Sazerac Rye is a bar essential, and it earns its keep on the shelf at Camp West, our cabin-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant in the West Seattle Junction. Affectionately nicknamed “Baby Saz,” it is the rye built for the cocktail that shares its name, with a smooth, spice-forward profile that makes it one of our go-to pours for classic stirred drinks.
About the Distillery
Sazerac Rye is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of the most decorated distilleries in American whiskey. The “Baby Saz” nickname comes from the fact that it shares its name and general style with the highly sought-after Sazerac 18 Year released as part of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. While the standard bottling is far more accessible, it carries the same New Orleans heritage that gave the storied Sazerac cocktail its name.
Style & Mash Bill
This is a Kentucky-made straight rye whiskey bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). Buffalo Trace does not publish its mash bills, but Sazerac Rye is understood to use the distillery’s low-rye recipe, which keeps the whiskey approachable and balanced rather than aggressively peppery. As a straight rye, it carries at least four years of age.
Tasting Notes
The nose offers orange zest, clove, and raisin, with rye spice and a touch of anise underneath. On the palate, cinnamon, sweet mint, and cracked pepper give way to classic rye spice, balanced by Buffalo Trace’s signature caramel and a hint of baker’s chocolate. The finish lets the caramel sweetness and peppery rye play off each other, smooth and lingering.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
This is, first and foremost, the rye for a proper Sazerac, and we are happy to build you one. It also makes a clean, balanced Old Fashioned or Manhattan. If you prefer to taste it on its own, it is gentle enough at 90 proof to enjoy neat or over a single rock. A pour is $10.
FAQ
Why is it called “Baby Saz”? It shares its name and general style with the rare, highly prized Sazerac 18 Year, so enthusiasts nicknamed the everyday bottling “Baby Saz.”
Is Sazerac Rye the right whiskey for a Sazerac cocktail? Absolutely. Its balanced rye spice and subtle sweetness make it a classic backbone for the New Orleans cocktail that shares its name.
Ready to taste it? Book a table, browse our full whiskey list, or explore the complete beverage menu.