This Week

• In Celebration of - Sazerac Rye

• Trivia Question

• Cocktail Corner - The Rye Old Fashioned

• Trivia Answer

In Celebration of Sazerac Rye

I’m just gonna say it right off the bat. Sazerac Rye is like a bake shop in a bottle. It's a favorite of mine and I love it straight up or in an Old Fashioned with a cherry. Let's dive in.

The story of Sazerac Rye takes us all the way back to New Orleans in the early 1800s. In those days, New Orleans was a bustling port city and a melting pot of cultures and flavors. It was here, at the Sazerac Coffee House, that a Creole apothecary named Antoine Peychaud began serving a cocktail that would become legendary—the Sazerac.

Originally, the Sazerac cocktail was made with French brandy, specifically Sazerac de Forge et Fils, combined with Peychaud's own bitters. Over time, rye whiskey replaced brandy as the primary spirit, reflecting the growing popularity of American whiskey during that era. This shift gave birth to what we now recognize as Sazerac Rye, a whiskey that carries the legacy of one of the world’s first cocktails.

Sazerac Rye wasn’t just a drink; it was a symbol of resilience. It survived the dark days of Prohibition when distilleries across the country were forced to close their doors or drastically change their operations. The Sazerac Company emerged from Prohibition stronger than ever and went on to solidify its place as a beloved staple in the whiskey world.

Today, Sazerac Rye is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, a National Historic Landmark in Frankfort, Kentucky. We've talked a bit about this iconic distiller in a previous article. It's a good read, so do check it out. At Buffalo Trace, Sazerac Rye is crafted with the same meticulous care and attention to detail that has made it a cornerstone of the whiskey market.

Pour yourself a glass. Sazerac greets the nose with an inviting bouquet of clove, vanilla, and anise, with a warm hint of nutmeg. Let’s take a sip. On the palate, it delivers a robust little stage play with notes of candied spices, citrus peel, and a touch of cinnamon and pepper, all balanced by a smooth, almost creamy texture. The finish is long and warm, leaving a lingering spiciness that invites another sip.

This is why I call it a bake shop in a bottle. It's like walking into a patisserie and being hugged by aromas of fresh cookies and pastries. For me, It somehow manages to taste like childhood innocence, hope, nostalgia, and Victorian candlelight all at once. It really plays with the mind. Sipping Sazerac instantly places me in a safe and comfortable place where my worries just melt away.

Sazerac Rye’s popularity has grown far beyond its New Orleans roots. Today, it’s enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts around the world from Paris to Tokyo. In recent years, the brand has seen a significant increase in sales, becoming a staple in both personal collections and bars globally. The Sazerac Company continues to expand its reach and has become a global ambassador for American rye whiskey. Its success is reflected in the fact that it is consistently ranked among the top-selling rye whiskeys in the United States and continues to gain a loyal following internationally.

It could be said that Sazerac Rye embodies the spirit of New Orleans—bold, vibrant, and full of character. But for me, the complexity of flavors also somehow reminds me of older and simpler times. Times when the beautiful smells of freshly baked goodies were the best entertainment available. Maybe they still are.

Cocktail Corner
The Rye Old Fashioned

A timeless classic with a twist, the Rye Old Fashioned takes the robust spice of Sazerac Rye and enhances it with a touch of sweetness. It’s often garnished with lemon or orange zest but I definitely prefer tossing in a cherry.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey

• 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp sugar

• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Cherry for garnish

• Ice

Let’s make it!

1. Muddle the Sugar and Bitters: Place the sugar cube (or sugar) in an Old Fashioned glass. Add the bitters and a splash of water, then muddle until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add the Whiskey: Pour in the whiskey and stir to combine.

3. Add Ice: Add a large ice cube or a few smaller ones to the glass.

4. Garnish: Toss in that cherry.

5. Cheers!

Thanks for enjoying Sazerac with us. If you need to reach us, have feedback, or have a topic you would like to see, please let us know at [email protected]