This is my final side-by-side whiskey comparison of the year, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year than with a classic Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon showdown.
These comparison tastings have been one of the highlights of my whiskey journey. They have reinforced just how diverse the bourbon category can be. Despite following the same basic production rules, bourbons can deliver vastly different flavour profiles simply through changes in mash bill composition, barrel char levels, maturation techniques, and blending decisions.
After bourbon selections became scarce in South Africa during 2017 and 2018, the category has experienced a welcome resurgence. Today, local shelves offer far more variety, making it an exciting time for bourbon enthusiasts.
While I will never turn down a heavily peated Islay Scotch or a rich Speyside sherry bomb, I have always had a soft spot for bourbon. The combination of toasted oak, vanilla, caramel, and ripe fruit creates a flavour profile that is approachable, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, bourbon remains one of the most accessible styles of whiskey.
For this comparison, I put two popular Kentucky bourbons head-to-head: Buffalo Trace and Bulleit. Both bottles were nearing empty when we conducted this tasting, which says a lot about how often they found their way into our glasses throughout the year.
Also Read: Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
Bulleit bourbon traces its roots back to the 19th century. Founder Tom Bulleit was inspired by a whiskey recipe developed by his great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit, who produced whiskey in Louisville, Kentucky, between 1830 and 1860.
Tom spent years pursuing his dream of recreating the family recipe. In 1987, he launched the Bulleit brand, introducing a bourbon that quickly gained recognition for its distinctive high-rye character.
The modern Bulleit bourbon mash bill consists of approximately 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley. This unusually high rye content gives the whiskey its trademark spice and complexity. Bulleit bourbon is typically aged for at least 6 years before bottling.
One of Bulleit’s most recognisable features is its packaging. The bottle is designed to resemble an old 1800s medicine bottle, complete with raised lettering and a deliberately imperfect label.
Today, Diageo owns the brand, and it remains one of the most widely available premium bourbons on the market.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey
The history of Buffalo Trace is deeply intertwined with that of American whiskey. Distilling activity has been documented on the Frankfort, Kentucky site since the late 1700s, with the first formal distillery established in 1812.
Over the years, the facility has operated under several names, most famously the George T. Stagg Distillery. Today, Sazerac Company owns the brand, and it is home to some of the most sought-after bourbons in the world.
The Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey brand was introduced in 1999. Its name pays tribute to the massive buffalo herds that once forged pathways across the American frontier, creating trails later followed by pioneers and settlers.
Buffalo Trace has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional quality at an affordable price point. It is a versatile bourbon that performs equally well neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. The mashbill is not available.
Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit Bourbon
| Buffalo Trace | Bulleit Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Bourbon whiskey | Bourbon whiskey |
| Mashbill | Not disclosed | 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley |
| ABV | 45% | 45% |
| Colour | A reddish copper | Light amber |
| Nose | Fruity sweetness, rich and bold. There are hints of candied fruit, caramel, vanilla, brandy pudding and oak. Bits of spice float in the background. | Quite spicy. In the background, there is some sweetness reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding, nutmeg and vanilla. After standing for a while, some caramel comes through. |
| Palate | There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade, white pepper and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak. Water tones down the spice. | Loads of warming freshly ground spices. It's a rich, chewy mouthful. Toffee caramel and vanilla with a bit of wood and orange. Freshly baked sugar biscuits. With water, this bourbon becomes smoother and a bit sweeter. |
| Finish | Before adding water long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water, the finish was quite flat. | Lovely. Very long and lingering. The finish is big and bold and has notes of mild spice and hints of oak. |
| My Rating | Very Good | Excellent |
| Comments | Without water it is bold and delicious. Drink it neat! | Unusual and unique. |
The Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon proved to be one of the toughest blind tastings we conducted all year. We spent most of a Saturday afternoon revisiting both bourbons, comparing them side by side and attempting to identify each glass blind.
On the nose, Buffalo Trace offers inviting aromas of caramel, vanilla, red cherries, brandy pudding and light toasted oak. There is a gentle sweetness that immediately signals a classic bourbon profile.
The Bulleit bourbon, on the other hand, announces itself as the more assertive whiskey. The nose reveals cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, toffee pudding, and vanilla. Its high rye content creates a more vibrant and spicy aroma profile than Buffalo Trace.
The palate of the Buffalo Trace is smooth and approachable with flavours of orange marmalade, toasted oak, ripe fruit, white pepper, and subtle baking spices. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, it delivers enough complexity to remain interesting while staying incredibly easy to drink.
The oak influence is present without dominating, allowing the sweeter elements to shine. For me, Buffalo Trace performs best neat. Adding water tends to diminish some of its charm and balance.
On the palate, the Bulleit bourbon’s spiciness becomes even more pronounced. Notes of freshly cracked black pepper, cinnamon, toasted oak, and orange dominate the experience. While there is a sugar biscuit sweetness from the corn in the mash bill, the rye spice remains the star of the show.
The finish of the Bulleit is longer and bolder than that of Buffalo Trace, leaving lingering notes of oak and baking spices.
Which Bourbon Wins?
This comparison ultimately comes down to personal preference. John preferred the Bulleit bourbon, appreciating its bold character and spicy complexity. If you enjoy rye-forward bourbons with plenty of kick, Bulleit is likely the better choice.
I found myself leaning toward Buffalo Trace bourbon. While I enjoyed Bulleit’s richness, the spice became slightly overwhelming after a second glass. Buffalo Trace offered the sweeter, more traditional bourbon profile that suits my sweeter palate perfectly.
For newcomers to bourbon, Buffalo Trace is arguably the easier introduction. For experienced whiskey drinkers looking for more spice and intensity, Bulleit delivers excellent value.
Final Verdict: Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon
Choosing a winner in this Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit comparison is nearly impossible because both bourbons excel in different ways.
The good news? Neither bottle will break the bank, and both deserve a place in a bourbon lover’s collection. If forced to choose just one, I would reach for Buffalo Trace. Its sweeter profile, approachable nature, and excellent balance make it a bourbon I can enjoy time and time again.
But honestly, the best solution is to keep both on the shelf and enjoy them as your mood dictates.
I have done a similar comparison between Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve.
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Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Rye vs Old No 7 Whiskey
Both are very pleasant. Bulleit makes a great old fashion. Thanks for this article and who in the hell is Bill dance?
Agree with the failure in the comparisons. It’s fine on a simple tasting note level but I agree why not compare two bourbons or any whiskeys that are actually made in the distillery as opposed to a brand with a great deal of cash that merely buys its whiskey from mgp or other distilleries to get its name known for a “recipe”.
What does is lack of support for the ABCDLMNOP community have to do with his spirits? Get out of here troll.