Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey: The Spirit of New Orleans

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey is a true American classic, a taste of history, and the essential ingredient in the iconic Sazerac cocktail. Crafted at the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, this award-winning rye embodies the bold, spicy spirit of New Orleans.

A Brief History of Sazerac

The roots of Sazerac Rye stretch back to the mid-1800s and the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans. This lively establishment was known for its Sazerac cocktail, originally made with French brandy. As phylloxera ravaged European vineyards, cognac became scarce, and bartenders turned to readily available American rye whiskey. The rest, as they say, is history. Thomas H. Handy, an influential figure in the spirits industry who purchased the Sazerac Coffee House, lent his name to a sought-after, limited-release bottling of Sazerac Rye.

The Flavour Profile: Bold, Spicy, and Unforgettable

Sazerac Straight Rye is a whiskey lover’s whiskey. Made with a slightly higher rye content in its mash bill (at least 51%), it delivers a burst of peppery spice and warming complexity. Here’s what you can expect:

• Nose: Allspice, clove, hints of citrus zest, caramel, and vanilla greet you, followed by subtle oak notes.
• Palate: A symphony of flavours unfolds rye bread, black pepper, candied orange, rich toffee, and a hint of mint balanced with the warmth of charred oak.
• Finish: Smooth, lingering, and gently spicy with a touch of sweetness.

Perfect for a Classic Sazerac

While Sazerac Straight Rye is a delightful sipping whiskey, its true calling lies in the Sazerac cocktail. Here’s the traditional recipe:

1. Rinse a chilled rocks glass with Herbsaint (or an absinthe substitute).
2. In a separate mixing glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters.
3. Add 2 ounces Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey and ice. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain into the prepared rocks glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Beyond Cocktails: Enjoying Sazerac Rye

Sazerac Straight Rye’s bold complexity makes it an excellent addition to other classic whiskey cocktails like the Manhattan or the Old Fashioned. But don’t be afraid to experiment! It also shines neat or with a single large ice cube for a more mellow sipping experience.

Awards and Acclaim

Sazerac Straight Rye’s exceptional quality hasn’t gone unnoticed. It has garnered numerous awards and accolades from top spirits competitions, including:

• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• “Best Rye Whiskey” from Whiskey Advocate Magazine
• Coveted “94 Points” rating from Wine Enthusiast