Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey
Overall Score: 5.75/10
Overall Value: 4/5
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company, Inc.
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 90
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Rye Mash 1
Color: Honey
MSRP: $30 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey presents a bright nose with sweetness and hints of honey, vanilla, and a touch of strawberries and cream. There's a slight oak note that comes through pleasingly, alongside classic Buffalo Trace distillery sweet oak and char notes. However, the presence of alcohol does hint at the slight youthfulness of this offering.
On the palate, Buffalo Trace is very approachable and easy to drink, thanks to its low proof. The mouthfeel is somewhat thin, aligning with its light and fruity flavors. Initial notes of gentle sweetness and clover honey give way to oak, cherry, and char flavors, rounded out by a wafer-like flavor. However, there is a noticeable alcohol bite that can be slightly off-putting.
The finish is short and fairly non-existent, with primary flavors of oak and cherry. It's more well-rounded than the palate but still retains a youthful harshness.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey is an approachable and easy-to-drink bourbon that fits well as an entry-level offering. With an MSRP of around $27-$30 and a 90 proof, it delivers classic bourbon flavors without any real rough edges. While it lacks complexity and depth, it's a standout among its peers like Old Number 7, Makers, and Crown.
If you're looking for something with more character, 1792 Small Batch might be a better alternative at a similar price point.
Perfect for those new to bourbon, Buffalo Trace remains a solid choice in its price range and category. Enjoy it as a reliable go-to bourbon, but don’t expect it to rival more complex single-barrel offerings.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
Initially strawberries and cream, but develops into clover honey.
I also get the classic Buffalo Trace Distillery sweet oak and char notes.
I was able to pick up on some alcohol astringency, hinting that this is perhaps a younger offering from the distiller.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel seemed particularly thin to me, but it does match the light and fruity flavors that hit the taste buds initially.
Then there is a progression of oak, cherry, and char flavors.
It's rounded out by a Wafer flavor, however there is an alcohol bite that presents similarly to Bug spray.
THE FINISH:
Oak and cherry were the primary flavors for me.
The finish is actually more well-rounded than the palate, but unfortunately, the youthiness is still present here.
BUY OR PASS?
As far as entry-level bourbon from a distillery, Buffalo Trace is certainly one of the better options. The nose hints at many of the same profiles available from their more allocated offerings, and the palate provides an array of classic bourbon flavors, while remaining light, smooth, and inoffensive.
However, I think it's important we acknowledge it for what it is - an entry-level bourbon. Its peers are Old Number 7, Makers Mark, and Crown Royal. Of which it is a standout, but it's a $20-$30 dollar bourbon. Anything beyond that and you are paying for the name!
The Hunter Says
Score: 5.5/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
It has a bright sweetness with hints of honey and vanilla, almost like smelling a bowl of Rice Krispies cereal.
There’s definitely some youthfulness in the nose, along with a slight oak note, but the oak comes through in a pleasing way.
THE TASTE:
When you take a sip, it’s very approachable and easy to drink, thanks to the low proof.
There’s a gentle sweetness, though it’s not very pronounced.
You’ll also notice a bit of oak, which adds a bit of character.
THE FINISH:
The finish is pretty much non-existent.
There might be a hint of harshness from its young age, but nothing too off-putting.
BUY OR PASS?
I get why people like Buffalo Trace. It’s approachable and has no real rough edges. At $27-$30 and 90 proof, you shouldn’t expect much complexity.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more depth, 1792 Small Batch is a great alternative at a similar price point.
