Olivia Taylor
NOSE
Stewed dark fruits | Anise | Black currant | Red Hot candy | Light citrus | Bold & punchy
PALATE
Heavy raisin | Anise | Dried apricot | Cinnamon | Nice mouthfeel
FINISH
Big rye spice | Raisin | Fennel | Sweet caramel-honey like note develops on the backend
OVERALL
2023’s Thomas H. Handy makes a good showing like last year’s edition, with a bold, enjoyable flavor profile that’s on point for the brand.
Thomas H. Handy is the youngest whiskey in Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, and along with William Larue Weller, fairly consistent from year to year. With a few exceptions, Thomas H. Handy is often highlighted by notes of raisin, citrus, cinnamon, and rye spice. At its proof that typically hovers around 125-130, it’s a bold whiskey that doesn’t pull any punches. Yet at the same time, it’s typically very drinkable, and offers enough to distinguish itself from the growing number of high proof ryes in the marketplace.
This year’s version begins with a bold and punchy nose, which is overwhelmed by ethanol immediately after pouring, necessitating at least a few minutes in the glass to open up and shed its initial potency. Stewed dark fruits, anise, black currant, Red Hot candy, and a familiar citrus note comprise the whiskey’s bold introduction. On the palate, heavy raisin creates an undertone that’s accented by anise, dried apricot, and cinnamon, which has a nice body and mouthfeel. Bigger spice develops at the onset of the finish, which is straightforward in the form of rye, and is complemented by raisin, fennel, and a sweet caramel-honey like note that develops and lingers along with tapering spice.
Some describe the overall flavor range offered by straight bourbons as fairly narrow (compared to other whiskeys such as Scotch or American single malt), and I would say the flavor range found across straight ryes is even more narrow by comparison. This is most likely due to the fact that rye is a spice-forward grain, which often means the flavor profiles with straight ryes are driven by their spicy notes, which can draw much of the whiskeys’ focus. Being a barrel proof rye was highly unique at one point, but as we have seen an increasing number of barrel proof rye whiskeys come to market, Thomas H. Handy’s 6 year age and 120+ proof point has become increasingly less unique. With that being said, its flavor profile continues to be a one that demonstrates a fairly high degree of complexity for a barrel proof rye, and I’ve yet to find any other that can offer an even remotely similar combination of flavors.
Like 2022’s edition, 2023’s Thomas H. Handy’s flavor profile is on point for the brand, but doesn’t quite reach the absolute highest point we know Buffalo Trace is capable of for this bottle. It’s a fair consolation given the bar has been set so high in the past, and makes for a solid overall showing.
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Sazerac Company
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Release Date: October 2023
Proof: 124.9
Age: 6 Years, 2 Months
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Copper
MSRP: $125 / 750 mL (2023)
Ied mouthfeel. The finish is all rye spice and raisin nuanced by fennel, with a sweet caramel-honey like note developing on the backend.
“This review does a great job of describing the key flavors and profile of Thomas H. Handy’s latest release. It’s informative and well-written, giving readers a good idea of what to expect from the whiskey. “
Ied feel on the tongue. The finish circles back to rye spice in a big way, supported by continued notes of raisin, and something a bit more vegetal, like fennel. The 2023 Thomas H. Handy finishes with a sweet caramel-honey like note that develops on the backend. Overall, this is another solid release for the brand, and while it’s not the most complex or unique, it still delivers on flavor and drinkability.
This review effectively describes the flavors and experience of the 2023 Thomas H. Handy whiskey release. The writer provides a detailed description of the nose, palate, finish, and overall opinion of the whiskey, making it helpful for those looking to try this particular brand. This review also gives some background information and context, making it a balanced and informative piece.
Ied mouthfeel. The finish highlights this whiskey’s rye spice, with notes of fennel, sweet caramel, and honey developing on the long and warm backend.
This review provides detailed information about the latest release of Thomas H. Handy, including its flavor profile, consistency with previous years, and notable characteristics. It also offers tips for fully enjoying the whiskey, such as giving it time to open up in the glass. Overall, this review serves as a helpful and informative resource for whiskey enthusiasts considering adding Thomas H. Handy to their collection.