Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2020 Antique Collection)
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2020 Antique Collection)
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2020 Antique Collection)
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2020 Antique Collection)
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2020 Antique Collection)
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2020 Antique Collection)
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2020 Antique Collection)
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (2020 Antique Collection)
Price
Regular price $549.95
Regular price Sale price $549.95
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Age: 6 Years, 2 Months (2020 Release) | Region: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA | Proof: 129.0
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Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey is Buffalo Trace's uncut, unfiltered straight rye barrel-proof standard, introduced annually inside the celebrated Antique Collection portfolio. The 2020 expression is presented completely un-diluted at 129 proof, distilled in the spring of 2014 and aged for a total of 6 years and 2 months.

The Technical Distinction
  • Cask Strength Purity: Bottled completely uncut and unfiltered at an intense 129.0 proof (64.5% ABV) with zero post-barrel water manipulation.
  • Proof Calibration Return: Successfully returned the line to a higher 129+ velocity territory after an unusually low-strength performance in the preceding production sequence.
  • Meticulous Aging Window: Distilled in the spring of 2014 and cellared dynamically for 6 years and 2 months inside Warehouses K, M, and N.
  • Volume Evaporation Metrics: Relinquished a substantial batch evaporation loss of 32% of its original barrel volume to the warehouse environment over its maturation loop.
  • Historic Naming Pedigree: Forged in honor of Thomas H. Handy, the famous New Orleans bartender who originally established straight rye whiskey as the primary baseline spirit for the traditional Sazerac cocktail.
Sensory Profile

Nose: An aromatic profile highlighted by rich aniseed nodes, warm honey sweetness, ground clove bark, and highly integrated rackhouse oak wood.

Palate: Oily and full-bodied; explosive bursts of hot cinnamon spice and coarse black pepper interact seamlessly with sweet aniseed strings.

Finish: Long, sophisticated, and deeply warming, yielding lingering elements of honeyed spice, delicate winter mint, cocoa flakes, and structural wood char.

Strategic Position

Within the annual allocation system managed under the Sazerac Company, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac serves as the unbridled, high-proof pinnacle of the rye grain architecture. Pushing back to 129 proof, this 2020 edition provides a muscular, high-velocity counterpoint to the extra-aged, low-proof delivery of the 18-year Sazerac rye in the lineup. It represents an essential benchmark asset inside Midnight Whiskey's complete whiskey collection.

Technical Specifications
Distillery Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
Category Straight Rye Whiskey (Product of Kentucky)
Mash Bill Matrix Buffalo Trace Rye Recipe (Undisclosed Low-Rye Matrix Core)
Age Statement No Age Statement; aged 6 Years, 2 Months (2020 Vintage Release)
Proof / ABV 129.0 Proof / 64.5% ABV (Barrel Strength)
Bottling Line Completely Uncut and Unfiltered
Warehouse Sourcing Warehouses K, M, and N Asset Mappings
Evaporation loss 32% Total Batch Volume Evaporation Loss
Release Context 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (Annual Fall Allocation)
Bottle Size 750 ml
Regulatory Stamp DSP-KY-113
Origin Terroir United States · Kentucky
Collector Note

The 2020 allocation arrives encased under the line's traditional terracotta closure head foil, showing specialized face cards displaying its cask-strength layout with no standard numerical age statement on the front glass. Because weather evaporation parameters establish distinct proof markers annually, this 129 expression provides specific chronology markers for vertical portfolio completists. It leads up neatly into the subsequently batched the 2021 Handy release asset tree.

Recommended Serving

While tasting neat inside a Glencairn glass framework isolates its full cask presence perfectly, its robust 129 proof structure benefits immensely from gradual dilution. Adding a splash of pure water or serving over a single large cube coaxes out hidden strings of honeyed sweetness, cinnamon bark, and rich aniseed. It also constructs an ultra-robust base for an uncompromising, classic cocktail preparation.

Production Methodology

This whiskey is distilled meticulously from a premium grain mash layout, utilizing copper column distillation platforms at DSP-KY-113 in Frankfort, Kentucky. The specific barrels chosen for the 2020 vatting run were cellared for over six years inside the property's dynamic timber rickhouse environments, resting specifically within Warehouses K, M, and N. Bypassing modern chill-filtration entirely ensures all natural wood extractives and heavy crop oils remain fully locked inside the bottle solution.

Vault Integrity & Sourcing Standards

Every bottle handled by Midnight Whiskey is procured strictly through authorized, verified allocation channels and passes rigorous physical seal and label inspection points before being logged into inventory. Shipments are handled via specialized, glass-rated container packaging and absolute age-verification checks; an adult signature (21+) is strictly mandatory upon delivery. Review our protocols via our editorial and authentication standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proof and age of the 2020 Thomas H. Handy?

The 2020 Handy is bottled uncut and unfiltered at 129 proof (64.5% ABV) and was aged six years and two months. It was distilled in the spring of 2014 and aged in Warehouses K, M, and N. The 2020 release returned Handy to a higher strength after a lower-proof prior year.

What cocktail is Thomas H. Handy named for?

It honors Thomas H. Handy, the New Orleans bar owner who in the 1800s built the Sazerac cocktail on rye whiskey in place of cognac. The whiskey is the uncut, unfiltered rye of the Antique Collection, bottled at 129 proof for 2020. Its official flavor notes are cinnamon, anise, and honey.
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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