A little background
So here it is the “flagship” brand and base product from the esteemed Buffalo Trace Distillery. Buffalo Trace is distilled from the distillery’s mash-bill #1 and bottled at 90⁰ (45 ABV). This product has always been on the shelf and has always been at the top of the “Best Beginner Bourbon” lists…that is until recently when the product has become very hard to find in some markets. I have no idea about the distribution practices Sazerac uses for their mainstream lines so I’m at a loss that a product can be so prevalent in some markets and a ghost in others. Regardless, following are my thoughts on what’s in the bottle. Retail price of around $25.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn.)
Color in the glass
Medium Gold
Nose
Spicier than I was expecting with the BT mash bill #1. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and allspice. The sweetness comes across as caramel.
Palate
Pie crust, nutmeg, vanilla, and confectionery sweetness similar to cotton candy.
Finish
Classic bourbon profile finish of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. Nothing outstanding.
In closing
I’m to the point in my whiskey voyage that I do not pay much attention to “Best Of” lists and never really have, but in this case the Whiskey Consensus (see what I did there). Is spot on and if you are beginning to dabble in bourbon or are looking for a good daily sipper give this a try, but if you can’t find it don’t fret there are plenty of other bourbons that offer a comparable experience.
Buffalo Trace
90 Proof
The Good
- Price
- Consistent Quality
The Bad
- Odd Distribution
2 years ago I could get a case or 50 . It took me 8 months to get 1 case allocated and only 2 stores in North County of San Diego County that got one case of each if my Sales Reps accounts My shop was one.
It’s the same in Oklahoma… I’ve only found one store that was able to get allocation. Kinda crazy honestly.
I have tasted a few store select barrels that are outstanding. If you can find one it is definitely worth a try.