Sazerac Whiskey | Buffalo Trace Distillery

Sazerac Rye

The New Orleans Original

Sazerac whiskeys embody a rich tapestry of American heritage, craftsmanship and innovation. Rooted in the storied history of New Orleans, Sazerac Rye pays homage to the birthplace of the Sazerac cocktail, intertwining the city’s cultural legacy with the art of whiskey making.

Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac

Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old

HISTORY OF SAZERAC RYE

The one and only New Orleans original, Sazerac Rye symbolizes the culture and history of the Big Easy. In the 19th century, industrious farmers and distillers in the heartland of the United States barreled and shipped their rye whiskeys down the great Mississippi River to the bustling, growing city of New Orleans. These spicy and assertive spirits fueled the whiskey culture of New Orleans.

The one and only New Orleans original, Sazerac Rye symbolizes the culture and history of the Big Easy.

In the 19th century, industrious farmers and distillers in the heartland of the United States barreled and shipped their rye whiskeys down the great Mississippi River to the bustling, growing city of New Orleans. These spicy and assertive spirits fueled the whiskey culture of New Orleans.

THOMAS H. HANDY

Thomas H. Handy (1839–1893) was a New Orleans entrepreneur who transformed the Sazerac House from a local bar into a spirits empire. Starting as a clerk, he became the owner in 1869 and later secured U.S. distribution rights for Sazerac de Forge et Fils Cognac.

When cognac supplies waned, Handy championed American rye whiskey as the base for the Sazerac cocktail helping define one of America’s first classic drinks. His legacy endures through the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, crafted at Buffalo Trace Distillery in tribute to his pioneering spirit.

UNIQUE FACTS

Sazerac Rye is closely tied to New Orleans’ cocktail history and is the namesake of the Sazerac cocktail, considered one of the first true American cocktails.

Sazerac whiskeys are known for their bold rye spice balanced with vanilla, clove and subtle citrus, a flavor profile that has been maintained for generations.