US history and Buffalo Trace Distillery are synonyms. Well, at least in our eyes. One cannot discuss the 20’s without mentioning the fact that Buffalo Trace or George T. Stagg Distillery, under its old name, is the oldest continuously-operating distillery in the United States.
Buffalo Trace History
While many distilleries were forced to shut down during prohibition, Buffalo Trace remained open distilling whiskey for “medicinal purposes.” People were legally allowed to order a single pint of prescription hooch every 10 days. During this time the distillery sold over 60 billion pints resulting in Buffalo Trace’s popularity today.
Though Burks’ distillery, which now makes Maker’s Mark, holds the title for oldest operating bourbon distillery in the Guinness Book of World Records (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com) , records from Buffalo Trace indicate that distilling started on their site in 1775. Burks’ origins date back to 1805.
Regardless, Buffalo Trace holds the title for the only distillery legally allowed to produce whiskey throughout prohibition!
Buffalo Trace is crafted by the world’s most decorated distillery!
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled from corn, rye and barley malt at her most award-winning distillery in the world. The century old warehouses age whiskeys that are resting in new oak barrels. The whiskey constantly rates among the best bourbons in the world.
What is Buffalo Trace?
Buffalo Trace is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon that is distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY. The Buffalo Trace distillery itself produces 21 different brands of products from its prestigious Van Winkle to Wheatley Vodka, Kosher Whiskey and even Freddie’s Old Fashioned Soda.
How Does Buffalo Trace Bourbon Taste?
Well, Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible describes it as “one of the world’s great whiskeys”. We’d have to agree, but here are some more descriptive tasting notes: this rich amber colored whiskey has elaborate aromas of vanilla, molasses and mint. The taste is full of brown sugar notes, oak and baking spice. The finish is long, deep and pleasantly sweet.
Is Buffalo Trace Worth the Price?
Yes! Buffalo Trace also only uses natural ingredients and follows very strict distilling and aging requirements. Many bargain whiskeys are flavored with synthetic ingredients, diluted with water and mass produced. Using high-quality natural ingredients is obviously much more expensive however, the difference in taste is unparalleled.
Buffalo Trace is a premium whiskey that is aged for 6-8 years and is bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 90 proof. This means that it is less diluted than some of its competition. This is something to note when paying for a bottle of alcohol because you can always water down a spirit that is too strong but you can’t beef up one with low ABV. Many bartenders prefer to mix with higher proof spirits as it allows one to add more ingredients to a co*cktail without diluting the spirit too much.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Price Guide
| Product | Bottle Size | Average Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Trace Bourbon | 750 ml | $37.99 | 90 |
| 375 ml | $28.99 | ||
| 50 ml | $2.89 | ||
| Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream | 750 ml | $25.99 | 30 |
| 357 ml | $18.99 | ||
| Kosher Kentucky Straight Rye | 750 ml | $54.99 | 94 |
| Kosher Rye Recipe | 750 ml | $124.99 | 94 |
| Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheated Mash | 750 ml | $25.99 | 125 |
| 375 ml | $18.99 | ||
| Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection | 750 ml | $149.99 | varies |
What is the cost of Buffalo Trace?
A 750 ml bottle of Buffalo Trace Whiskey costs roughly $35-$40. Buffalo Trace cost reflects its quality. Sure, there are many other brands of bourbon out there much more affordable than Buffalo Trace but you get what you pay for.
Price of Alternatives to Buffalo Trace
Eagle Rare, another bourbon from Buffalo Trace, is aged at least 10 years and is bottled at 90 proof. It has the same mash bill as buffalo trace but is much smoother in flavor due to the extra aging. The price is just slightly higher at $37-$43 for a 750ml bottle. If you’re a fan of buffalo Trace and want to try an elevated expression, we highly recommend this one!
Another alternative to Buffalo Trace is Four Roses Small Batch. This bourbon is a great all-around bourbon with a unique blend of high and low rye mashbills. It’s ages 6 to 7 years and is also 90 proof. You can score a 750 ml bottle in the low $30 range.
How to Drink Buffalo Trace
Since Buffalo Trace is a higher end spirit, many people enjoy it either straight, with a splash of water or on a large cube.
Straight or neat is just as it sounds. Pour one to two ounces in a rocks glass at a time. Sip slowly so you can taste all the complex flavors.
Buffalo Trace is 90 proof so some people prefer to add a few drops of water. This slightly dilutes the spirit and can bring out its unique flavors even more. This is also a great way to enjoy the bourbon with a meal without it overpowering the food.
The last way is on a large ice cube. This chills the whiskey and also slightly dilutes it slightly. We like using a large cube since it melts slower and won’t water down your drink. This is also a great way for beginners to enjoy whiskey.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Recipes
While many enjoy this delicious spirit just the way it is, it also makes a great co*cktail. If you’re scratching your head for ideas, here’s a few to get you on your way! Grab a bottle and get to mixing!
Old Fashioned
The old fashioned is always in fashion and Buffalo Trace is an exceptional choice for this simple co*cktail. Since there’s only a few ingredients the flavors of the bourbon itself really shine through in this classic co*cktail.
- 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- .5 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Directions: Combine all ingredients in mixing glass. Add ice and stir. Strain into rocks glass over large cube. Garnish with orange peel and brandied cherry.
Bourbon Sour
A little sweet, a little tart and pleasantly foamy, the sour shines with Buffalo Trace.
- 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- .75 oz simple syrup
- .75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 whole egg white
- Angostura bitters
Directions: Combine all ingredients in shaker except bitters. Shake hard without ice. (This is referred to as “dry” shaking and emulsifies the egg white.) Add ice and shake to chill. Double strain into coupe and garnish with a few drops of bitters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Why is Buffalo Trace so hard to find?
Due to the lengthy aging process and high demand, Buffalo Trace can be hard to find in your local liquor stores. Rather than release a subpar product, the company holds to their standards and ages each bottle of the bourbon to perfection. While they have amped up production to try and combat the shortages, demand has also increased.
Allocation is another reason making Buffalo Trace so difficult to get your hands on. Meaning that every state allows only so many bottles at a time. If your local liquor store or bar is lucky enough to score a few, they usually reserve them for loyal customers or sell at auction to raise money.
What is the Buffalo Trace Pappy Van Winkle price?
Prices for Pappy Van Winkle range from almost $3,000 for Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 year, $3,500 to $4,000 for the 15 year and well over $5,000 for the 23 year.
There’s also Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year and Van Winkle Special Reserve which some people incorrectly refer to as “Pappy 10” and “Pappy 12” which are around $1,300 and $2,500 respectively.
Is Buffalo Trace a good bourbon?
Buffalo Trace is a good bourbon for the price. It is extremely well balanced and has won countless awards. The quality is consistent from year to year and every bottle is aged 6 to 8 years.
Is Buffalo Trace a high end bourbon?
Yes, Buffalo Trace’s price reflects its status as a premium spirit and a high end bourbon.
What is a good price for Buffalo Trace?
A good price for Buffalo Trace Bourbon is anywhere between $35-$42.
How much does a barrel of Buffalo Trace cost?
The cost of a barrel ranges anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000. This depends on a few factors such as the size of the barrel and how many bottles it will fill. The price is then negotiated by the local retailer and distributor. The price fluctuates throughout region often depending on popularity.
Does Buffalo Trace Make Cigars?
Yes, Sazerac, the parent company of Buffalo Trace, produces cigars under the Buffalo Trace brand. They are a blend of Cuban and Nicaraguan long filler tobaccos. Notes of cedar, cashew, leather and vanilla pair exceptionally well with a few fingers of the bourbon itself!
