THE BUFFALO TRACE ANTIQUE COLLECTION CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE DEBUT OF E.H. TAYLOR BOTTLED-IN-BOND, A TRIBUTE TO THE BOURBON PIONEER’S ENDURING LEGACY
Colonel E.H. Taylor’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation finds a permanent home within Buffalo Trace’s most coveted collection
FRANKFORT, Ky (OCT 8, 2025) – This fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly celebrates the 25th release of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) with its first new addition in nearly two decades: Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. First introduced in 2000, the Antique Collection honors Buffalo Trace Distillery’s historic whiskey brands and the visionaries behind them, offering enthusiasts some of the world’s most sought-after releases each year. Alongside the new expression are the collection’s five celebrated staples – Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Bourbon” and pioneer who helped define bourbon quality standards, Colonel E.H. Taylor is a fitting permanent addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. After purchasing the O.F.C. Distillery – now Buffalo Trace – in 1869, Taylor modernized operations with innovations such as advanced grain equipment, copper fermentation tanks and a first-of-its-kind steam heating system that remains in use in the distillery’s barrel warehouses today. Beyond modernizing the facilities, Colonel Taylor played a pivotal role in the movement that led to the 1897 passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. As one of the first consumer protection law in the United States, this landmark achievement forever altered the standards and practices of whiskey production.
“Colonel Taylor’s signature graced every bottle produced under his watch as a testament to its quality, a tradition we uphold today as a promise of integrity,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Created in his honor, every sip of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon offers more than exceptional flavor – it’s a taste of history and reminder of his strict tenets that have safeguarded America’s world-leading whiskey quality standards for nearly 150 years.”
Each BTAC expression is presented in a crystal-clear glass bottle that highlights its rich color, while the back label shares its history and tasting notes. Every bottle is accompanied by a letter detailing the whiskey’s intricate production and aging journey, offering authenticity and exclusivity to its owner. These limited-edition bottles are sold individually and available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (local taxes and fees may apply). A limited supply will also be available for purchase directly via Legacy de Forge, a new global platform powered by Blockbar for purchasing some of the world’s most coveted bottles (shipping restrictions apply).
E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon is the first new addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection since Thomas H. Handy joined the portfolio in 2006. Aged 15 years and 4 months in the Distillery’s warehouses and hand-bottled at 100 proof to meet Bottled-In-Bond standards, this whiskey is crafted from Buffalo Trace’s sour mash recipe. The nose opens with warm vanilla, seasoned oak, charred undertones, and a drizzle of maple sweetness. On the palate, balanced sweetness and baking spices mingle with gentle wood notes, while the lingering finish carries oak and vanilla into soft caramel with a hint of cherry. This Bottled-In-Bond offering bears Colonel E.H. Taylor’s signature, just as every bottle under his watch did, continuing a legacy of excellence he championed.
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Bottled at 101 proof in recognition of the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975, the Buffalo Trace distillers’ hand-selected their finest barrels to craft this exceptional whiskey. Aged beyond its 17-year statement – maturing 18 years and 4 months – the 2025 Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon opens on the nose with dark tobacco and well-worn leather, accented by ripe cherry and a lively peppery edge. The palate reveals caramel sweetness intertwined with supple leather and bright cherry notes, while the smooth, resonant finish carries lasting oak, a touch of vanilla, and a gentle echo of sweetness. Last year’s vintage received a Double Platinum award at the 2025 ASCOT Awards.
George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Named in honor of the whiskey pioneer George T. Stagg, who acquired the historic O.F.C. Distillery from Colonel E.H. Taylor in 1878, this powerhouse bourbon embodies his legacy of boldness and vision. Before taking the helm of what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stagg had built a reputation as a successful whiskey salesman, and today his name graces the boldest expression in the Antique Collection. First introduced in 2002 to meet growing demand for well-aged, barrel-strength bourbon, this year’s George T. Stagg Bourbon was drawn from barrels aged more than 15 years and 4 months. The 2025 release is one of the strongest ever, bottled at 142.8 proof to deliver uncut, unfiltered intensity. Opening with a commanding aroma of deep oak accented by a touch of vanilla, the palate reveals bold vanilla layered with dark tobacco and ripe cherry that leads to a long, earthy finish with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and enduring oak. The 2023 George T. Stagg release earned top honors, including Best in Class and Double Gold medals at the 2024 Whiskies of the World Competition.
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey derives its name from the historic Sazerac House in New Orleans, birthplace of the iconic Sazerac cocktail (widely regarded as America’s first cocktail) in the mid-1800s. Bottled at 18 years and 5 months and 90 proof, this year’s release opens with bright rye spice on the nose, layered with seasoned oak and a subtle herbaceous lift. The palate delivers a mature balance of spice and oak, accented by woody richness and supple leather, leading to a lingering finish of rye spice, warm leather, caraway seed, and enduring oak. Further underscoring its excellence, the 2024 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey takes its name from the New Orleans businessman and owner of the legendary Sazerac Coffee House, who first used rye whiskey in the classic Sazerac cocktail. This uncut, unfiltered whiskey is crafted from barrels aged over six years and bottled at 129.8 proof, up from last year’s 127.2. On the nose of this year’s Handy, lively oak and spice are lifted by bright fruit and a light apple scent. The palate delivers bold spice and oak balanced with gentle fruit notes, leading to a long, warming finish of oak, vanilla, and spice.
William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon
W.L. Weller, the pioneering distiller who first introduced wheat into the mash bill of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, inspired William Larue Weller, a wheated bourbon known for its soft, smooth character distinct from traditional rye-based styles. The Buffalo Trace distilling team filled the barrels for this year’s release at 114 proof; after 14 years of aging, the whiskey now rests at 129 proof. Uncut and unfiltered, the nose offers layers of vanilla, maple, and tobacco, while the palate balances sweet vanilla with toasted oak. Its long finish carries steady oak and vanilla alongside a touch of ripe fruit. Last year’s William Larue Weller earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
