Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye: 2008 or 2009?

[dean_martin]

Pardon my ignorance, but is there any info on the Handy label/bottle that says what year it is?

[Rughi]

Pardon my ignorance, but is there any info on the Handy label/bottle that says what year it is?

BT doesn't put that on the label, but your friends at SB.com diligently archive that information for your use.

Roger

[smokinjoe]

Pardon my ignorance, but is there any info on the Handy label/bottle that says what year it is?

Only the proof will tell you:

2006 = 132.7
2007 = 134.8
2008 = 127.5
2009 = 129

[dean_martin]

BT doesn't put that on the label, but your friends at SB.com diligently archive that information for your use.

Roger

ah, yes. thank you (and my friends at SB.com). That's a lot to remember when I'm all glassy-eyed in the liquor store. It's time to make note cards.

[dean_martin]

Only the proof will tell you:

2006 = 132.7
2007 = 134.8
2008 = 127.5
2009 = 129

I checked my only bottle of Handy tonight. It's an '07. Found a stash of 5 or 6 bottles at one of my usual haunts over the weekend. They were either '08 or '09. (Proof was in the 120s.) I'll be armed with the right info when I go back.

[mgilbertva]

I have not had the '09 yet, although I have a bottle. I've tried the '06 and '08. The former was more of a bourbon-like rye, but powerful and a huge finish. Lots of leather and molasses. The '08, on the other hand, was clearly not a bourbon. It was more unique, with lots of ginger, allspice, raisins and figs. Very intense and potent, like all Handys.

If you haven't already made a decision between another '08 and the '09, I always choose the one I haven't had because I like variety and trying new things so much.

[smokinjoe]

I checked my only bottle of Handy tonight. It's an '07. Found a stash of 5 or 6 bottles at one of my usual haunts over the weekend. They were either '08 or '09. (Proof was in the 120s.) I'll be armed with the right info when I go back.

I don't think you can go wrong with any year. I have found each of them to be thoroughly extraordinary.
Cheers!

[Luna56]

I've only had the '09 and I think it is absolutely fantastic. Some of my very favorite whiskey ever. Can't go wrong!

Cheers!

[timd]

I've only had the '09 and I think it is absolutely fantastic. Some of my very favorite whiskey ever. Can't go wrong!

Same here - only had the '09, and it's in my Top 5 of any Whisk(e)y I've tried.

[mgilbertva]

I finally got around to opening a bottle of the '09, and you guys are right - outstanding! It's much more bourbon-like than the '08, which was unique in its flavor profile, a profile only a rye could produce. Not that you miss the fact that the '09 is a rye, but it's less individualistic than its predecessor. Please note, I don't mean any of that in a negative way.

Whether the '09 my favorite of all time, probably not (Doug Phillips 22yo Willett gets that honor). I loved the '06, which was a massive, towering whiskey. But I'd have to try them together to figure out which I like better. I seem to remember the '06 as being more rye-dominant than the '09 too. It was harsh however, and while the '09 is big, I think it may be more refined and elegant too.

I'm working off of memory here, though.