Sazerac Rye is produced in two forms; the more generic but still not easy to find six year variety (the age is not listed on the bottle, but common repute is that's it's aged for six years) and a much rarer 18 year old Rye whiskey. Both are 90 proof, and traditional American Rye whiskey.

The Sazerac company is a New Orleans company, whose history is intimately tied to that of the Sazerac cocktail, and Antoine Peychaud's bitters. Peychaud invented the Sazerac cocktail, the cocktail led to a coffee house and then a bar. Then the Sazarac bar was purchased in 1869 by Thomas H. Handy. From then on, except for a brief hiatus during Prohibition, the Sazerac Company has been in the business of distilling spirits. The Sazerac Company purchased Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1992. Today, Buffalo Trace distillery makes not only Sazerac Rye, but also a number of other ryes and bourbons, including Buffalo Trace, Old Charter and Old Rip Van Winkle.

In a glass, Sazerac Rye is a lovely dark coppery-gold. There's a definite Rye pepper in the aroma, and even more in the taste, with a hint of something sweeter, something a little reminiscent of vanilla, of citrus, and perhaps, cloves. At first, I thought that it was a bit too much—too peppery, and a little sharp, but upon reflection (and a little ice in the glass) I've changed my opinion. I rather like Sazerac Rye, in fact, I like Sazerac Rye quite a lot. I haven't tried it in a mixed drink yet; it rather invites, perhaps even inspires one to try a Sazerac cocktail, or perhaps an Old Fashioned, or another of the very fine traditional Rye cocktails.

We picked up a bottle of the six year old Sazerac Rye at the suggestion of the local liquor store manager; the same manager was responsible for our discovery of Rittenhouse Rye, still my favorite, with Old Overholt as a reliable tipple available almost everywhere, unlike Sazerac Rye, or Rittenhouse. We will be trying it in a few cocktails; probably a Manhattan, and Old Fashioneds, and if I can find some Herb Sant, perhaps a Sazerac. I have to say, Sazerac is very fine indeed, though perhaps a bit pricey to be a regular item. It does make me very curious about the 18 year old version of Sazerac Rye. For another opinion, see this review.