Distillery: Augusta Distillery
Suggested retail price: $229.99
Drink The Bottles score: 94/100
Distillery: Augusta Distillery
Suggested retail price: $229.99
Drink The Bottles score: 94/100
This bourbon was a lot of fun to try and figure out. It kept evolving with more air time in the glass. Initially we discovered stone fruits, peppercorn, and banana bread, eventually leading to vanillas bean and cherry. A drop of water really changes things! The hard cherry candy flavor persisted from beginning to end, bringing along soft caramel chews, fruit basket and dried earth. While the finish wasn't particularly long, it was very pleasing with the cherry candy, sweet tobacco, and ripe fruits with an oaky backbone. The proof makes this a very easy drinker and we can't wait to get our hands on the other expressions in this series.
FRANKFORT, KY (July 21, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces a new, higher-proof addition to its renowned Sazerac Rye Whiskey portfolio, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof. Developed in response to demand from bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts, this innovative expression is designed to offer enhanced flavor, versatility and control in cocktail creation while maintaining the smooth, approachable profile that defines Sazerac Rye.
After extensive development to ensure the elevated proof complements rather than overwhelms its signature flavor, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof delivers a richer, more structured whiskey that stands up beautifully in both bold and classic cocktails such as the Sazerac and Manhattan.
“As the whiskey of America’s first cocktail, Sazerac Rye has played a central role in rye whiskey’s resurgence,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Bartenders have increasingly embraced 100 proof ryes for the balance, strength and versatility they provide. Sazerac Rye 100 Proof offers greater control over flavor and balance, empowering creativity behind the bar. It’s built to be the perfect cocktail whiskey.”
A longtime favorite among bartenders, Sazerac Rye Whiskey honors both the character of New Orleans and the history of American spirits. Known for its spicy, peppery, and dry profile, rye whiskey plays a vital role in cocktails that demand a harmony of sweet and dry ingredients.
“Sazerac Rye 100 Proof was crafted specifically with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts in mind,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. With the renewed interest in classic cocktails that rely on a rye whiskey base, we focused on ensuring this higher-proof spirit delivers complexity and structure without losing its signature profile. We’re proud of the result and look forward to seeing it elevate cocktails around the world.”
Similar to its 90-proof counterpart, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof features aromas of clove, vanilla, anise, and pepper. On the palate, it reveals subtle notes of candied spices and citrus, leading to a smooth finish with hints of licorice. The higher proof amplifies these flavors, offering a richer, more balanced drinking experience.
As of July 1, 2025, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof is now available at retailers, bars and restaurants in select markets via Sazerac’s United States distributor networks at a suggested retail price of $29.99 per 1L bottle; taxes and fees will vary by market.
Additionally, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof joins the Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) program as its newest single barrel offering. This provides select accounts the opportunity to hand-pick their own barrel of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof. As part of the launch celebration, the first 100 on-premise accounts to select a barrel will receive a limited-edition commemorative barrelhead to display in their bar or restaurant.
For more information, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com
Napa Valley, CA
Winery: Maldonado Family Vineyards
Suggested retail price: $48.00
Drink The Bottles score: 90/100
In case you haven't heard by now, we are HUGE fans of Green River Distilling Company. In fact, we voted their Rye the Best Rye of 2024! A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Army celebrated their 250th birthday and Green River showed them some serious love - in style! How cool is it to get your own commemorative bottle and to have a portion of the proceeds be donated to various non-profit groups that support US soldiers. This particular bottle comes in at 111.1 proof, which is an honor to Veteran's Day on November 11th.
We can tell you this. This bottle IS available across the US in many markets. We just returned from Scottsdale and saw this sitting on the shelf. If you're a Green River enthusiast, an Army veteran or want to provide a special gift to the soldier in your life, we highly suggest this bottle.
Carmel color to the rim, this bourbon is comprised of barrels in the four-to-seven year age statement. The mashbill is 77% corn, 14% rye and 9% malted barley, presenting aromas of cinnamon stick, red fruits, pomegranate, cedar and book leather. On the palate is a very warm and welcoming blend of caramel syrup, nutmeg, vanilla sponge cake and baking spices. The finish is pleasantly lingering and you'll immediatley want to "try that again" as soon as the glass is empty. The special packaging and label are just a bonus to the appeal and this bottle is all around solid! Hooah!
The distillery's namesake, Samuel Maverick, has a long and colorful history in the southwest United States. Maverick served in many political positions, was a Texas land magnate and he cheated death more times than most people should. He made the most of his adventurous life and it makes perfect sense to honor him with a whiskey brand.
The Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Bottled in Bond Bourbon is our first look at any selection from Maverick Whiskey. Burnt umber in the glass with hues of maroon peeking about, this bourbon is created in small batches and aged for more than five years in actual bank vaults under the distillery! Maverick uses Char #3 barrels and a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% Wren's Abruzzi rye and 10% malted barley, resulting in a very aromatic introduction that includes mesquite smoke, clove, honeysuckle and brown butter. Incredibly silky-smooth mouthfeel with Crème Brûlée, caramel corn, allspice, nutmeg, marry very well here with a finish that is framed by the toasted nut flavors that bring this all together. This was a fantastic introdution to Maverick Whiskey for us and we will keep an eye on what is next for this distillery!
Every so often, when the timing is right and the aging process is exactly where they want it to be, Augusta Distillery releases their Buckn...