SAZERAC RYE WHISKEY FULL PROOF JOINS THE BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY PORTFOLIO

FRANKFORT, KY (November 12, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is proud to introduce Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof as a permanent addition to its growing Sazerac Rye portfolio. Bottled at 125 proof, this bold new release emerges from the Distillery’s recent expansion and amplifies the brand’s signature spicy, peppery, and dry profile to create a sipping whiskey with remarkable intensity.Born out of the spirit of New Orleans, Sazerac Rye Whiskey captures the character of the city: bold, timeless, and unapologetically original. The brand has evolved from a bartender’s best-kept secret into a connoisseur’s staple, with the original 90 proof and the recently launched 100 proof expressions celebrated for their distinctive spice and dry complexity. The addition of Full Proof offers a full-bodied expression crafted for sipping and savoring, highlighting the versatility of Sazerac Rye while reflecting Buffalo Trace Distillery’s commitment to delivering exceptional whiskey experiences for enthusiasts at every stage of their rye journey.“Rye whiskey is the perfect next step for whiskey drinkers looking for more flavor. Sazerac Rye’s unique, balanced, Kentucky-style recipe makes it the brand whiskey drinkers have trusted for years,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Sazerac Rye Full Proof amplifies the brand’s floral notes of vanilla and clove, along with fruity hints of orange, with just a touch of pepper, proving that rye whiskeys aren’t just great in cocktails—they shine on their own.”

A result of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s $1.2 billion expansion, Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof continues the Distillery’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. The addition of new still houses and enhanced distilling capacity enables great production of its core bourbon and rye whiskeys, while also exploring bolder proofs and distinctive flavor profiles that push tradition forward.

“We’re excited to bring another full proof option to fans after they’ve expressed their love for our W.L. Weller and Benchmark full proof offerings,” remarks Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Our expansion is ten years in the making, and it’s rewarding to see how it’s already allowing us to create more of these whiskeys while maintaining the quality our fans expect.”

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.

Sazerac Whiskey Rye Full Proof will be available in select markets beginning November 2025 at select retailers, bars, and restaurants for a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750ML bottle (taxes and fees vary by market) via Sazerac’s United States distributor networks.

Additionally, Buffalo Trace Distillery will celebrate the new release with a limited-time premium tasting experience from Friday, November 14, through Sunday, November 16, featuring the complete Sazerac Rye Whiskey portfolio: Sazerac Rye 90, 100, and Full Proof, as well as Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. A $10 ticket to the “Sazerac Rye Vertical Tasting” includes samples of all four expressions, a commemorative Sazerac Rye glass, and a small bite pairing. Tickets are available for purchase at buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us.html on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American, family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskeys. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

This is huge news out of Frankfort — Buffalo Trace is officially adding Sazerac Rye Full Proof as a permanent expression in its lineup, and that’s something rye fans should be paying close attention to. At 125 proof, this release promises to turn up the volume on the classic Sazerac flavor profile that’s already beloved for its bold spice, peppery kick, and dry finish. The original 90-proof has long been a bartender favorite for cocktails, while the newer 100-proof release gave enthusiasts a bit more muscle for sipping. But this new Full Proof version? It sounds like it’s going to deliver the kind of rich, high-proof intensity that rye lovers crave — especially those who enjoy exploring the deeper, more textured side of Buffalo Trace’s whiskeys.

The tasting notes Buffalo Trace describes — dill, smoky oak, vanilla, clove, and orange — sound like the perfect marriage of classic rye spice with that sweet, floral complexity the distillery is known for. The price point, $39.99, is surprisingly approachable given the proof and pedigree, especially considering how quickly anything from Buffalo Trace tends to disappear from shelves. It’s also encouraging to see this launch tied to the distillery’s massive $1.2 billion expansion, which should mean better availability and more variety across their entire whiskey lineup in the coming years.

For anyone who’s enjoyed Weller Full Proof or Benchmark Full Proof, this feels like the natural next addition — one that bridges the gap between cocktail rye and collector-level sipping whiskey. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for this bottle when it lands in Michigan, and I expect it’ll become a fast favorite among those who like their ryes bold, dry, and unapologetically flavorful.