Sazerac Rye Whiskey is the foundational product of the Sazerac Company. Originally, the iconic Sazerac cocktail was crafted with cognac as its base spirit, but when the phylloxera epidemic devastated French vineyards in the 19th century, cutting off cognac supplies to the American market, bartenders turned to rye whiskey as a substitute. Today, Sazerac Rye is produced by the world-renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery, the flagship distillery of the Sazerac Company. Buffalo Trace has earned over 200 national and international awards, including being named "Distillery of the Year" a record seven times, cementing its status as the most awarded distillery in the United States.