It’s exhausting to imagine however that is our sixteenth spherical with Buffalo Hint’s Vintage Assortment, which we’ve been reviewing yearly because the web site received its begin. As has been the case for yearly however one, the gathering spans 5 whiskeys — three bourbons and two ryes — all of that are extremely allotted and which carry the unicorniest of unicorn standing on the secondary market.
If you wish to delve into the historical past of the model or see comparative evaluations, be happy. We’ve received evaluations from 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and so forth… all the best way again to 2008. Let’s get to it!
Sazerac Rye 18 Years Previous 2023 – A set of rye whiskeys distilled between the autumn of 2004 and the spring of 2005 and aged in Warehouses Okay, L, and M. Spicy and honeyed on the nostril, with a posh association of menthol, pepper, and furnishings polish notes all in a swirl. Oaky however not overwhelming. The palate is initially dominated by that polish character, however a while in glass helps it blow off, revealing notes of darkish chocolate, chicory, hazelnuts, and extra barrel char. It’s a really savory expression of rye, which is actually to be anticipated at this age, some camphor notes lingering alongside a classically grassy high quality, a bit scorched at instances. Some sweetness would assist brighten this up, however its austerity serves it properly. 90 proof. B+ [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Eagle Uncommon Bourbon 17 Years Previous 2023 – Billed as “the oldest launch” of Eagle Uncommon 17 because it was launched 23 years in the past. How is a 17 yr previous whiskey “older?” Nicely, what’s within the bottle is definitely 19 years, 3 months previous, however for the sake of name consistency, it’s nonetheless being launched as Eagle Uncommon 17. Distilled within the spring of 2004 (a yr earlier than final yr’s Eagle Uncommon 17), with barrels aged in Warehouses C, I, Okay, M, and Q. Followers of previous bourbon will discover a lot to take pleasure in right here, with an aggressive nostril of Vietnamese espresso, vanilla wafers, and a layer of Christmassy baking spice. Wealthy and chewy on the palate, the whiskey has the right stage of brown sugar sweetness, permitting notes of vanilla, milk chocolate, and toasted oak to percolate shortly. Fruit emerges later within the sport — cherry meets strawberry — with delicate, tobacco-driven spice notes kicking in for the end. A lot of lingering hints of that espresso bean and chocolate; actually attractive. I don’t suppose I’ve ever had an Eagle Uncommon 17 that I didn’t like (preserve me trustworthy on that), and this one’s one other enormous winner that’s exhausting to place down. 101 proof. A [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
George T. Stagg Bourbon 2023 – Distilled within the spring of 2008, aged in Warehouses C, I, Okay, L, and M for 15 years and 4 months. Whereas ever the alco-bruiser, followers will certainly discover this whiskey a little bit of a departure from earlier Staggs, that are as wood-heavy as any whiskey you’ll ever style. For 2023, Stagg presents a bizarrely (but pleasantly) fruit-forward construction that’s hinted at by a nostril of cherry and apple woods, a heavy layer of cinnamon-spiced apples, and a splash of Port. Ample lumberyard notes preserve the fruit from overtly dominating, however wooden is rarely distinguished. The palate is one thing else. Right here that fruit positively explodes — once more, a daring apple pie character adopted by a hearty punch of mint. Peach cobbler is met with a boldly floral, nearly perfumed high quality that evokes orange blossoms and potpourri, whereas apple cider lingers on the end. The fruit punch character is tempered all through by the barrel, toasty notes taming the in any other case vital sweetness, the end taking a proper flip to indicate glimpses of a considerably funky, animalistic high quality — that basic Stagg lastly displaying its face for the primary time. I’ve by no means had one other Stagg launch prefer it, not even shut. 135 proof. A- [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
William Larue Weller Bourbon 2023 – This yr’s wheater was distilled within the spring of 2011, aged in Warehouses C, L, M, and N. Practically 5% increased in abv than final yr, it’s scorching from the outset, very nutty on the nostril, with overtones of espresso grounds and horsehide. Overblown on the palate with out water, I used to be fairly liberal with my tempering efforts, which helped to convey forth notes of molasses, toasted bread, and a layer of anise. It’s much less complicated than a number of the different whiskeys within the assortment, however time in glass (and, once more, numerous water) assist coax out a bit extra, together with a sweeter, raisiny high quality late within the sport together with a component of butterscotch. I endlessly futzed to get the stability between whiskey and water proper on this one however by no means fairly discovered the right spot. 133.6 proof. B+ [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
Thomas H. Useful Sazerac Rye 2023 – The child within the group, a 6 yr previous rye that, in distinction to Weller, is at a significantly decrease proof than final yr’s model. A spice bomb from the beginning, the nostril is heavy with tobacco, inexperienced grass, and creosote — basic, heavy rye fixins. Regardless of the comparatively decrease proof, water’s important to mood an unimaginable warmth on the palate. When you achieve this, notes of brewed black tea dominate, tinged with gentle licorice notes, toasted sesame, and a little bit of coconut. As large a “rye” as rye can get, you’re by no means removed from working by a subject of grain — or loitering in a rye bread bakery — with this launch. Evergreen notes on the end give this a sure vacation vibe, however what it actually wants is a few sweetness to mood all that grassy funk. 124.9 proof. B+ [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
every $800ish / MSRP is $125 every [BUY THE COLLECTION FROM FROOTBAT]
William Larue Weller Bourbon 2023
$800
