History
Sazerac Rye is a unique limited release of High West Rendezvous Rye. Rye Whiskey dates back to the 1800’s it was a popular spirit once sold in bars and saloons, which used to be called coffee houses. The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in 1850 in New Orleans, It was a well-known Saloon were people gathered and enjoyed a fine spirit. Although it was a known place, it wasn't until 1895 that they were mentioned in print. Vincent Miret was a bartender and co-owner at the Sazerac House and had a reputation for being the best mixer of cocktails in the city of New Orleans. The recipe was initially a blend of brandy, sugar, and bitters, but in 1885 the brandy was swapped out for Rye Whisky. It is mentioned that somewhere between 1895 and 1899, Thomas H. Handy the owner of Sazerac House sold 6 bottled cocktails however there isn't any mention of a Sazerac until 1901. In 1919 Thomas H. Handy launched the Sazerac Company, right before prohibition took effect. The company managed to stay afloat by incorporating a restaurant and deli until 1933 when they got back into the cocktail-making business. They launched a bar, and lunchroom, and even opened a manufacturing and bottling facility in New Orleans. The recipe was renewed bottled and sold exclusively at the Sazerac Bar successfully until 1949. After the location closed it moved to the Roosevelt Hotel where it is still around today. In 1952 they started launching other spirits such as vodkas and began acquiring other brands. After they started acquiring distilleries in Kentucky and launched Buffalo Trace in 1999. Their success lead them to purchase several distilleries and brands and has now become one the most recognized companies in the Nation.