Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Today I look at a bourbon that is readily available in SA, the Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey. It is also quite affordable, which also helps. Records show that some form of distilling took place on the site in 1775 already.

Today it is known as the Buffalo Trace distillery. The first official distillery was constructed in 1812 by Harrison Blanton.  

The Buffalo Trace distillery is in Frankfort, Kentucky. It has historically been known by several names, including most notably, the George T. Stagg Distillery. Its namesake bourbon brand, Buffalo Trace Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, was introduced in August 1999.

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The whiskey was named in tribute to the mighty buffalo that carved paths through the wilderness in the trek to the Great Planes and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them.

The distillery was fortunate; during Prohibition, the distillery stayed working. They made whiskey for “medicinal purposes”. The Buffalo Trace distillery also produces other spirits such as Sazerac rye whiskey and vodka.
The Buffalo Trace straight bourbon whiskey mash bill is not disclosed. However, based on research, it combines corn, rye and malted barley. The rye ratio is less than 10%. The Buffalo Trace mash bill is apparently similar to the George T Stagg and the Eagle Rare bourbon mash bill.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%.

COLOUR: A reddish copper. Quite a dark colour.

NOSE: Sherry sweetness and is rich and complex. There are hints of candied fruit, caramel, vanilla, brandy pudding and oak. Little bits of spice float in the background.

PALATE: Without water, the palate has quite a big mouthful. There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak floating about. When you add some water, the palate changes, the bourbon becomes almost watery and more fruity.

The sweetness and the spice disappears, and the complexity reduces. I always add a little water, and this was the first whiskey where the water nearly ruined the taste.

FINISH: The finish before adding water was long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water to the Buffalo Trace, the finish shortened, and it was quite flat.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Buffalo Trace is a great straight bourbon, however, drink it neat. When you look at bourbon and cheese pairings, the Buffalo Trace works very well with some aged cheddar. It is perfect for cocktails as a base because it is robust enough. Especially in an Old Fashioned or a Moscow Mule, it works very well.

Another excellent pairing for the Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey is a snickers bar. Bourbon and this caramel and peanuts covered in milk chocolate bar is a match made in heaven.

I have done a side by side comparison between this bourbon and the Maker’s Mark to see how they compare. For my last side by side comparison in 2021, I put this Buffalo Trace next to the Bulleit bourbon to see which one is better. There is even a side by side comparison between this bourbon and the Woodford Reserve.

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