Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2014 Headed for the UK

10 Sep 2014 --- The UK’s limited allocation of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2014 is on the high seas, with the eagerly-awaited five-strong collection of bourbon and rye whiskies available to the UK market from mid-October.

The latest Antique Collection release comes as sales of American whiskey continue to boom. Data shows that the category typically appeals to younger consumers than Scotch, with growth driven by premium brands. Figures show off-trade sales of American whiskey grew 15.3% in the year to 26 April 2014, while CGA Peach data shows on-trade sales up 4.2% in the year to 19 April 2014.

Available through distributor Hi-Spirits, the annually-released Antique Collection whiskeys are among the very finest spirits produced at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. The five 2014 Antique Collection whiskeys are:

- George T. Stagg: The 2013 release of this uncut and unfiltered bourbon received the prestigious Chairman’s Trophy at the 2014 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The 2014 allocation has been slightly increased, benefitting from increased distillation starting in 1997.

- William Larue Weller: The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon was given a “95” rating by Whisky Advocate Magazine during the year 2013. The 2014 offering was distilled in the spring of 2002 and at 70.1% proof is the strongest Weller release ever.

- Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye: Uncut and unfiltered, the 2013 edition was named the World’s Best Rye Whiskey at the 2014 World Whiskies Awards. This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2008.

- Eagle Rare 17 Year Old: The previous edition of this bourbon was awarded a Silver Outstanding Medal at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

- Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old: The 2013 Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old release was awarded a Gold Medal at the World Whisky Awards.

Dan Bolton, managing director of Hi-Spirits, said: “There is always high demand for our limited UK allocation of the Antique Collection, and we expect that to be higher than ever for the 2014 release after another year of category growth for the American whiskey.”

RRPs for the Antique Collection are expected to be in the range of £120 to £140.