Training Example: The Sazerac Company – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H1] The Sazerac Company

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Home Sweet Home
[H2] Sazerac in New Orleans

Explore New Orleans

Where it Began
[H2] Sazerac in France

Explore France

Award Winning Distilleries
[H2] Sazerac in Kentucky

Explore Kentucky

Experience Top Mixologists
[H2] Sazerac in London

Explore London

Sip Old Irish Whiskey
[H2] Sazerac in Cork

Explore Cork

Steeped in Tradition
[H2] Sazerac in Montreal

Explore Montreal

Golden Sunsets and Single Malts
[H2] Sazerac in Goa

Explore Goa

A Land Like No Other
[H2] Sazerac in Sydney

Explore Sydney

[IMG: Black and white image of door to Master Distiller Room and Legacy de Forge estate]

[H2] A deep history of global connections

Genuine, fun-loving people across the globe have been enjoying Sazerac spirits together with friends for centuries. Join the party and discover the universal appeal of a finely-poured drink, from Paris to New Orleans.

READ OUR STORY

[IMG: Buffalo Trace and Sazerac Rye Collage]

[H2] Our family of brands

Over 450 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac family. We’re proud to create spirits, cocktails, and experiences for every taste and occasion for people all across the globe. Our spirits are created at some of the world’s best distilleries and they’re waiting for you.

View All Brands

[IMG: Sazerac Rye on Piano]

[H2]
Sazerac Rye

Learn More about Sazerac Rye

[IMG: Closeup of Sazerac de Forge Cognac Packaging]

[H2]
Sazerac de Forge Cognac

Learn More About Sazerac de Forge

[H2] Our Distilleries
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Visit us in Frankfort

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DISTILLERIES

[H3] A Rich Heritage And An Even Brighter Future

1630s-1800

1800-1850

1850-1900

1900-1950

1950-2000

2000-Today

Sazerac at a Glance

01
/
07

[IMG: Collage of three historical Sazerac images]

[H2] With almost 400 years of rich history, we have a storied past and an even brighter future

From the beginning, our evolution has been driven by several key components – an entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to grow and prosper, coupled with an enduring will to survive.

Our business was rooted in the Cognac business in France, which in turn led to the creation and popularity of coffee houses and bars in New Orleans, the Sazerac Cocktail, and eventually to the Sazerac Company we are today.

We are excited about our future as a premier global spirits company working hard to bring the very best spirits in the world to our consumers, while at the same time providing our team with a great working environment and demonstrating care for the communities we live in.

Start Timeline

[IMG: Portrait of Laurent Sazerac]

Laurent Sazerac

[H2] 1630s to 1800

Cognac Region of France
[H2] Our French Origins

Since its origins in the Cognac region of western France, the Sazerac family name has elicited recognition and respect in the spirits industry. The namesake brand, Sazerac de Forge et Fils was the original spirit used in the Sazerac Cocktail and by the mid-19th century became a natural choice for the name of the original Sazerac coffee house.

[H2] 1630s
The Sazerac Family Establishes a vineyard and distillery to make Eaux De Vie in the Cognac region.

[H2] 1713
Louis Sazerac de Roches makes the bells at the family’s foundry.

[IMG: Foundry Bells]

[H2] 1779
Louis Sazerac produces cannons to help America during The American Revolution under the direction of Benjamin Franklin.

[IMG: Sazerac Family crest]

[H2] 1781
Bernard Sazerac buys Logis de Forge, an estate with extensive vineyards, and assumes the name Bernard Sazerac De Forge.

[IMG: Black and white anqitue image of historic Logis de Forge]

[H2] 1782
Bernard begins making Sazerac Cognac, warehousing the aging barrels in Angouleme.

[IMG: Portrait of Bernard Sazerac with family star crest]

[H2] 1791
Bernard Sazerac De Forge dies, passing control of his ventures and property to his son Laurent Sazerac De Forge.

[IMG: Aerial image of Logis de Forge Estate]

The historic Logis de Forge estate purchased by Bernard Sazerac in 1781, as it looks today.

[H2] 1800 to 1850

New Orleans
[H2] Sazerac Arrives in the Big Easy

Sazerac De Forge Et Fils Cognac lands in New Orleans and soon becomes a popular local drink, in turn leading to various iterations of the Sazerac House. Their locations in historic New Orleans, and their famous proprietors and patrons, all played a major role in the development of the wholesale liquor business that later evolved into the thriving company that Sazerac has become today.

[H2] 1834
Antoine Peychaud (1803-1883) establishes his own apothecary at 123 Royal Street in New Orleans (known as 437 Royal Street today), where he sells “the best bitters, peppermint and alcohol” to local coffee houses for use in their cocktails.

[IMG: Original Peychaud]

[H2] 1836
The Merchants Exchange is completed at 26 Royal Street, New Orleans.  The grand gathering place for the city’s merchants houses rooms for meetings, a great rotunda for auctions, a reading room, post office and a coffee house and bar.

[IMG: Pencil drawing of original Merchants Exchange building]

[H2] 1838
Sewell Taylor (1812-1861) arrives in New Orleans from Pensacola, Florida, and begins working as a barkeeper at a coffee house in the Merchants Exchange.

[H2] 1839
The first known ad for Sazerac de Forge et Fils Cognac in the U.S. appears in Philadelphia’s National Gazette. For many years Sazerac and other Cognacs were advertised as brandies.

[IMG: An image of a newspaper ad about Sazerac brandy from 1839]

[H2] 1845
Sewell Taylor obtains a five-year lease to run the Merchants Exchange Coffee House.

[IMG: Pencil drawing of inside of original Merchants Exchange coffee house]

[H2] 1849
Sewell Taylor’s coffee house lease is not renewed at the Merchants Exchange. He establishes a wholesale and retail liquor business nearby on Royal Street where he began to promote Sazerac de Forge est Fils brandy exclusively.

[IMG: Watercolor painting of original Sewell Taylor coffee house]

[IMG: Pencil drawing of New Orleans in the 1800]

New Orleans in the 1840’s when Sewell Taylor established his liquor business.

[H2] 1850 to 1900

New Orleans
[H2] Sazerac Continues To Grow And Prosper

[H2] 1852
The Sazerac House, a coffee house located next to the Merchants Exchange, and its proprietor, Aaron Bird (1793-1864) are first mentioned in the local press. There are many indications that Sewell Taylor was the financial backer or perhaps the actual owner of the Sazerac House. This ad shows that he was the legal representative, the “Syndic” for the creditors of the bankrupt Armstrong’s which became the Sazerac House shortly after.

[IMG: An image of a newspaper ad about the original Sazerac House in 1852]

[H2] 1857
Peychaud advertises “American Aromatic Bitter Cordial” for the first time, also announcing his bitters have been introduced into use at the Sazerac House.

[IMG: Handwritten newspaper advertisement from 1857]

[H2] 1860
After Aaron Bird’s death, J.B. Schiller, a local importer of Sazerac de Forge Et fils brandy, takes over as proprietor of the Sazerac House.  He expands the footprint of the property to include the building next door at 11 Exchange Place and uses it as a stockroom.  That same year Schiller hires Thomas H. Handy as a clerk at the Sazerac House.

[IMG: 1865 Newspaper Announcement]

[H2] 1869
Thomas H. Handy (1839-1893), who had been working at the Sazerac House since 1865, and several other employees from Thos. H. Handy & Co. buy the Sazerac House from Schiller who was in bad health and passed away shortly after.

[IMG: Black and white pencil drawing portrait of Thomas H. Handy]

[H2] 1873
Thomas H. Handy announces it is the sole agent in New Orleans for Sazerac de Forge et Fils brandies.

[IMG: Handy]

[H2] 1878
After Handy loses his money in bad railroad investments, he is forced to dissolve Thos. H. Handy Co., though he maintains control of Peychaud’s bitters.  Shortly after, Vincent Micas buys out Thomas Handy becoming the owner of the Sazerac House, the sole agent for Sazerac de Forge et Fils brandy and the owner of Peychaud’s Bitters. This begins a bitter battle between Handy and Micas for control of the Sazerac House and Peychaud’s bitters.

[H2] 1882
In March, Vincent Micas loses his lease of the Sazerac House and the building is demolished.  He opens “the old Sazerac” bar room and liquor store at the intersection of Common and Camp streets.  In October of the same year, Thomas Handy rebuilds and reopens the Sazerac House at its original location on Exchange Place to much fanfare.

[IMG: Image of newspaper ad announcing reopening of Sazerac House 1882]

[H2] 1884
Experiencing financial difficulties, Micas sells his Sazerac saloon and liquor store along with the rights to Peychaud’s Bitters to an employee, Theodore Baumann, and moves to Bordeaux, France, ending his years' long competition with Thomas H. Handy.

[H2] 1885
Affected by the phylloxera outbreak in French vineyards, brandy and cognac are in short supply; New Orleans bartenders begin to make the Sazerac Cocktail with American Rye Whiskey to replace the brandy.

[IMG: Original Sazerac Cognac Bottle and Fig Leaf picture]

[H2] 1893
After Thomas H. Handy passes away, William McQuoid, a financial backer of the Sazerac House since 1880, reestablishes Thos. H. Handy & Co.

[H2] 1895
The term Sazerac becomes commonplace in the US, according to a trademark application dating to 1900.

[IMG: Antique image of New Orleans during Civil War]

New Orleans during the Civil War, 1861-1865

[H2] 1900 to 1950

New Orleans
[H2] Prohibition Stirs Things Up

[H2] 1901
Thomas H. Handy & Co. begins national marketing of its many versions of a bottled Sazerac Cocktail.

[IMG: Original Sazerac Cocktail Advertisements]

[H2] 1919
The 18th Amendment calling for Prohibition is ratified in January 1919 and takes effect in January 1920. Realizing the impending threat of Prohibition, the Thomas H. Handy & Co. Inc. reincorporates as the Sazerac Company, Inc. with plans to manufacture, buy and sell groceries, candy, soft drinks, dairy products and to operate restaurants. Only a deli and a French restaurant are known to have materialized.

[IMG: Man peeking through secret hole of bar during Prohibition]

[H2] 1933
Prohibition is repealed. In December, the Sazerac Company gets back in the liquor business by opening a bar and lunchroom, a wholesale and retail headquarters, and a manufacturing and bottling facility in New Orleans. The Company also renews its trademark for the Sazerac Cocktail and begins producing and bottling it in their new facilities.

[IMG: Three bartenders at Sazerac Bar post prohibition]

[H2] 1935-1940
In addition to producing the Sazerac Cocktail, the Sazerac Company gradually becomes the southern distributor for a variety of alcoholic products and obtains a rectifier’s license to begin a business blending and bottling liquor for private clients.

[IMG: Twelve original liquor labels]

[H2] 1940
An ad campaign is launched for the “Famous Sazerac Cocktail” available only at the Sazerac Bar at 300 Carondelet Street. The campaign runs until 1944.

[IMG: Black and white advertisement from 1940 for Sazerac Cocktail]

[H2] 1948
The Magnolia Liquor Co. Inc. owned by Malcolm Woldenberg (1896-1982) and Stephen Goldring (1908-1997), acquires the Sazerac Co. Inc.

[IMG: Newspaper announcement about Sazerac Company being sold]

[H2] 1949
Sazerac obtains a copyright for the “Sazerac Cocktail Label” and purchases Herbsaint from J. Marion Legendre.

The Sazerac Bar on Carondelet Street closes and a new Sazerac Bar is opened on Baronne Street at the Roosevelt Hotel.

[IMG: Vintage Sazerac Cocktail and Herbsaint Labels]

[IMG: Black and white image of original Sazerac headquarters]

During Prohibition, the Sazerac Company started a variety of businesses.

[H2] 1950 to 2000

20th Century Growth and Expansion
[H2] Sazerac starts a new era of growth​

[H2] 1952
Sazerac launches Taaka vodka, one of the first vodkas to be sold in the U.S., which then goes on to become one of Sazerac’s most successful brands.

[IMG: Two Taaka Vodka labels]

[H2] 1970
Sazerac re-acquires Peychaud’s Bitters from L.E. Jung & Wulff Co., regaining the rights to the brand once briefly owned and controlled by Thomas H. Handy.

[IMG: Peychaud]

[H2] 1989
Seven brands are purchased from Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Ltd. Benchmark Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Carstairs Whiskey, James Foxe Canadian Whiskey, Crown Russe Vodka, Nikolai Vodka, and Dr. McGillicuddy’s Schnapps.

[IMG: Eagle Rare Bottle]

[H2] 1992
The Sazerac Company and TaKaRa Shuzo, Inc. reach an agreement by which Sazerac acquires the Leestown Co. and the George T. Stagg Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.  The distillery boasts acres of scenic land on the Kentucky River and historic warehouses and production buildings dating back to the late-1700s.

[IMG: Vintage image of man on hilltop overlooking distillery on river]

[H2] 1999
After years of restoration, the George T. Stagg Distillery is rechristened the Buffalo Trace Distillery and its flagship bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, is launched.

[IMG: Pencil drawing of Buffalo Trace buffalo]

[IMG: Grounds of Buffalo trace distillery]

In 1992, Sazerac acquires what is now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery​.

[H2] 2000 to Today

Global
[H2] Sazerac comes full circle

[H2] 2002
Buffalo Trace Distillery partners with Old Rip Van Winkle to produce their line of premium Van Winkle Bourbons using a recipe to the Van Winkle family specifications.

[IMG: Black and white photo of Pappy Van Winkle]

[H2] 2003
Sazerac purchases the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

[IMG: A. Smith Bowman Distillery and Bottles]

[H2] 2006
Sazerac Rye Whiskey brand is launched in packaging that reflects the original 1880s bottle and is the perfect rye for the Sazerac cocktail.

[IMG: Sazerac Rye Bottle]

[H2] 2009
Sazerac completes acquisition of brands and facilities from Constellation Brands Inc. including two facilities in Kentucky, The Glenmore Distillery in Owensboro and the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown.

[IMG: Glenmore and Barton 1792 Distilleries]

[H2] 2011
Sazerac du Canada (Old Montreal Distillery) joins the Sazerac family.

[IMG: Old Montreal Distillery Logo]

[H2] 2016
Returning to its roots in France, the Sazerac Company purchases Breuil de Segonzac, a French Cognac distillery, reconnecting with its early history with Sazerac de Forge et Fils brandy and Cognac.
Additionally, the purchase of Southern Comfort brought the brand back to its Southern roots and restored the New Orleans connection.

[IMG: Wall of Sazerac de Forge Barrels]

[H2] 2018
For the first time in decades, Canadian whisky is distilled in Montreal at Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery.
The Sazerac Company also closes the year with the purchase of 19 Brands from Diageo.

[IMG: Distiller Checking Whiskey]

[H2] 2019
The Sazerac House, a 5-story interactive visitor center, opens in the French Quarter in New Orleans – a mere 400 yards from the site of the original Sazerac House.

[IMG: Front of Sazerac House building]

[IMG: Sazerac at a Glance]

[IMG: Sazerac Today]

[IMG: A diversified portfolio of established and young brands built for growth]

[IMG: Closeup of oak barrels on wall]

[H2]
Our Culture | Sazerac Company

Our Company

Our Culture

[IMG: People getting drinks served to them at The Southern Quarter bar.]

[H2]
Community Engagement | Sazerac Company

Our Company

Our Community

[IMG: Sazerac Rye on Piano]

[H1] Sazerac Rye - The Character of New Orleans

The one and only New Orleans original, Sazerac Rye symbolizes the culture and history of the Big Easy. In the 19th century, industrious farmers and distillers in the heartland of the United States barreled and shipped their rye whiskeys down the great Mississippi River to the bustling, growing city of New Orleans. These spicy and assertive spirits fueled the whiskey culture of New Orleans and established the first American cocktail, The Sazerac.

[IMG: A 1 liter bottle of Sazerac Rye - Straight Rye Whiskey]

[H3] The Birth of the Sazerac Cocktail

[H4] The Sazerac was born in the French Quarter at a time when saloons, veiled as coffee houses, lined the streets of New Orleans. At the famed Sazerac Coffee House, the drink of choice became a libation of rye whiskey, absinthe and bitters and with that, the first branded cocktail, The Sazerac, was born. Our Sazerac Rye carries the unrestrained taste and character of New Orleans.

[IMG: Chilled Sazerac Rye being poured into whiskey glasses for customers to taste]

[IMG: A bottle of Sazerac Rye lying next to fishing lures on a dock]

[H3] “Any crisper and the glass would shatter … a rare and valuable gem!”

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible

[H3] Sazerac Rye

The one and only New Orleans original. Sazerac Rye Whiskey symbolizes the tradition and history of New Orleans. Rye Whiskey dates back to the 1800s, around the time when saloons, veiled as Coffee Houses, began lining the streets of New Orleans. It was at the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street where local patrons were served toddies made with Rye Whiskey and Peychaud’s Bitters. The libation became known as the “Sazerac” and America’s first branded cocktail was born. This is the whiskey that started it all.

[H4] Tasting Notes

[IMG: Close up of a vanilla plant flower]

[H3] Aroma

The fragrance is of clove, sweet vanilla, anise and pepper.

[IMG: Orange slice, top view with transparent background]

[H3] Flavor

The taste has subtle notes of candies, spice and crisp citrus.

[IMG: licorice roots, on transparent background]

[H3] Finish

The big finish is smooth with hints of licorice.

[H3]
With Others

Sazerac Rye is the way New Orleans does whiskey.  That means enjoying a glass at a downtown jazz club, while camping in the woods with friends, or in a winter cabin beside a warm fire. And if it's wedding season, what better gift for the groomsmen but a bottle of  Sazerac Rye.

[H3]
With Food

The great thing about Sazerac Rye is that it works seamlessly with a Low Country boil or barbecue. Try a Sazerac Cocktail with smoked salmon and bitter cheeses.  But, fresh oysters with Sazerac Rye? Say no more.

[H3]
Legacy de Forge

Sazerac Rye is a part of the rare and exclusive Legacy de Forge collection.
Learn more about Legacy de Forge

[H3]
Awards

[H2] Recent Sazerac Rye Awards

2025
Silver
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2024
Gold
Denver International Spirits Competition

2024
Silver
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2024
Gold
ASCOT Awards

2024
Gold
International Spirits Challenge

2024
Gold
Global Whiskey Challenge

2024
Silver
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2024
Gold
Whiskies of the World

2024
Gold
American Whiskey Masters

2024
Gold
North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition

2024
Silver
Singapore World Spirits Competition

2022
Category Winner
World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine

2022
Silver
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2022
Platinum
TAG Global Spirits Awards

2022
Silver
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2022
Gold
Denver International Spirits Competition

2022
Gold
International Spirits Challenge

2022
Excellent / Highly Recommended (90-94 pts)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2021
Silver
American Whiskey Masters

2021
Silver Outstanding
Whiskies of the World

2019
Double Gold
The Fifty Best

2019
Best Buy
Wine Enthusiast Magazine

2019
Great Value
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2019
Silver
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2018
Silver
Denver International Spirits Competition

2018
Trophy Finalist; Great Value; Tried & True
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2018
Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2018
Gold
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2018
Silver
North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition

2018
Silver Outstanding
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2018
Silver
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

2017
Silver
World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine

2017
Trophy Finalist; Great Value; Tried & True
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2017
Gold
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2017
Gold
Denver International Spirits Competition

2017
Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2017
Silver Outstanding
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2017
Gold
World Whisky Masters

2017
Gold
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

2017
Gold
Beverage Testing Institute - International Review of Spirits

2017
Gold
The Fifty Best

2017
Gold
American Whiskey Masters

2016
Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2016
"Great Value;" "Tried & True"
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2016
Best American Rye Whiskey
International Whisky Competition / Golden Barrel Awards

2016
SPECIAL AWARD - Best of Category/Division/Show
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2016
90+
Wine Enthusiast Magazine

2016
Silver Outstanding
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2016
Gold
The Fifty Best

2016
Silver
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

2015
Gold
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2015
Silver
Denver International Spirits Competition

2015
Silver
North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition

2015
Gold
The Washington Cup Spirits Competition

2015
Gold
The Fifty Best

2015
Silver
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

2015
Silver
Spirits of the Americas

2015
Trophy Finalist; "Great Value;" "Tried & True"
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2015
Double Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2015
Gold
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2015
Bronze
International Whisky Competition / Golden Barrel Awards

2014
Excellent / Highly Recommended (90-94 pts)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2014
Silver
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2014
Gold
Beverage Testing Institute - International Review of Spirits

2014
SPECIAL AWARD - Best of Category/Division/Show
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2014
The Washington Cup
The Washington Cup Spirits Competition

2014
Gold
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

2014
Double Gold
The Fifty Best

2013
Double Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2013
Excellent / Strong Recommendation (90-94 pts)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2013
Silver
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2013
Silver Outstanding
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2013
Best Rye American Whiskey 7 Years and Under
World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine

2013
The Washington Cup
The Washington Cup Spirits Competition

2013
Gold
The Fifty Best

2012
Excellent / Strong Recommendation (90-94 pts)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2012
Silver
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2012
Best of Category
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2012
Container Design
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2012
Silver Outstanding
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2012
The Washington Cup - announced September 5 2012.
The Washington Cup Spirits Competition

2011
Very Good / Recommended (85-89 pts)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2011
Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2011
Gold
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

2011
Best in Class
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2010
Very Good / Recommended (85-89 pts)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2010
Silver
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2010
Gold
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

All Awards

[H3]
Reviews

"Versatile, crisp, and an ideal match for cocktails that also include orange liqueur, as well as its namesake classic cocktail.  Light aromas include vanilla and a touch of juicy citrus.  Flavors run to bitter orange, dark chocolate and black tea, finishing with a pepper tingle.  Velvety feel, despite the brisk alcohol.
Best Buy.  95 points
Kara Newman Wine Enthusiast

[H3] Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in New Orleans in 1850 and soon became known as the home of “America’s First Cocktail,” the Sazerac. Using rye whiskey (in place of French brandy), a dash of Peychaud’s Bitters, and Herbsaint, what eventually became the official cocktail of New Orleans was created.  This straight rye has a mellow spice and dry sweetness that dances on the tongue, giving pure delight that is worthy of the Sazerac name.

[H4] Tasting Notes

[IMG: Allspice]

[H3] Aroma

Plenty of sweetness and spice in the nose: allspice, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and dried fruit.

[IMG: Caramel]

[H3] Flavor

The flavor is of burnt caramel, dried herbs, black pepper, and dill pickle.

[IMG: Close up of a vanilla plant flower]

[H3] Finish

The long, warm finish is preceded by notes of mint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, vanilla, and lingering pepper.

[H3]
Awards

2025
Silver
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2024
Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2024
Gold Outstanding
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2024
Gold
International Spirits Challenge

2024
Gold
Whiskies of the World

2024
Gold
Whiskies of the World

2024
Silver
North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition

2023
Silver
Luxury Masters Asia

2023
Gold
American Whiskey Masters

2023
Gold
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

2022
Silver
Singapore World Spirits Competition

2022
Silver
Luxury Masters Asia

2018
Best Rye - 11 Years and Older
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

2018
Silver
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2018
3 Stars - Recommended
F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal

2017
4 Stars - Highly Recommended
F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal

2016
4 Stars - Highly Recommended
F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal

2015
4 Stars - Highly Recommended
F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal

2014
2014 American Whiskey of the Year
Whisky Advocate Magazine

2014
5 Stars - Highest Recommendation
F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal

2014
#39 of 75 Best Spirits in the World
F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal

2013
Best Rye - 11 Years and Older
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

2013
Liquid Gold Award - 96.5 points
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

2013
Liquid Gold Award - 95 points
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

2011
Extraordinary / Ultimate Recommendation (95-100 pts)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2011
Double Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

All Awards

[H3]
Reviews

"Hits the ball out of the park … again."
5 Stars/Highest Recommendation
F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal
“World Whiskey of the Year”
Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible
"This is an amazing, truly unique whiskey. There is no rye whiskey on the market that is as old or perfectly balanced as this one. For all who can't get enough flavors and intensity in your whiskey, your search has ended "
Whisky Advocate rating: 95
Whisky Advocate

[H3] Thomas H. Handy Sazerac

Named after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, this uncut and unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel, just as it was over a century ago. Full of rich flavors, this authentic American rye whiskey is a symbol of the timeless history of New Orleans and the legacy of Thomas H. Handy. Made at our esteemed Buffalo Trace Distillery, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named it Rye of the Year and World Whiskey of the Year.

[H4] Tasting Notes

[IMG: Rye Grain]

[H3] Aroma

The aromas are powerful, lush, and spicy with rye grain.

[IMG: Mint]

[H3] Flavor

Flavors of toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit are followed by mint, cinnamon and clove.

[IMG: Coconuts]

[H3] Finish

The finish reveals subtle notes of allspice, coconut and nutmeg. Long and warm.

[H3]
Awards

2025
Gold
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2024
Silver
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2024
Silver
International Spirits Challenge

2024
Gold
Global Whiskey Challenge

2024
Gold
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2024
Double Gold
Whiskies of the World

2024
Gold
American Whiskey Masters

2024
Double Gold
Whiskies of the World

2024
Gold
North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition

2024
Double Gold
Singapore World Spirits Competition

2024
Master
Luxury Masters

2023
MASTER
Luxury Masters Asia

2023
Master
American Whiskey Masters

2023
Double Gold
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

2022
Second Finest Whisky in the World
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

2022
Gold
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2022
Top 100 Spirits
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2022
Silver
Luxury Masters Asia

2022
Gold
New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

2022
Best in Class/Gold
Whiskies of the World

2021
Excellent / Highly Recommended (90-94 pts)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2021
Gold
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2020
Third Finest Whisky in the World
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

2020
Double Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2020
Top 100 Spirits
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2019
Third Finest Whisky in the World
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

2019
Trophy Finalist
Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2019
Double Gold
San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2019
Silver
International Wine & Spirits Competition

2019
Gold
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competitio

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[H1] A new class of cognac with a blend of ages up to 50 years

[IMG: Decoupe]

[H3] A new class of cognac with a blend of ages up to 50 years

[IMG: Sazerac Cocktail being served at a bar]

[H2]
The Original Sazerac

See Recipe

[IMG: Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac vineyard and landscape]

[H2]
Sazerac Cognac History

Learn More

[H2]
Tasting Notes

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[H2] The History

Experience cognac as it was 200 years ago. Our Sazerac de Forge & Fils is named in honor of our roots. Bernard Sazerac de Forge founded a cognac house in France in 1782. The Sazerac Company recently returned to Cognac and acquired Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in order to produce our own “Finest Original” cognac. Like Bernard Sazerac de Forge, whose brandies were enjoyed all over the world from the 17th to the 19th centuries, we are bringing fine cognac to the 21st century.

This product is available in limited quantities.

[H2] Tasting Notes

[H3] Rich and floral, it is distinctly creamy in texture, showing hints of exotic spice on the palate, with a long, soft finish and a hint of natural sweetness.

The Sazerac de Forge & Fils “Finest Original” Cognac blend includes cognacs made from a number of old and rare native grape varieties. This gives us the unique opportunity to enjoy cognac as it was 150 years ago, prior to the Phylloxera epidemic that forever changed the cognac-making process. Blended with cognacs that have aged between seven and fifty years, our cognac is complex, full of character and inevitably produced in very small quantities. It will be a challenge to find around the world, but well worth the search.

[H3]
AROMA

The complex aroma is of yellow stone-fruits, dried flowers, citrus peel and warm spice.

[H3]
FLAVOR

Silky, creamy textures of flavor are of dried fruits, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.

[H3]
FINISH

The finish has soft oaky tannin notes with vanilla and black peppercorn.

[H2] Tasting Notes

[H3] Rich and floral, it is distinctly creamy in texture, showing hints of exotic spice on the palate, with a long, soft finish and a hint of natural sweetness.

The Sazerac de Forge & Fils “Finest Original” Cognac blend includes cognacs made from a number of old and rare native grape varieties. This gives us the unique opportunity to enjoy cognac as it was 150 years ago, prior to the Phylloxera epidemic that forever changed the cognac-making process. Blended with cognacs that have aged between seven and fifty years, our cognac is complex, full of character and inevitably produced in very small quantities. It will be a challenge to find around the world, but well worth the search.

[H3]
AROMA

The complex aroma is of yellow stone-fruits, dried flowers, citrus peel and warm spice.

[H3]
FLAVOR

Silky, creamy textures of flavor are of dried fruits, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.

[H3]
FINISH

The finish has soft oaky tannin notes with vanilla and black peppercorn.

[H2] Meet Our Expert

[H3] “After much searching to find stocks of the rare old French grape varieties, we have returned to making cognac like the original Sazerac de Forge blends of the 1800s. We can now rediscover the taste of cognac as it was almost 200 years ago.”

Clive Carpenter – General Manager of Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac

[IMG: The Sazerac being served on a marble bar top]

[H2] The Sazerac Cocktail®

What You'll Need
1 cube sugar1½ ounces (45ml) Sazerac de Forge & Fils Cognac¼ ounce Herbsaint3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitterslemon peel

Directions
Pack an Old-Fashioned glass with iceIn a second Old-Fashioned glass place the sugar cube and add the Peychaud’s Bitters to it, then crush the sugar cube.Add the Sazerac de Forge & Fils Cognac to the second glass containing the Peychaud’s Bitters and sugar.Empty the ice from the first glass and coat the glass with the Herbsaint, then discard the remaining Herbsaint.Empty the Cognac/bitters/sugar mixture from the second glass into the first glass and garnish with lemon peel.

[IMG: Last Drop Bottles on the shelves]

[H2]
Sazerac Brands

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Sazerac Brands

[IMG: Sazerac Rye on Piano]

[H2]
Sazerac Rye

Experience

Sazerac Rye