Sazerac Rye 100 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey

Some rye bottles feel like background players; this one wants center stage. Sazerac Rye 100 Proof is the bolder sibling to the classic 90-proof “Baby Saz,” built for modern cocktail culture and serious sipping alike.

This straight rye is distilled at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Kentucky, using the house’s “Kentucky-style” low-rye mash bill, heavy on corn for extra sweetness and approachability.

It’s bottled at 100 proof in a generous one-liter format, deliberately tuned to stand tall in Sazeracs, Manhattans, and Old Fashioneds without losing its easygoing charm.

On the nose, clove, vanilla, anise, and cracked pepper rise first, then candied citrus and gentle oak drift in, giving an impression that’s both vivid and reassuringly classic. The palate leans spicy yet friendly. Bold rye grain, caramel, and baking spice swell across the tongue, brightened by orange peel and candied spice, with licorice and toasted oak humming underneath.

What really sells it is versatility. Neat, it’s fuller and sweeter than the old 90 proof; in cocktails, that extra structure keeps flavors sharp instead of washed out, letting bartenders fine-tune balance rather than fight dilution.

Nose: Rye grain rises sharply. Black pepper and clove follow. Light caramel, mint, and dry oak sit underneath.

Palate: Crisp and structured. Spicy rye bread, cinnamon, and herbal notes lead. Subtle honey and vanilla soften the mid-palate without dulling the edge.

Finish: Medium-long and dry. Peppery spice lingers. Oak and faint sweetness fade cleanly, leaving a focused, refreshing close.

This rye loves savory contrast. Pair it with pastrami sandwiches or grilled sausages. Spiced roast chicken works well. For dessert, dark chocolate or ginger snaps echo its peppery backbone without overpowering the grain.