Sips & Sites & Bites

There’s something quietly exciting happening behind the bar these days, and it’s got a 100-proof punch. Buffalo Trace has officially released a higher-proof version of its beloved Sazerac Rye … and it’s not just for sipping neat. This one’s built for the cocktail shaker.

Meet Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof, a long-requested addition from bartenders who’ve wanted something a little more assertive, a little more flavorful, and just a touch more fiery for those Manhattans, Sazeracs, and Boulevardiers. While the original 90-proof version already had plenty of character (and a devoted following), the new expression ups the ante in a way that’s both thoughtful and intentional.

Buffalo Trace didn’t just crank up the heat for the sake of a label update. According to Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, the goal was to find a sweet spot where structure and spice complement the core identity of Sazerac Rye. And that identity, defined by pepper, clove, vanilla, and a lingering dry finish, is still very much intact. But now, it hits with a little more clarity, especially when stirred into cocktails where the whiskey has to hold its own against sweet vermouth, bitters, absinthe, or citrus.

The proof bump means more flavor control for bartenders, and frankly, more flavor for the rest of us. The candied spice and subtle citrus pop a little more now. The finish? Still smooth, but longer and slightly richer. It’s the kind of whiskey you reach for when you want to taste your drink … not hide it behind syrups and smoke.

The best part? It won’t break the bank. At $29.99 for a 1L bottle, Sazerac Rye 100 Proof lands in that rare sweet spot of being cocktail-friendly and affordable, making it a solid addition to any home bar or backbar lineup.

And if you’re one of those lucky bars participating in the Sazerac Barrel Select program, you’ll now have the option to hand-pick a barrel of this new rye. The first 100 accounts get a commemorative barrelhead to hang proudly, proof (literally) that this rye is already stirring things up in all the right ways.