18-Year-Old Sazerac Straight Named Top Bottle

Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Rye Whiskey


In our seventh edition of the Ultimate Spirits Challenge series, we bring you the top tasted rye whiskeys. Out of six tasted bottles, three finished as finalists, including Chairman's Trophy Winner Sazerac Straight 18-year-old Rye Whiskey. Read on for the full reviews.

For more Ultimate Spirits Challenge information be sure to check out our previous posts, as well as the challenge website for a full list of all spirits tasted.

Chairman's Trophy Winner: Sazerac Straight 18 years old Rye Whiskey United States, 45%

"Fresh and fruity with accents of maple, black pepper, cardamom, and toasted oak. Wonderfully balanced with fruit and spice being offered in perfect harmony and with incredible length." 95pts
-Sean Ludford, USC Assistant Chairman

Finalist: Whistlepig 10 years old Rye Whiskey United States, 50%

"A bold and assertive style with plenty of soft, silky caramel and baked fruit notes to offer a sweet platform for all of the intense pepper and clove flavors. An intriguing whiskey with charm and passion." 94pts
-Sean Ludford, USC Assistant Chairman

Finalist: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight 6 Years Old Rye Whiskey United States, 63.45%

"Beautiful and exotic with scents of cassis, lavender, wild flower honey, cinnamon, with a touch of mint. Expansive and very expressive on the palate with a dense fruity, oak and vanilla tinged core complimented by notes of black pepper and allspice." 92pts
-Sean Ludford, USC Assistant Chairman

Bulleit 95 Small Batch Rye Whiskey United States, 45%

91pts

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey United States, 45%

89pts

Tuthilltown Spirits, Hudson Manhattan Rye 4 Years Old Rye Whiskey United States, 46%

83pts
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Comments

  • Addition or edition?

    Sep 08, 2011 at 2:58 PM


  • Snooth User: glfillion
    357734 3

    I thought Sazerac was the name of a special New Orleans cocktail, what gives? My mixicology book even lists it!

    Sep 12, 2011 at 8:34 AM


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