Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Turns 25: Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Joins the Lineup

Buffalo Trace Distillery tells BourbonBlog.com they are proudly marking the 25th release of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) with its first new addition in nearly two decades: Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon.

First introduced in 2000, BTAC honors Buffalo Trace’s historic whiskey brands and the visionaries behind them, offering some of the world’s most sought-after releases each year. Joining the lineup this year are the five acclaimed staples all listed below with tasting notes and information, keep reading!

Widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Bourbon,” Colonel E.H. Taylor revolutionized whiskey production after purchasing the O.F.C. Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) in 1869. He introduced copper fermentation tanks, advanced grain equipment, and a pioneering steam heating system still used in the warehouses today. His leadership helped shape the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act—the first major consumer protection law in U.S. history—which forever defined bourbon quality standards.

A BTAC Question for You:

Which of the BTAC releases would you love to try — or have you already tasted one? Share your thoughts in the comments below on this link!

“Colonel Taylor’s signature graced every bottle produced under his watch as a testament to its quality—a tradition we uphold today,” Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery tells us. “Created in his honor, every sip of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon offers more than exceptional flavor—it’s a taste of history.”

Pricing and Purchasing on Legacy de Forge

Each BTAC bottle is presented in crystal-clear glass showcasing its rich color, accompanied by a back label with history and tasting notes, plus a letter detailing the whiskey’s production and aging journey. The limited-edition bottles are available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (local taxes and fees may apply). A limited supply will also be offered via Legacy de Forge, a new global platform powered by Blockbar (shipping restrictions apply).

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E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon is the first new addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection since Thomas H. Handy joined the portfolio in 2006. Aged 15 years and 4 months in the Distillery’s warehouses and hand-bottled at 100 proof to meet Bottled-In-Bond standards, this whiskey is crafted from Buffalo Trace’s sour mash recipe. The nose opens with warm vanilla, seasoned oak, charred undertones, and a drizzle of maple sweetness. On the palate, balanced sweetness and baking spices mingle with gentle wood notes, while the lingering finish carries oak and vanilla into soft caramel with a hint of cherry. This Bottled-In-Bond offering bears Colonel E.H. Taylor’s signature, just as every bottle under his watch did, continuing a legacy of excellence he championed.

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bottled at 101 proof in recognition of the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975, the Buffalo Trace distillers’ hand-selected their finest barrels to craft this exceptional whiskey. Aged beyond its 17-year statement – maturing 18 years and 4 months – the 2025 Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon opens on the nose with dark tobacco and well-worn leather, accented by ripe cherry and a lively peppery edge.

The palate reveals caramel sweetness intertwined with supple leather and bright cherry notes, while the smooth, resonant finish carries lasting oak, a touch of vanilla, and a gentle echo of sweetness. Last year’s vintage received a Double Platinum award at the 2025 ASCOT Awards.

George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Named in honor of the whiskey pioneer George T. Stagg, who acquired the historic O.F.C. Distillery from Colonel E.H. Taylor in 1878, this powerhouse bourbon embodies his legacy of boldness and vision. Before taking the helm of what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stagg had built a reputation as a successful whiskey salesman, and today his name graces the boldest expression in the Antique Collection. First introduced in 2002 to meet growing demand for well-aged, barrel-strength bourbon, this year’s George T. Stagg Bourbon was drawn from barrels aged more than 15 years and 4 months.

The 2025 release is one of the strongest ever, bottled at 142.8 proof to deliver uncut, unfiltered intensity. Opening with a commanding aroma of deep oak accented by a touch of vanilla, the palate reveals bold vanilla layered with dark tobacco and ripe cherry that leads to a long, earthy finish with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and enduring oak. The 2023 George T. Stagg release earned top honors, including Best in Class and Double Gold medals at the 2024 Whiskies of the World Competition.

Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey derives its name from the historic Sazerac House in New Orleans, birthplace of the iconic Sazerac cocktail (widely regarded as America’s first cocktail) in the mid-1800s. Bottled at 18 years and 5 months and 90 proof, this year’s release opens with bright rye spice on the nose, layered with seasoned oak and a subtle herbaceous lift.

The palate delivers a mature balance of spice and oak, accented by woody richness and supple leather, leading to a lingering finish of rye spice, warm leather, caraway seed, and enduring oak. Further underscoring its excellence, the 2024 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey takes its name from the New Orleans businessman and owner of the legendary Sazerac Coffee House, who first used rye whiskey in the classic Sazerac cocktail. This uncut, unfiltered whiskey is crafted from barrels aged over six years and bottled at 129.8 proof, up from last year’s 127.2.

On the nose of this year’s Handy, lively oak and spice are lifted by bright fruit and a light apple scent. The palate delivers bold spice and oak balanced with gentle fruit notes, leading to a long, warming finish of oak, vanilla, and spice.

William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon

W.L. Weller, the pioneering distiller who first introduced wheat into the mash bill of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, inspired William Larue Weller, a wheated bourbon known for its soft, smooth character distinct from traditional rye-based styles. The Buffalo Trace distilling team filled the barrels for this year’s release at 114 proof; after 14 years of aging, the whiskey now rests at 129 proof.

Uncut and unfiltered, the nose offers layers of vanilla, maple, and tobacco, while the palate balances sweet vanilla with toasted oak. Its long finish carries steady oak and vanilla alongside a touch of ripe fruit. Last year’s William Larue Weller earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.