The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Richard Thomas
Rating: C+
Buffalo Trace Distillery is located in Franklin County, Kentucky, and the site has hosted whiskey-making since 1776. The oldest building on the grounds dates back to 1792, so by American standards, Buffalo Trace is a truly historic distillation site.
Buffalo Trace is also a storied distillery. Once upon a time it went under the name of George T. Stagg, and that name now adorns one of the most rarefied bourbon whiskeys around. The distillery also produces whiskey for other companies. Blanton’s, the whiskey that did more than any other to start the single barrel movement, is a Buffalo Trace product. The main competitor for Stagg in the rarity department, Pappy Van Winkle, is also made at Buffalo Trace.
It isn’t much of an exaggeration to describe the Buffalo Trace Distillery as a cornerstone of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. While the distillery produces many of Kentucky’s finest bourbons, Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the distillery’s mass market and relatively recent product, first introduced in 1999.
The Bourbon
Buffalo Trace bourbon is made mostly with corn from Kentucky and Indiana, plus rye and malted barley. Bottles of Buffalo Trace bear no aging statement, but rumor has it the typical bottle has an average age of between seven and nine years. I say “average age” because Buffalo Trace bourbon is blended, with a normal batch drawing from 25 to 30 barrels before chill filtration. The whiskey is 90 proof (45% alcohol), and has a light, golden amber coloring. The bottle is inked rather than labeled, and in such a way as to show off the whiskey’s lovely color. The stopper is plastic and cork.
The whiskey smells of vanilla and maple, with a mild character. The flavor is warm, with brown sugar and honey sweetness, but once again the main feature is just how subdued it is. The finish is long, warm and pleasant, and without even a hint of bite.
Some reviewers label Buffalo Trace as a small batch bourbon, but I think it should be pointed out that even the bourbon’s own label doesn’t make that claim. The characteristics of this bourbon make it ideal for people who want to avoid heavy sweetness, char smoke and/or fire.
The Price
The best part about Buffalo Trace bourbon is the price, as a bottle typically retails for $20.
I could not disagree with you more. It’s good bourbon. Simple as that. Get over yourself
I couldn’t agree with him more. I just had some and it’s definitely a C+ in my book as well, and I guarantee you that I have gotten quite over myself. How else could I even consider infusing the rest of the bottle with peaches, cinnamon sticks, allspice, cardamom, coriander, star anise and vanilla bean? Or I could go completely insane and just mix my Buffalo Trace with Russell’s Reserve and Benchmark Old No. 8!
I found this to be one of the most overrated whiskeys out there as well. I find the oak to overpower everything else, but I’ve also heard that this is a highly variable product from batch to batch.
It is indeed a very good bourbon. I think tis website is a “snob” website – that is, if the bourbon doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, it’s average bourbon. I’m in the same dugout with the guy above, Whiskey Jiggs, that it is indeed a good bourbon. So am I a cheapskate? I think not. I have bottles of Bookers, Pappy 18 year old, and Blanton’s in my whiskey cabinet. Why do I keep going back to Buffalo Trace when I can select those others just as easily? Because it tastes great.
Hey Archer. First, there is no such thing as Pappy 18 Year Old. 15 yes, 20 yes, but not 18. So liar liar, pants on fire. Next, it’s “this.” Yes, I am such a snob I spell basic words correctly.
Hi Richard,
thanks for the interesting review. I wouldn’t say that Buffalo Trace is a small batch bourbon too. Anyway the claim small batch is not a protected designation at all, which is in my eyes only used for marketing reasons.
In our article on the distillery we rated Buffalo Trace with 79 out of 100, also because its good value for money. I thinks this would be a B+ in your rating scheme.
It was marketed as such back when “small batch” was more of a thing. ‘Nuff said.
Really good everyday drinker and beginner bourbon. Personally, I prefer WT 101. To me WT 101 has an extra element of flavor, better price, and much better availability. However, BT wins out in entry level bourbon. WT 101 can be a bit much for beginners to handle.
totally agree. its sweet up front and kicks you like a mule in the back of the throat. I will never buy this again at any price. There are 100 proof whiskeys in the same price range that are more flavorful and easier to drink.
…I have been a scotch drinker for most of my life, and for the last 6 months, I like many Americans, have been collecting and eating Straight Bourbon…
.. of course the are unicorns I find too difficult to chase down, mostly because of mark ups…but I have several good small batches and single cask, and cask strengths, as well as several standards … I consider Buffalo Trace to be a winner as an everyday pour…still a little too unavailable for my own good, but I buy it whenever I see it… I have some Wellee Reserve coming… that might change things for me – at the right price
Buffalo Trace is a wheated bourbon it does not have Rye…not sure I would trust your opinion if you get that incorrect!
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is made from the distillery’s low rye mashbill, the same basic stock as Eagle Rare, Stagg and Old Charter. The wheated mash bill is used to make ONLY Weller (or Trace-sourced, but not owned, brands like Van Winkle). Those facts are easily available from a multitude of respected sources.