Hannah’s Sazerac Straight Rye Review
Original review written October 23, 2021
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
A great rye, at a great price. Fresh, light, popping flavors with gentle alcohol burn, this is a rye (perhaps my first rye), I am committed to keeping on hand at all times. 90/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery
– Classification: Straight Rye Whiskey
– Age: nas
– Mash Bill: undisclosed (Buffalo Trace’s Low Rye, Rye Mashbill)
– Casks: Char #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 45% (90 proof)
– Price: $29.95 USD in Idaho (2020)
Visit buffalotracedistillery.com for more information
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this rye here!
SETTING:
Perhaps the most simple of my settings, it is also the most widely accessible. Open up a bottle of solid Sazerac just in the middle of your living room (even a small one!) with good company. Everything is cozy; the conversation is light and humorous, and Sazerac just carries you softly through the evening – assisting in giving you a smile all the while.
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash
NOSE:
This smells very perfume-y without even needing to bring it all the way up to my nose. It’s noticeably fresh, as I would expect from a rye, and it has a fairly floral bouquet. I find orange blossoms, and fresh white peaches. Accompanying is a sweet bread, like something I could find in a fruit bar. Subtle milk chocolate and light vanilla and the slightest bit of new leather push all of the fruity, bright sweetness together into a warm hug. I get the slightest hint of almonds and some very, very freshly cut oak. The oak is gentle, as is the rye grain – both more of an essence rather than main character. The alcohol is equally soft, and while it tickles (dare I use the word “playfully”?), it does not burn. I quite like this nose.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: Oily, but this does have a bit of grip to it, and I find that I enjoy that aspect quite a lot.
– Balance: Solid. The fruit and sweetness is soft, but present, and the rye and ginger work in tandem with it to make it pop.
– Visual: Russet in color, this is very viscous in the glass, with clinging droplets falling slowly from a thick crown.
– Taste: I can hold this on the palate for a good long while without feeling any kind of burn whatsoever. However, as soon as I process the sip, I am met with some of the orange blossoms from the nose, along with some juicy cherries. The rye pops at the very back of the palate to make all of the flavors go off like fireworks that much more. It’s not a particularly complex flavor profile, but the bright sweetness, backed by the spice makes it entertaining. There is even some ginger that livens it up even more with the rye. Again- simple. But I am finding that I quite like it.
The alcohol is still so very gentle and not at all aggressive. A Kentucky chew is equally mild, with little pricks on the tongue with the cherry and some newfound cherry juice coming into the picture.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Short-medium. The pop of rye makes some warmth linger, but it doesn’t stick around for too long.
– Between Sips: I can find some rye freshness and cherry between sips, and all they do is encourage me to reach for another good-tasting sip.
– No More: This stays consistent throughout the glass – perhaps mellowing out slightly, but not in any kind of way that I’d be disappointed in. I’m still definitely enjoying this thoroughly.
The empty Glencairn is a buttery oak – warm, soft, and perfectly comfortable. I love how this smells.
WORTH THE PRICE?
At $30 USD, I will absolutely keep this around and in the bunker when I have the chance. It’s light, fresh, and a great change of pace. A great finish, some sweet (but not overbearing) notes, and just really fun and entertaining. Highly recommend.
SAZERAC STRAIGHT RYE REVIEW RATING: 90/100
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