Sazerac Full Proof Rye Whiskey Review — 125 Proof Value Pick

In the same year, Sazerac Rye was released at 100 proof and now, 125 "Full Proof" (the proof at which the whiskey entered the barrel), and at a freakishly affordable price.

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: The label reads "Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery," but to the best of my knowledge, rye whiskey is distilled at BT's sister distiller, the workhorse, Barton 1792 Distillery, in Bardstown. **UPDATE: Wen Yeh, a Bourbon Banter member and owner of multiple bars in Los Angeles, asked Danny Kahn, master distiller and distillation/aging operations director at Sazerac, to clarify where this rye is made. Kahn said that it is made at Buffalo Trace and using the Sazerac mash bill, which is a different rye mash bill than that used in Col. E.H. Taylor rye, which is made at Barton.
• MASH BILL: Not disclosed, but at least 51% Rye
• AGE: Not disclosed
• YEAR: 2025
• PROOF: 125 (62.5% ABV)
• MSRP: $39.95
• BUY ONLINE: Available in select markets across the U.S.

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: All rye lovers and bourbon fans who love bold pours

WORTH THE PRICE: Without a doubt! One of the best whiskey deals of 2025.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle(s)

OVERALL: Finally, finally, FINALLY, Sazerac is letting its namesake rye whiskey be enjoyed at ABVs well above that not-big-enough-for-a-cocktail and too-soft-for-sipping 90 proof. In the same year, Sazerac Rye was released at 100 proof and is now 125 "Full Proof" (the proof at which the whiskey entered the barrel), at a freakishly affordable price.

$39.99 is straight up Christmas in November, an incredible price that feels like a reward to long-suffering Saz fans who've always wanted more flavor, depth, complexity and oomph from this historic whiskey.

The nose practically says, "I'm a big whiskey, son, so strap it on." It's no-nonsense and straightforward, rich with dark caramel, oak, allspice, flamed orange peel, hot honey, toasted rye bread, and cooked grain.

The flamed orange carries over to the palate aboard a wave of vanilla, orange creamsicle and a little mint. It quickly shifts toward spice and heat starting with toasted and charred oak, cinnamon, black pepper and lots of tongue-tingling spice.

As fan of cocktails, and especially the venerable Sazerac, I made one with this, in the interest of pure science, of course. It's the best I've ever made by a long shot. The only rye that comes close is Knob Creek Single Barrel Rye 115 proof.

Recipe, you ask? 2 ozs. Sazerac Rye Full Proof, 4 bar spoons rich Demerara syrup, 4 dashes Peychaud Bitters, 1 dash Angostura Bitters, stir over ice to dilute and chill. Mist a chilled glass with high quality absinthe and pour chilled cocktail into glass. Express lemon peel onto the drink and toss the peel into the glass. I know that last step is out of vogue, but I see the peel as a nice visual denoting a freshly made drink.

This is just good, bold, old-school Kentucky-style rye whiskey that balances sweetness, richness and spice in one package ... for only 40 friggin' dollars. I have no compunction calling this my favorite rye whiskey from Sazerac, and that includes the BTAC Sazerac 18-Year-Old and the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, delicious as they are.

Happy New Year indeed!

BRAND NOTES

Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof opens with bold aromas of rye spice, fresh dill, and smoky oak, immediately signaling its intensity and depth.

On the palate, it delivers a surprisingly smooth sweetness up front, followed by floral and herbal notes, supported by rich oak and classic rye grain character throughout.

The finish is lightly peppery with a late rye spice that gently lingers, presenting warmth and complexity without being overwhelming.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.