Imagine stepping off a train in London, a little guilty at the extravagance, only to find yourself amidst chandeliers and gold leaf, at one of the world’s most anticipated whiskey events. That was the scene at The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar—a setting so opulent I questioned all my life choices, if only in a good way. The occasion? A preview tasting of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2025 line-up, an event that promised seismic ripples through the world of American whiskey lovers, and, as it turned out, delivered them wholeheartedly.
A Setting Fit for Whiskey Royalty
The anticipation in the air was thick, uncut, and positively intoxicating. This was no chaotic press scrum or overcrowded whiskey festival. The Sazerac team curated the experience with the precision of a watchmaker, transforming the elegant, black-lacquered Beaufort Bar into a temple of American whiskey. The evening began with cocktails built around Buffalo Trace spirits and a steady parade of canapés—foie gras included (which, for the record, was a pleasant surprise to my usually hesitant palate).
At each place setting, a wooden stave from the Buffalo Trace Distillery held five Glencairn glasses—a tactile nod to the barrels where this precious whiskey had matured for a decade or more. It was rustic yet polished, summing up the evening before the first sip.
The 2025 Line-up: Icons Old and New
This year’s headline? Quite simply history in a glass. E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled-in-Bond made its debut—the first new addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) in nearly twenty years. Alongside it, revered mainstays returned: William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17, George T. Stagg, Sazerac 18, and Thomas H. Handy.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled-in-Bond: On the nose, a dance of floral notes, maple, and soft caramel—familiar, yet deepened by oak. The palate opens with toast, buttered corn, rye spice, butterscotch, and oak, all structured and finishing with toasted oak laced with baking spices. Even a dash of water rewards with extra butterscotch and a charred-oak edge. Full-bodied and remarkably smooth, it’s a thoughtful nod to Colonel Taylor’s legacy and a truly strong BTAC debut.
- Eagle Rare 17: Always an elegant contender, this year’s “17-year-old” spent an impressive 18 years and 4 months in barrel. The nose seduces with ripe cherry, strawberries, leather, and sweet pastry. On the tongue, more lush cherry, caramel, toasted oak, and playful strawberry jellies mingle with leather and tobacco for ample depth.
- George T. Stagg: The muscle of the bunch, bottled at a formidable 142.8 proof. Think golden syrup, sticky toffee, leather, and vanilla—dense and structured. The palate hits hard with oak, vanilla, sugared dark fruits, popcorn, and spice, wrapped up in a bold, astringent, and deeply characterful package. Demanding, yes, but rewarding for those willing to take a moment.
- Sazerac 18: The silent assassin—no brutishness here, just aged rye in perfect balance. At 18 years and 5 months, this rye sings with freshly mown grass, mint, white pepper, and tart green apple. The interplay between minty sweetness and earthy rye makes for a finish lively with spice and a sharp apple note, ticking every box for rye lovers without overplaying its hand.
- Thomas H. Handy: Always the livewire, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 129.8 proof. Fruity aromas—peaches, apricots, brown sugar, condensed milk, saffron—lead to a palate bursting with peaches and cream, rye spice, oak, pepper, and heat. Cloves linger, and a little water broadens the fruit and tames the spice. Making a Sazerac with this? Irresistible. Enjoying it neat? Equally so.
Every Glass a Story
Sampling the six BTAC releases side-by-side highlighted their shared heritage, yet also their distinctive personalities. The blend of grain, age, warehouse lore, and (let’s not forget) proof means each bottle spins its own yarn. The 2025 batch boasted remarkable consistency—no duds here, only highlights.
Personal standouts? Eagle Rare 17 took the prize, decadent and fruit-forward, offering everything you’d hope for in a mature bourbon. Sazerac 18 was not far behind, an almost flawless showcase of aged rye’s potential.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Night
As I left The Savoy, sated by both a tasting menu from the executive chef and the quiet grandeur of those remarkable whiskeys, the contrasts seemed to amplify each other in delightful harmony. The setting’s opulence and the lineup’s subtlety were made for one another—a gentle reminder that, sometimes, the most shocking thing about a whiskey tasting isn’t what’s in the glass, but how it makes you feel in the end.
Damian is an inquisitive writer with a passion for exploring diverse subjects. He loves sharing fresh perspectives, inspiring curiosity, and sparking meaningful conversations. For him, every topic is an opportunity to learn, connect, and uncover new ideas.
