Those who know me know that rye whiskeys tend to be either a complete win or a clear miss, there’s rarely an in-between. Today, though, I want to highlight a rye that firmly lands in the win column: New Orleans’ own Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey. It’s a bottle we’ve owned, finished (as you can see from the picture), and will continue to keep on hand.

While Sazerac Rye is now produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, its story begins in New Orleans and dates to the 1800s. At the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street, rye whiskey was paired with Peychaud’s Bitters to create toddies that would soon become known as the Sazerac. From there, America’s first branded cocktail was born. With the history covered, let’s talk about the whiskey itself.

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Nose: cloves, vanilla and pepper

Palate: baking spices, cinnamon, light sweetness, vanilla and bright citrus

Finish: warming spices with oak and pepper

ABV: 45%

Cost: $20-$40 (Depending on the retailer)

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While I enjoy this whiskey on its own, it truly comes alive for me in a hot toddy. This is the bottle I reach for every time, as the heat highlights gorgeous notes of cinnamon and warm baking spices. Because of that, it has become my favorite whiskey for hot toddies and a staple that I continue to repurchase time and time again.

That versatility is what sets it apart. It’s affordably priced, shines in cocktails, excels in hot toddies, and still delivers when sipped neat. If you’re searching for a whiskey that can do it all, this one fits the bill.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.