The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktail market has grown exponentially over the last few years, transitioning from cheap canned mixes to high-end, premium bottled experiences. Among the elite offerings in this category stands the Handy & Schiller Barreled Old Fashioned. Produced by the legendary Sazerac Company at the world-famous Buffalo Trace Distillery, this product has completely redefined what a pre-mixed cocktail can be.
For whiskey lovers, digital publishers, and bartenders looking for premium convenience, the demand for Handy & Schiller Old Fashioned reviews and retail availability is at an all-time high. In this comprehensive article, we break down the history behind the name, the premium ingredients used, its unique barrel-aging process, tasting notes, and serving suggestions.
The History: Who Were Handy and Schiller?
The brand pays direct tribute to two monumental figures in American cocktail history: Thomas Handy and John Schiller. In the mid-19th century (around 1850), these two industry pioneers worked together at the famous Merchants Exchange Coffee House (later known as the iconic Sazerac Coffee House) in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Handy and Schiller set the standard for early mixology and classic American drinks. By naming this barreled line after them, the Sazerac Company honors their historical lineage while delivering pre-mixed convenience to modern consumers.
Product Specifications & Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Brand Name | Handy & Schiller Barreled Old Fashioned |
| Parent Company | Sazerac Company |
| Production Distillery | Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, Kentucky) |
| Base Spirit | Flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey |
| Bitters Profile | Classic Peychaud’s Bitters |
| Alcohol By Volume (ABV) | 42% (84 Proof) |
| Average Retail Price | $29.99 – $39.99 (750ml Bottle) |
What Makes Handy & Schiller Old Fashioned Unique?
Unlike most off-the-shelf bottled cocktails that rely on neutral grain spirits, artificial colorings, and cheap corn syrups, Handy & Schiller stands out due to its premium production line:
1. Authenticity of Base Spirits
The foundation of this cocktail is Sazerac’s flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a highly sought-after, gold-medal-winning straight bourbon whiskey known for its rich profile.
2. The Use of Peychaud’s Bitters
Instead of basic aromatic bitters, it uses authentic Peychaud’s Bitters, giving the drink a distinct New Orleans flare and a complex herbal, spicy depth.
3. The Barrel-Aging Process
What truly separates this RTD from competitors is that the ingredients are not merely blended and bottled. The Buffalo Trace Bourbon, sugar, and bitters are combined and put into physical oak casks inside the historic warehouses at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. This aging period allows the flavors to marry perfectly, mellowing the alcohol bite while drawing rich wood sugars and vanilla notes straight from the barrel oak.
Detailed Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep, inviting rich copper or amber.
- Aroma: Complex layers of Chinese five-spice, dark caramel, vanilla nougat, roasted nuts, toasted oak, and a subtle hint of herbal mint.
- Palate: A satiny, moderately sweet, medium body. The premium character of Buffalo Trace Bourbon shines through immediately, balanced perfectly with the sharp, medicinal spice of Peychaud’s Bitters.
- Finish: A warming, long finish highlighting accents of candied citrus peels, clove, chewy caramel, and peanut brittle. It tastes incredibly homemade, with no chemical aftertaste.
How to Properly Serve It
Because this cocktail is barrel-aged and meticulously balanced at 84 proof, it takes the guesswork completely out of hosting or bartending.
- The Rocks Pour (Recommended): Simply fill a lowball rocks glass with a large clear ice cube or sphere, pour 2–3 ounces of Handy & Schiller Old Fashioned directly over the top, stir for 10 seconds, and express a fresh orange peel over the rim.
- Neat / Chilled: It is smooth enough to be served neat at room temperature or slightly chilled in a tasting glass for a deeper appreciation of the underlying bourbon profile.
FAQs Section (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What bourbon is used in the Handy & Schiller Old Fashioned?
It is crafted using Sazerac’s flagship Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
2. What is the alcohol content (ABV) of this ready-to-drink cocktail?
The Handy & Schiller Old Fashioned is bottled at 42% ABV (84 Proof), which matches the strength of a professionally mixed bar cocktail.
3. Does it contain real sugar and bitters?
Yes, it blends authentic Buffalo Trace Bourbon with real sugar and world-famous Peychaud’s Bitters, all barrel-aged together.
4. How long does a bottle last once opened?
Because of its high alcohol volume (42% ABV), an opened bottle will easily last for several months to a year if stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly secured, without losing its flavor profile.
Conclusion
The Handy & Schiller Barreled Old Fashioned is a masterclass in the premium ready-to-drink spirits category. By combining legendary Buffalo Trace Bourbon with historical New Orleans mixology heritage, Sazerac has created a bottle that eliminates the need for muddling sugar, measuring bitters, or sacrificing flavor. It is a near-perfect addition to any home bar, holiday gathering, or casual evening pour.