{"product_id":"sazerac-18-year-2021","title":"Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (2021 Antique Collection)","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.mw-master-container{\n  --mw-accent: #decabe;   \/* metallic foil label tone *\/\n  --mw-glow:   #113c30;   \/* deep heritage green power color *\/\n  --mw-bg:     #1f271a;   \/* lowlight emerald shadow baseline *\/\n  --mw-text:#e0e0e0; --mw-muted:#b8b8b8; --mw-hair:#222;\n  font-family: inherit; background:var(--mw-bg); color:var(--mw-text);\n  line-height:1.7; padding:24px; margin-bottom:60px;\n}\n.mw-master-container .mw-h3{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase;\n  font-size:0.9rem; letter-spacing:2px; margin-top:40px; display:block;\n  border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-glow); padding-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:20px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-decoration:none; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent:hover{ color:#fff; text-decoration:underline; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-info-box{ background:linear-gradient(90deg, var(--mw-bg) 0%, var(--mw-glow) 100%);\n  padding:25px; margin:25px 0; border-radius:0 4px 4px 0; border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-left:4px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container .mw-grid{ display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:30px; margin:30px 0; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-grid-card{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.02); padding:25px;\n  border:1px solid var(--mw-glow); border-radius:4px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table{ width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:15px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td{ padding:14px 0; border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  color:#ccc; font-size:0.95rem; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td:first-child{ font-weight:bold; width:38%; color:var(--mw-accent);\n  text-transform:uppercase; font-size:0.75rem; letter-spacing:1px; }\n.mw-master-container details{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.03); border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-radius:4px; margin-bottom:15px; }\n.mw-master-container summary{ padding:18px; color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; cursor:pointer;\n  outline:none; list-style:none; display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;\n  text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px; font-size:0.85rem; }\n.mw-master-container summary::after{ content:'+'; font-size:1.2rem; color:var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container details[open]{ border:1px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container details[open] summary::after{ content:'-'; }\n.mw-master-container .details-content{ padding:0 20px 20px 20px; font-size:0.95rem; }\n@media (max-width:768px){ .mw-master-container .mw-grid{ grid-template-columns:1fr; } }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"mw-master-container\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- TL;DR (speakable, GEO) --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"speakable\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSazerac Rye 18-Year-Old\u003c\/strong\u003e is the extra-aged, low-proof rye showcase of the \u003cstrong\u003eBuffalo Trace\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique Collection. The 2021 release was drawn from historic casks filled in the spring of 2003 and aged on the second and fourth floors of Warehouses K and P before bottling at a perfectly integrated 90 proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ELEMENTAL DISTINCTION --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eThe Technical Distinction\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-info-box\"\u003e\n    \u003cul style=\"margin:0; padding-left:20px; font-size:0.95rem;\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecadal Rye Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carries a strict 18-year age statement, representing an elusive level of maturity that few straight ryes ever achieve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRefined Proof Setting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottled precisely at 90 proof (45% ABV), standing as the single most approachable, low-proof option in the annual lineup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarehouse Trajectory:\u003c\/strong\u003e Composed of choice lots barreled in the spring of 2003, matured cleanly on the second and fourth floors of Warehouses K and P.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElite Acclaim Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Earned an extraordinary 97 points and a Top 100 Finalist spot at the 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- SENSORY + STRATEGIC GRID --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eSensory Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:0.9rem;\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e An aromatic profile highlighted by bright orchard apples, fresh garden herbs, and sweet, layered aniseed elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Incredibly integrated and soft; notable flavors of bright apples and herbs blend into rich anise and velvety maple syrup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, sophisticated, and drying, showing exceptional concluding notes of cocoa, dark roasted coffee, and sweet dates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eStrategic Position\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-size:0.90rem; margin-top:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSazerac 18\u003c\/strong\u003e represents the contemplative pinnacle of historical rye development, providing an elegant contrast to the raw heat of cask-strength releases. Barreled in 2003, this 2021 allocation sits a year apart from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sazerac-18-year-2022\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe subsequent 2022 Sazerac 18 bottling\u003c\/a\u003e, anchoring the allocated rye program inside \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/whiskey\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour complete whiskey collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- TECHNICAL SPECS --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"mw-table\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistillery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuffalo Trace Distillery\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eFrankfort, Kentucky\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCategory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKentucky Straight Rye Whiskey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMash Bill Matrix\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuffalo Trace Rye Recipe (Minnesota Rye, Kentucky Corn, North Dakota Malted Barley)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 Years Old (2021 True Vintage Maturity: ~18 Years, 6 Months)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProof \/ ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 Proof \/ 45% ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottling Line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottled consistently at 90 Proof · Chill Filtered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarehouse Sourcing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarehouses K and P (2nd and 4th Floors)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompetition Awards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e97 Points \/ Top 100 Finalist · 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelease Context\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2021 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (Annual Fall Allocation)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750 ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegulatory Stamp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDSP-KY-113\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin Terroir\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnited States · Kentucky\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- COLLECTOR NOTE --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eCollector Note\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe 2021 allocation arrives dressed in the portfolio's iconic deep green closure foil, featuring the dedicated \"18 Years Old\" age block statement on the face panel. Because natural weather variances alter barrel wood interactions across distinct seasons, this 2003 production lot offers an unrepeatable experience for vertical completists. Within the 2021 four-bottle sequence, it stands as the singular extra-aged rye standard, pairing seamlessly beside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/thomas-h-handy-sazerac-2021\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe barrel-strength Handy from the same release\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- RECOMMENDED SERVING --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eRecommended Serving\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eTo fully appreciate the elegant oak vanillins and bright apple notes coaxed over nearly two decades of warehouse maturation, enjoy this spirit completely neat. The 90 proof delivery is perfectly dialed for immediate drinking without water manipulation, showing beautifully inside fine tulip glassware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ACCORDION DEEP-DIVES --\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eProduction Methodology\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis whiskey is distilled meticulously from a high-quality mash of Minnesota rye, Kentucky corn, and North Dakota malted barley at DSP-KY-113 in \u003cstrong\u003eFrankfort, Kentucky\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 2021 expression represents a careful batching of choice casks cellared for 18 years on the second and fourth floors of Warehouses K and P. Brought slowly down to its traditional 90 proof line using pure limestone runoff water, it undergoes a dedicated chill-filtration sequence to ensure maximum liquid stability and a remarkably crisp mouthfeel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eVault Integrity \u0026amp; Sourcing Standards\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eEvery bottle handled by \u003cstrong\u003eMidnight Whiskey\u003c\/strong\u003e is procured strictly through authorized, verified allocation channels and passes rigorous physical seal and label inspection points before being logged into inventory. Shipments are handled via specialized, glass-rated container packaging and absolute age-verification checks; an adult signature (21+) is strictly mandatory upon delivery. Review our complete protocols via \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/about-the-vault\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour editorial and authentication standards\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow strong is Sazerac 18, and how does it differ from the other ryes?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe 2021 \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac 18\u003c\/strong\u003e is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), the lowest strength in the Antique Collection, and unlike the cask-strength Thomas H. Handy it is a gentle, extra-aged rye. It carries an 18-year age statement, the longest of any \u003cstrong\u003eBuffalo Trace\u003c\/strong\u003e rye. The mash bill is composed of Minnesota rye, Kentucky corn, and North Dakota malted barley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin-top:14px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is Sazerac 18 aged so much longer than other ryes?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eAt 18 years, \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac 18\u003c\/strong\u003e is held far longer than almost any other rye; no other \u003cstrong\u003eBuffalo Trace\u003c\/strong\u003e rye is aged close to this long. The extended time in oak builds the dried-fruit and spice depth that defines it, while the 90-proof bottling keeps it from turning hot. The 2021 release shows bright apple, anise, and a cocoa-and-coffee finish under the direction of the \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac Company\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Product\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/sazerac-18-year-2021#product\",\n      \"name\": \"Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (2021 Antique Collection)\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/sazerac-18-year-2021.jpg\",\n      \"description\": \"Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey from Buffalo Trace, carrying an 18-year age statement and bottled at 90 proof for the 2021 Antique Collection.\",\n      \"sku\": \"088004021464-21\",\n      \"mpn\": \"088004021464-21\",\n      \"gtin13\": \"088004021464\",\n      \"brand\": { \"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"Sazerac\" },\n      \"category\": \"Rye\",\n      \"offers\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/sazerac-18-year-2021#offer\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/sazerac-18-year-2021\",\n        \"priceCurrency\": \"USD\",\n        \"price\": \"1699.95\",\n        \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\n        \"itemCondition\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\",\n        \"seller\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Midnight Whiskey\" }\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/sazerac-18-year-2021#breadcrumb\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Rye\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/collections\/whiskey\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Sazerac 18 (2021)\" }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/sazerac-18-year-2021#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How strong is Sazerac 18, and how does it differ from the other ryes?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The 2021 Sazerac 18 is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), the lowest strength in the Antique Collection, and unlike the cask-strength Thomas H. Handy it is a gentle, extra-aged rye. It carries an 18-year age statement, the longest of any Buffalo Trace rye. The mash bill is Minnesota rye, Kentucky corn, and North Dakota malted barley.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Why is Sazerac 18 aged so much longer than other ryes?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"At 18 years, Sazerac 18 is held far longer than almost any other rye; no other Buffalo Trace rye is aged close to this long. The extended time in oak builds the dried-fruit and spice depth that defines it, while the 90-proof bottling keeps it from turning hot. The 2021 release shows bright apple, anise, and a cocoa-and-coffee finish.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Buffalo Trace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45850053312546,"sku":"088004140045-21","price":1499.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/5566\/1602\/files\/1689087277IMG_0030.png?v=1782432883","url":"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/sazerac-18-year-2021","provider":"Midnight Whiskey ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}