Red Hots candy | Candied cherries | Faint cinnamon | Pink bubble gum | Whiff of tobacco leaf & leather | Bold ethanol screams barrel proof

Cinnamon bubble gum | Rye spice | Fireball candy | Raisins | Light baking spice | Silky mouthfeel | Bold delicious flavors

Rye spice | Cinnamon spice | Baking spice | Heat lingers in cascading waves

Thomas H. Handy is often the passed over child in the Antique Collection. When given the choice of any bottle from the Collection, most would choose any other one besides Thomas H. Handy. A number of reasons could be attributed to this phenomenon, from its younger age in comparison to the others, that it’s a rye rather than a bourbon, or the fact that it historically hasn’t been the standout of the Collection. Sadly those reasons can stop whiskey lovers from experiencing some seriously great whiskey, as could be seen in Thomas H. Handy’s standout showing in 2020.

While it may not quite live up to the 2020 release, the brand sure tries its best to match it. This year's sip leaves little doubt that this is an almost 130 proof rye, starting with its bold nose. The scents leap out and punch you in the face which are led in part by a bold ethanol that hovers over all the scents. Thankfully, the palate tones it down just a pinch, and delivers an assembly of spiced flavors that are complemented by a grounding note of raisin. Paired with an incredibly silky mouthfeel, the palate is the star of the sip. Finally, the sip ends in a cascading wave of heat that goes back to reminding you of the rye's high proof. This year's edition leaves little doubt that it will please all those who get a chance to try it. If you’re a fan of big, bold spicy flavors, this is the bottle you’ll want to seek out from this year's BTAC offerings.