Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Bourbon, in general, is one of the best bargains in liquor. The quality and variety of bourbon available for under $25.00 is staggering when compared to Single Malt Scotch.   

A Quick Lesson on Bourbon

To be considered bourbon, whiskey must meet the following requirements.  

• It must contain at least 51% corn
• It must be aged in new charred oak barrels
• It must be aged at least two years, four years to be called "straight bourbon"
• It can be no more than 160 proof (or 80% ABV)
• It may not contain any additives, beyond water to control proof 

Contrary to popular belief it does not need to be made in Kentucky, though a great deal of it is. Another misconception is that Jack Daniel's is bourbon. It is not, it is Tennessee Whiskey. You can read more about that here.

Buffalo Trace Distillery

The Buffalo Trace Distillery, previously known as Ancient Age, is located in Frankfort, Kentucky and has been in existence since 1787. The distillery has a capacity of 14.3 million gallons of spirit per year.  

Buffalo Trace's willingness to experiment and take chances has put them at the forefront of American whiskey distilling and has won them a number of awards. They were the first American distiller to release a single barrel bourbon, the delicious and readily available Blantons. Their flagship bourbon is Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  

The Whiskey

Buffalo Trace is a 90 Proof (45% abv) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

This is simply great whiskey. The color is deep gold and amber.  

It has a complex nose, which includes leather up front with hints of vanilla, sweet corn, and oak char.

In the mouth Buffalo Trace is soft, but full of flavor. All of the components one expects in a great bourbon are there in perfect measure; sweet corn, vanilla, fall spices, dried fruit and damp leaves. This is a complex yet easy drinking whiskey.   

The finish is spicy and dry.

Overall

I can't say a bad thing about this whiskey and at under $25.00 it is a great introduction to the world of bourbon. It is also a great place to start investigating the wonderful range of Buffalo Trace Whiskey's currently on the market.

I give this a 8/9 value to quality rating.