Thomas H Handy Rye 2025 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

This 2025 release of Thomas H. Handy is an uncompromising, barrel-proof rye that delivers immense spice, bold intensity and raw whiskey character. Designed for sippers who seek full strength and high-impact rye, it offers a thrilling ride of heat-driven flavour backed by subtle depth. It’s not for casual sipping, but for those who appreciate serious rye.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, the Thomas H. Handy expression draws on a high-rye mash bill (a Kentucky-style rye) and is bottled uncut and unfiltered—straight from the barrel. The 2025 edition is aged approximately 6 years 3 months, distilled in Spring 2018 and 2019, and bottled at a formidable 129.8 proof (64.9% ABV). Barrels for this release matured on middle to upper floors (4–7) of select warehouses (AA, DD, L, N) with the brand continuing its role as the rye counterpart in the BTAC series.
The bottle is part of the annual limited-edition lineup, highly allocated and deeply sought after.

Critics Reviews

• Whiskey reviewer Eric Burke described the 2025 Handy as “a powerful, high-proof rye that opens with lively oak and spice, vibrant fruit notes (apple/berry) under the heat, then layers of caramel and deep wood.”

• Editor Julia Higgins (Whisky Advocate) noted: “This year’s Handy stands out for balance despite its proof—bright fruit and rich rye spice combine with long oak-driven finish.”

• Spirits writer Kirk Miller (InsideHook) observed that “Handy is the youngest whiskey in the 2025 BTAC collection, yet it punches way above its age with intense flavour and refined strength.”

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Fresh golden-amber hue. Aromas of vibrant cinnamon and clove spice, orange peel, fig cake and candied fruit, underpinned by seasoned oak.

• Palate: Full and energetic. Waves of rye bread spice, peppercorn, brown sugar, molasses, dark fruit and toasted wood dominate—heat plays a strong part yet the grain and barrel character hold up.

• Finish: Long, warming and intense. Lingering allspice, nutmeg, oak tannin and a slightly smoky char fade into pepper-sweet echoes and a hint of coconut or vanilla.

Quick Overview