Thomas H Handy Sazerac bottled 2009

Thomas H Handy is another one of these powerful Americans that are part of the Antique Collection. This bottling from 2011 was chosen by Jim Murray as whiskey of the year in his 2012 spiritual scripture. I tried the 2012 version at 66,2% ABV and felt it was fantastic. Let us see how this slightly older bottling, on a slightly lower percentage, fares. Rye is the main ingredient.

The nose is honeysweet with a sour lining. Red fruit, fudge, caramelized orange peel with a hint of chocolate, guimauve and cola candy. A hint of aniseed and some dark bread. Pinch of selery salt and a bit of coconut. Very amusing and accessible.

It is oily on the plate with loads of spices. Reminds me a bit of apple brandy. Cognac? White pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon and a bit of cloves are softened by parma violets (purple candy), cola again, licorice, mint, Pink Lady apples and bittersweet orange marmalade. Hint of tobacco. Very tasty and complex.

The finish is long and mildly drying on woodspice, mint and tannins.

By far the sweetest from the Antique Collection, but again a grand whiskey, which can cope with water like any other whiskey from this collection.

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