Hailing from one of America’s oldest working distilleries, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is the quintessential traditional American single barrel Kentucky bourbon. Having been released to the public in 1999, the bourbon is the culmination of Elmer T. Lee’s lifetime of work as Master Distiller at the distillery. It represents his vision of the ideal bourbon whiskey.
With a heritage deeply rooted in the American bourbon tradition, Buffalo Trace Bourbon aims to honor Kentucky bourbon’s original spirit. The line has many loyal supporters in the bourbon whiskey community and continues to win over many more bourbon aficionados with its smooth and sweet tasting experience.
Interesting Facts
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is owned by the Sazerac Company and is distilled and bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky.
There has been a significant shortage of Buffalo Trace bourbon ever since 2014 due to the sudden increase in demand for the whiskey. Many whiskeys are aged for 10 or more years and are thus not easily able to react to sudden shifts in market demands, thus creating times of significant lack in supply.
In addition to the considerable time needed to age whiskeys like Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a significant amount of the spirit is lost due to evaporation during the aging process, further reducing the overall amount that can be made available to the general public for purchase.
As with most whiskey bourbons originating from the American capital of bourbon production, Buffalo Trace classifies as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The Buffalo Trace Distillery, after which the bourbon is named, has a rich history stretching back to the American Prohibition Era. Even though the federal government formally banned alcohol during the prohibition, the Buffalo Trace Distillery was allowed to remain open for unique purposes.
The distillery was granted a permit to stay open and continue the production of whiskey for medicinal use. Doctors and nurses were among the most consistent new customers at the distillery during this time, as they would purchase whiskey for their patients’ pain management treatments.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon shares the Buffalo Trace Distillery brand with numerous other well-renowned bourbons, including Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, and William Larue Weller. These bourbons are famous for their uncut and hand-bottled characteristics, along with the fact that wheat is substituted for the more common rye grain used in other bourbons. This process is a unique method that was originally created by W.L. Wekker.
How You Should Drink Buffalo Trace Bourbon
When it comes to a quality bourbon like Buffalo Trace bourbon, the reality is that the drinker’s personal preferences will ultimately determine the manner in which it should best be consumed. While some types of whiskey bourbons may benefit from specific drinking procedures, this bourbon can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or with a splash of water, soda, or ginger ale.
Mash Bill
While the company does not formally disclose buffalo Trace Bourbon’s ingredients by percentage to the public, it is believed that the mash bill comprises 75% corn, 10% rye, and 15% barley.
In addition to the mash bill, we know quite a few things about the beloved bourbon. The bourbon is known to be aged between 8 to 10 years and originates from only 25 to 30 aging barrels, keeping the flavor profile consistent and high in quality. It has a 90 proof point rating and is aged in brand new, charred oak barrels.
Conclusion
Overall, we think you will be tremendously pleased with this bourbon. With its accessible price point, rich heritage, unparalleled attention to quality, and exceptional flavor profile, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is poised to become one of America’s bourbon staples for generations to come.
