Sazerac 18 comes from rye distilled in the spring of 1985 that matured 18 years in oak and was then moved to stainless steel tanks in 2003 to stop further aging. Buffalo Trace drew from that same reserve for every fall release through 2015.

How old is the 2013 Sazerac 18 really?

The 2013 Sazerac 18 carries 18 years of barrel aging. Because it was distilled in the spring of 1985 and tank storage from 2003 onward does not add wood age, the liquid was 28 calendar years from distillation at the 2013 bottling while remaining an 18-year rye in oak terms.

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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