The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, largely regarded as one of the most anticipated annual releases in the whiskey world, is back this year with its full, five-bottle roster of rare bourbon and rye whiskeys. All five whiskeys in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (commonly abbreviated as BTAC) are returning—including William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy, Eagle Rare, Sazerac, and George T. Stagg.
As we reported last year, Buffalo Trace temporarily discontinued the George T. Stagg release because the available whiskeys “did not meet the distillery’s standards for the Stagg brand.” That’s a really fluffy way of saying that the available supply of whiskey was either too old or too young to make a batch.
This happens. In fact, it happens across the entire whiskey industry. Brands like Booker’s Bourbon from Jim Beam will sometimes release fewer batches throughout the year due to fluctuations in ready-to-go supply. Utah’s High West brand and Kentucky’s Michter’s have both altered the releases (and scales) of limited edition products in recent years for similar reasons.
But Buffalo Trace brought Stagg back this year with a vengeance. The 2022 George T. Stagg release is bottled at the highest proof since 2016—an “is this going to harm my teeth or something” 138.7 proof, or 69.35 ABV.
All of the whiskeys in this collection, including George T. Stagg, are mostly bottled as uncut and unfiltered whiskeys, meaning no water has been added, and no chill filtration has been employed. Aside from drinking right out of the barrels, this is as close as most people get to drinking it straight from the source.
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George T. Stagg Bourbon
For two decades, George T. Stagg Bourbon (the elder, rarer version of Stagg, Jr.) has been a heavy hitter in final proof, and this year’s 138.7 is a hard-hitting return after a skipped 2021 season. All barrels for this year’s batch were distilled in Spring 2007, aged in Warehouse K, and were 15 years and 5 months old at bottling.
George T. Stagg has aromas of pecan and chocolate sauce, and flavors of baking cherry pie, vanilla, and baking spices, with a dark, rich finish of black coffee, molasses, and oak.
William Larue Weller famously shares its mash bill with the Pappy Van Winkle line of wheated bourbons. As a result, the many accolades this bottle has received over the years aren’t that surprising. Distilled 12 years ago in spring 2010, the barrels for this year’s 124.7 proof batch rested in three warehouses: C, K, and N.
The 2022 William Larue Weller bourbon is said to have aromas of toasted coconut, caramel, and butterscotch. On the palate, you’ll discover flavors of dark cherry, molasses, and mint. The finish of leather, nutmeg, vanilla, and toffee is full-bodied.
The award-winning Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye has a list of accolades almost as long as its name. This year’s release is a record-setting proof above 130—its highest proof in a decade.
Distilled in spring 2016, the high-proof rye used for this release aged in three houses: I, L, and M. A floral nose of marmalade, meringue, and anise previews the confected flavors of baking spices, dark chocolate, and orange peel, according to the distillery. The finish is long, sweet, and spicy, with flavors of candied orange, praline, and cinnamon. It’s 130.9 proof,—the highest proof for this whiskey since 2012.
Eagle Rare’s older brother has gone through some changes in recent years, including an increase in proof to 101 for its impressive 17-year age statement. All of these bourbons have won awards, of course, but last year’s release won the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge this year.
The barrels for this whiskey were all housed in warehouses H, K, and L before being combined and proofed down to 101. Buffalo Trace describes a nose of oak, chocolate-covered cherries, and tobacco, flavors of caramel, vanilla bean, and dark chocolate, with a finish of butterscotch, baking spices, and vanilla.
Sazerac Rye may be the least revered of all the names on this list, but therein lies the best argument for calling this the “hidden gem” of the collection. All the whiskey used for this year’s 90 proof batch was distilled in the spring of 2003 or 2004 (making some of the juice actually 19 years old). Those barrels were aged in warehouses K, M, and P.
Buffalo Trace describes orange peel, lemon zest, and molasses on a citrusy-sweet nose. Sazerac Rye 18 is bold with flavors of black pepper, coriander, and maple syrup, with an herbal finish of oak, mint, and tobacco leaf.
Curiously, there is yet again no price increase on any of these bottles for 2022. Buffalo Trace has been hesitant to raise most of their prices in recent years, even as other major Kentucky distilleries have increased prices on rarer stock.
The $99 per bottle price across the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has been stable for several years. Prices have only gone up about $30 in the last decade. The whole collection was priced at just $70 per bottle back in 2012.
Of course, between the clambering free market for these bottles and the after-market price hikes, those 2012 bottles now fetch their retail prices dozens of times over. And it’s unlikely that you’ll see this year’s BTAC at retail prices. If you do, buy a lottery ticket the same day.
BTAC was created in 2002, making this the 20th anniversary of the collection. Getting your hands on every release could likely cost six figures, so we’re not going to tell you that this is a collection you should try and acquire retroactively. This year’s releases will prove enough of a challenge—and reward—to get your hands on.
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
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1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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