Buffalo Trace Antique Collection reaches UK

A limited allocation of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2014 is now available in the UK. According to UK distributor Hi Spirits, the growing interest in both American whiskey and premium spirits has created demand for this five-strong collection of bourbon and rye whiskies.

Nielsen data shows that the American whiskey category typically appeals to younger consumers than Scotch, with growth driven by premium brands. The figures show off-trade sales of American whiskey grew 15.3% in the year to 26 April 2014, while CGA Peach data shows on-trade sales up 4.2% in the year to 19 April 2014.  Over the same period, overall value sales of premium spirits grew by 13.7% in the on-trade and by 6.4% in the off-trade.

Available through Hi-Spirits, the annually-released Antique Collection whiskeys represent the very finest spirits produced at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. The five 2014 Antique Collection whiskeys are:

George T. Stagg: The 2014 release of this uncut and unfiltered bourbon was distilled in the spring of 1998 and has an ABV of 69.05%. The taste is described as “dark chocolate, vanilla, coffee and dates”.

William Larue Weller: At 70.1% ABV, the 2014 edition of the Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon was distilled in the spring of 2002. The taste is characterised by “dark molasses, plum and toffee”.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye: Uncut and unfiltered, this year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2008. At 64.6% ABV, the taste is described as “Christmas cake, allspice, coconut and clove”.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old: This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is said to have notes of “oak, leather, cinnamon and tobacco”. The 2014 edition has an ABV of 45%. 

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old: The 2014 edition of this Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey has flavour notes of “allspice, molasses and a hint of mint, with a long dry finish.” The ABV is 45%. 

Dan Bolton, managing director of Hi-Spirits, says: “There is always high demand for our limited UK allocation of the Antique Collection, and interest in the 2014 release is higher than ever after another year of strong growth for the American whiskey category.”

RRPs for the Antique Collection are in the range of £120 to £150.   

17 November 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor