More side-by-side fun, and this time I am back comparing bourbons. Today I look at the Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey. A Saceraz vs Brown-Forman Corporation bourbon comparison.
In the past I have done many side by side comparisons, the most resent when I compared the Maker’s Mark against the Woodford Reserve. As usual, we did it as a blind tasting to remove some bias. But as always, comparing drams side by side is always fun and leads to discoveries about the liquid in our glass and our taste buds.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey
The Buffalo Trace distillery is in Frankfort, Kentucky, and is owned by the Sazerac Company. Its namesake bourbon brand, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon, was introduced in August 1999. It has no age statement. The Buffalo Trace mash bill is not disclosed. However, it is speculated to contain a high corn percentage and less than 10% rye.
The bourbon 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 also produces other spirits, such as rye whiskey and vodka. Other brands in the SAzerac portfolio include Blanton’s, Sazerac Rye, 1792 Bourbon, WL Weller and Eagle Rare, to name but a few.
Readily available around the globe and is priced in the affordable category. It is perfect for cocktails such as an Old Fashioned and pairs well with chocolate.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
Woodford Reserve is a Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. The distillery changed hands a few times, and Brown-Forman purchased the property in 1993 and refurbished it. They renamed it The Woodford Reserve Distillery in 2003.
Woodford Reserve bourbon was introduced to the market in 1996. In 1995 the distillery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2000, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
The mash bill for Woodford Reserve bourbon features a high percentage of rye. It has a 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt ratio. Unusual also for being triple distilled and having the lowest proof upon entering the barrel, where it matures for at least six years.
Other brands in the Brown Forman stable include Jack Daniel’s, GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh whisky. There is also a Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey as well as a Double Oaked release.
Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon
| Buffalo Trace | Woodford Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Bourbon whiskey | Bourbon whiskey |
| Mashbill | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt |
| ABV | 45% | 43.2% |
| Colour | A reddish copper | Dark copper |
| 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. | Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. Bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla, dark chocolate and hints of spices. |
| Palate | There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade, white pepper and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak. Water tones down the spice. | Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Creamy and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouthfeel. |
| Finish | Before adding water long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water, the finish was quite flat. | Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweetness and spices |
| My Rating | Very Good | Excellent |
| Comments | Drink it neat! | Delicious and bold. |
| Price point | $35 | $40 |
Guessing which glass contained the Buffalo Trace was relatively easy. I find the Buffalo Trace quite spicy and concentrating on the spicy notes on the palate in the two glasses allowed me to identify it. From the nose alone, I would not get it.
The nose on the Buffalo Trace was bold and sweet with lots of vanilla and fruity sweetness. Quite pronounced. The nose of the Woodford Reserve is softer and sweeter with notes of fruity apricot, vanilla and oak. More elegant.
When you taste them, the differences come through, and the differences are big and bold. The Buffalo Trace is spicier and less complex. It has fruity notes and a nice drinkable mouthfeel. Buffalo Trace has a medium body and lovely toasted oak notes. However, don’t add water.
The Woodford Reserve has a creamy base with sweetness, oak and vanilla notes. Much bolder than the nose suggests. The Woodford Reserve was my favourite. The condensed milk, vanilla, and dark chocolate notes suit my sweeter palate.
Both are great bottles to have in your collection. If you prefer spicier bourbon, the Buffalo Trace is perfect. If, like me, you like something a bit sweeter, grab that bottle of Woodford Reserve. Whatever your choice, it is a good one.
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