Unique bourbons to try if you love buffalo trace
Today we talk about Unique bourbons to try if you love buffalo trace.
Unique Bourbons to Try if You Love Buffalo Trace
As a bourbon enthusiast, Buffalo Trace holds a special place in my collection for its complexity and affordability. With prices ranging from $25 to $50 per bottle, it’s a favorite for many. However, I often find myself wondering what other unique bourbons I could explore that share similar qualities. This article dives into specific unique bourbons to try if you love Buffalo Trace, backed by industry insights.
Barrell Craft Spirits Gold Label Bourbon
Flavor Profile
Barrell Craft Spirits Gold Label Bourbon typically retails around $90, but its flavor is where the value lies. The Gold Label presents a rich flavor profile with dominant notes of rich caramel, vanilla, and hints of baking spices. According to the Distillery, their unique blending process yields bourbons that often surpass the traditional flavor standards. For those who love the smoothness of Buffalo Trace, this bourbon provides an elevated experience.
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof
Taste and Aroma
Priced roughly between $70-$100, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof is a superb alternative to Buffalo Trace. It boasts a robust flavor with sweeter notes of caramel, honey, and a dash of fruitiness. According to data from the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, this bourbon has attracted considerable acclaim, earning a score of 96 from Wine Enthusiast. The impressive aroma that fills the glass is a blissful foretelling of its exquisite taste.
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea
Special Characteristics
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea, retailing around $150, stands out due to its Texas roots. The higher temperature during aging leads to a unique flavor profile featuring notes of brown sugar, spiced fruitcake, and roasted nuts. In 2021, it won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For fans of Buffalo Trace seeking something different, Balmorhea provides a tasteful departure that still retains a familiar smoothness.
Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s Well 15
Proof and Aging
At approximately $170, Hardin¡¯s Creek Jacob¡¯s Well 15 is clearly a premium choice. This bourbon is aged for 15 years and bottled at a generous 135 proof. Reports indicate that bourbons aged over 10 years often result in deeper flavors due to oak interaction, and Jacob¡¯s Well embodies this. I find its dark fruit notes and hints of caramel reminiscent of Buffalo Trace, making it a worthy exploration.
Jefferson’s Ocean New York Limited Edition
Consumer Appeal
Jefferson’s Ocean Limited Edition, priced around $80, is fascinating due to its unique aging process at sea. The constant motion allows it to interact with the barrel differently, resulting in an oceanic embrace of flavor. It features pronounced notes of salt, caramel, and vanilla which resonate with fans of Buffalo Trace¡¯s sweetness. With rising popularity, nearly 2,000 bottles sold out in weeks, reflecting the bourbon¡¯s high consumer appeal.
Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A120
Cost and Availability
Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A120 typically retails for $65 and is a beloved wheated bourbon that rivals Buffalo Trace. Its sweetness is offset by profound oak and spice notes. The limited availability often leads to increased demand; however, Larceny balances affordability and accessibility. In the last year, sales data reveal that Larceny¡¯s market presence has grown by 30%, indicating it as an excellent substitute.
Old Fitzgerald 17 Year Bottled-In-Bond
Aging Process
The Old Fitzgerald 17 Year Bottled-In-Bond occupies a premium shelf at around $200. Its lengthy aging significantly influences its flavor profile, characterized by rich notes of leather, caramel, and toasted nuts. The Bottled-In-Bond act ensures quality, with bourbons needing to be distilled in a single season and aged for at least four years. Like Buffalo Trace, it deserves a thoughtful tasting¡ªthere¡¯s a whole world of flavor behind each sip.
Rebel Reserve 12 Year Single Barrel
Flavor Experience
Rebel Reserve, priced around $50, is particularly enticing for its well-rounded flavor. Rich in honey and vanilla, I often think of Buffalo Trace when I enjoy it, as both offer smooth experiences with slight complexity. The 12-year aging process allows for deep development, resulting in an experience similar to what enthusiasts admire in Buffalo Trace.
Stagg Jr. Bourbon Batch 12
Tasting Journey
Stagg Jr. Batch 12, priced around $60, provides a powerful flavor experience. Its higher proof level can be intimidating, yet like Buffalo Trace, it opens up with diluting, revealing its hidden notes of fruits, oak, and rich chocolate. Serious bourbon collectors appreciate its boldness and complexity, often ranking it high in blind tastings. The journey of tasting Stagg Jr. is a thrilling adventure that mirrors the evolution found in Buffalo Trace.
Weller Full Proof
Market Availability
Weller Full Proof typically sells for about $70, and it has developed a cult following among bourbon enthusiasts. Its similarities to Buffalo Trace lie in its wheated mash bill, contributing to a smooth, rich flavor profile with hints of oak and caramel. However, the market availability makes it a challenge; recent figures show it sells out within hours when stocked, matching Buffalo Trace in demand while providing that smooth experience we look for.
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Bottled in Bond 2020
Flavor Differences
Pricing at approximately $150, Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep Bottled in Bond 2020 presents incredible value for its flavor profile. With notes of apricot, toffee, and cinnamon, it holds an exciting complexity. The flavor profile is simultaneously familiar yet intriguing, making it a great alternative to Buffalo Trace, which often embodies similar sweet and oaky attributes. Exploring its differences can enrich any bourbon collector¡¯s experience.
Willett 8 Year Wheated Bourbon
Price Range
Willett 8 Year Wheated Bourbon ranges in price around $75 and offers a delightful combination of sweetness and spice. This bourbon is admired for its smooth finish and balanced flavors of vanilla and fruit. The wheated mash bill often attracts those who enjoy the profile of Buffalo Trace, making it a perfect fit for enthusiasts looking for variety without sacrificing the familiar wheaty charm.
5 Overpriced Buffalo Trace Whiskeys and What to Buy Instead
Cost Comparison
When evaluating overpriced Buffalo Trace offerings, I often compare pricing versus flavor. For instance, if I find Pappy Van Winkle selling for $2,000+, I know I can choose excellent alternatives like Weller Full Proof or Larceny Barrel Proof for around $70-$90 without losing flavor quality. The savings are substantial, and I still enjoy bourbons that echo the smoothness of Buffalo Trace.
Other Great Alternatives to Buffalo Trace
Recommended Choices
In addition to the bourbons mentioned, I highly recommend exploring options like Four Roses and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Both offer unique expressions that capture similar attributes found in Buffalo Trace and can often be found priced between $50-$80. With positive ratings consistently above 90 in industry reviews, they are solid contenders for any bourbon enthusiast’s collection.
Comparing Buffalo Trace to Old Forester
Comparison Summary
In comparing Buffalo Trace to Old Forester, I find Buffalo Trace’s average price around $30 leads to an accessible yet complex sip. Old Forester, often priced similarly, delivers a bolder flavor with a higher rye content. Both provide unique tasting experiences; however, my preference may sway depending on whether I’m in the mood for the smooth elegance of Buffalo Trace or the spicier character of Old Forester.
Closing Thoughts
Final Recommendations
With a range of unique bourbons to explore if you love Buffalo Trace, I encourage you to embrace new flavors. From the spicy notes of Stagg Jr. to the sweet warmth of Weller Full Proof, the options are abundant. Each bourbon presents an opportunity to deepen your appreciation for this beloved spirit, and I’m excited to continue my own tasting adventures alongside each new discovery!
FAQ
Which bourbon is most like Buffalo Trace?
Weller Special Reserve is often regarded as the most similar bourbon to Buffalo Trace, with similar sweetness and an approachable finish that I personally appreciate.
What is the smoothest bourbon to drink straight?
For an exceptionally smooth bourbon, I recommend Woodford Reserve, which pairs beautifully with both food and conversation, making it perfect for sipping straight.
Where does Buffalo Trace rank among bourbons?
Buffalo Trace consistently ranks in the top tier of bourbons, regularly appearing in lists of the best bourbons due to its complex flavor and reasonable price point.
Is Buffalo Trace considered top shelf?
Yes, Buffalo Trace is widely regarded as a top-shelf bourbon, valued for its quality, flavor, and accessibility, making it a staple in many bourbon collections.
