Bourbon Review
Buffalo Trace
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
⚑ Placeholder review — tasting notes to be updated after the pour.
The Story
Buffalo Trace is the flagship expression of the distillery that bears its name, and one of the most awarded bourbons in the world despite being one of the most accessible. It's the everyday pour that demonstrates what the Buffalo Trace house style is all about: a high-rye mashbill (#1 mashbill), well-executed aging, and a consistency that's remarkable for a product at this price point. It's also become harder to find at retail than it should be — demand for anything with the Buffalo Trace label has exceeded supply for years. At 5–30, when you can find it, there's nothing better in its class.
Nose, Palate & Finish
Nose
Clean, inviting, and approachable — vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and a gentle rye spice on the nose. A touch of mint and a faint citrus note round things out. It's not complex but it's very well-composed for the price.
Palate
Medium body, smooth, and balanced. The rye spice shows clearly alongside the sweetness — brown sugar, vanilla, a touch of oak, and the signature Buffalo Trace caramel-forward character. It's easy to drink but has enough going on to be interesting. A benchmark for what 5 bourbon should taste like.
Finish
Medium length, warm, and gently spiced. Oak and vanilla carry through to a clean exit. Better length than most bourbons at this price.