Buffalo Trace Review

Buffalo Trace Review

By: Dan Kelley

For me Buffalo Trace is my coming home bourbon, as I always come back to it. I first experienced Buffalo Trace at my Certified Bourbon Steward class. It was the first bourbon that I actually started sipping and really trying to pick out specific smells and flavors. So it’s the one I often reach for when I just want to sit and sip something for a few minutes after a long day. 

Where does it come from? The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfurt, KY

How strong is it? 45% ABV (90 Proof)

What’s it made of?  No one really knows, or at least they aren’t saying, Buffalo Trace keeps its mash bills very secretive.  But we know it’s Mash Bill #1; it’s believed to be 75% Corn, 10% Rye, 15% Barley. 

How old is it? There is No Age Statement (NAS) on the bottle but again it’s believe to be 7-8 years.

How much does it cost? As always it depends on where you’re at in the country, some places can’t get it at all.  But the MSRP is in the 20-30 dollar range.

Color: deep honey. 

Remember smell and taste are rooted in memory and genetics so everyone is a bit different. What I’m smelling and tasting might not be the same as you! 

Smell: as is the case with many bourbons its nose has hints of cherry and vanilla, which comes from the charred oak inside the barrel.  Buffalo Trace has nice notes of honey and a bit of fruit like a sweet apple, but that sweetness is balanced with cinnamon spice and a hint of fresh baked rye bread. 

Taste: similar to the nose you get that sweet honey and some caramel right in the front of the pallet that quickly changes to a spicy pepper and a subtle barrel char.  The finish is a lingering apple pie filling taste. At 45% ABV it doesn’t try to hurt you or burn all the way down (this effect is often called a Kentucky Hug). Buffalo Trace is certainly high enough proof to let you know it’s Whiskey. 

I fully admit I’m biased on this one. I find it to be a great all around bourbon, and it is one of the few of which I keep several bottles in stock.

Cheers! 

Dan 

aka The Wise Guy