The Most Anticipated Whiskey Release of the Year

Every fall, bourbon enthusiasts across America hold their breath for one release: the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). This annual lineup of ultra-premium, limited-edition bourbons and ryes is widely considered the pinnacle of American whiskey — and bottles sell out within minutes of hitting shelves. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?

The BTAC is an annual release from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky — one of America's oldest and most celebrated distilleries. Each year, five exceptional expressions are released in extremely limited quantities, each representing the best barrels selected from Buffalo Trace's aging warehouses.

The Five Expressions

1. George T. Stagg

The crown jewel of the collection. George T. Stagg is an uncut, unfiltered bourbon bottled at barrel proof — typically between 120 and 140 proof. It's massive, complex, and utterly unforgettable, with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla, and dried fruit. Consistently rated among the best bourbons in the world.

2. William Larue Weller

The wheated bourbon of the collection. William Larue Weller uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, resulting in a softer, sweeter profile with notes of caramel, honey, and baking spice. Also bottled at barrel proof, it's one of the most sought-after wheated bourbons ever made.

3. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

The rye whiskey of the collection. Thomas H. Handy is an uncut, unfiltered straight rye with bold spice, mint, and fruit character. Named after the legendary New Orleans bartender who popularized the Sazerac cocktail, it's a rye of extraordinary power and complexity.

4. Sazerac 18-Year-Old Straight Rye

The most refined expression in the collection. Sazerac 18 is aged for 18 years, resulting in a deeply complex rye with notes of dried fruit, leather, tobacco, and oak. Unlike the other BTAC expressions, it's bottled at a more approachable 90 proof.

5. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old

A single barrel bourbon aged for 17 years. Eagle Rare 17 is elegant and nuanced, with notes of dark cherry, toffee, herbs, and a long, warming finish. It's the most approachable of the BTAC expressions in terms of proof, but no less impressive in quality.

When Is the BTAC Released?

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is typically released in the fall — usually September or October. Allocation varies by state and retailer, and bottles are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand far exceeds supply every year, so acting quickly is essential.

How to Get Your Hands on BTAC

The best strategy is to build a relationship with your local liquor store, sign up for waitlists, and follow retailers on social media for release announcements. At Liquor Cave, we notify our customers as soon as BTAC allocation arrives — so make sure you're on our list.

Are BTAC Bottles Worth the Price?

Absolutely. These are among the finest American whiskeys ever produced, and secondary market prices reflect that — bottles regularly sell for 5-10x their retail price. But the real value is in the drinking: these are experiences, not just bottles.

Shop the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection at Liquor Cave

When BTAC arrives, you'll find it in our Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when allocation hits. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of bourbon history.