On this episode, I pitted three Buffalo Antique Collection rye whiskeys against a field of three other contenders — Rabbit Hole, 1776 and Rare Breed — in a blind taste-off.

BTAC whiskeys and bourbons are always great, but the goal this time was to see how Sazerac 18 year old and Thomas Handy 129 proof stacked up against a few select whiskeys from the field.

Specifically, the competitors were Rabbit Hole Founders Collection Boxergrail 6 year, Rare Breed Cask Strength, Willett Small Batch 4 year and 1776 100 proof.

Right off the bat, two of them hit my palate with home runs, four of the six were outstanding, and it came down to a literal race to the finish. Here’s how it shook out, with a few tasting notes.

6. Glass D – Willett 4 Year (Cracked peanut shells, heavy oak; peanut butter, herbal, Chinese allspice.)

5. Glass C – Rare Breed (Bread notes, batter, herbal, hint of marijuana; spicy, “Good sipping rye.”)

4. Glass A – 1776 (Herbal, patchouli, oregano, dill, licorice; rye muffin with butter, black pepper, “Complicated. … A rye-lover’s dream.”)

3. Glass E – Thomas Handy (Christmas cookies, cardamom, ginger; spice, black pepper, chipotle smoke, sweetness, vanilla icing, creme brulee, active on the palate, walnut, charcoal note, “Whoo doggies! … Woah. Hello, E! E just took my tongue on a ride.”)

2. Glass F – Rabbit Hole Boxergrail (“Warehouse of whiskey,” oak, damp earth, roasted almonds; hot sauce, spice bomb, “Awwww, sumbitch. Wow. Complex in a spice way that you do not get very often.”)

1. Glass B – Sazerac (Cherries, toasted marshmallow, roasted almonds, grapefruit, pine nut, chocolate on the finish, “Delicate, complex, gorgeous … outstanding drinker for anyone who likes whiskey. Just amazing.”)