Buffalo Trace Bourbon - 750 ml (45% Alcohol 90 Proof)

Wine Review

Exploring Bourbon: A Scotch Drinker’s First Taste of Buffalo Trace

Bridging the gap between single malts and American whiskey

750

mL Volume

$28

Price

~375

mL Consumed

Table of Contents

• ①1st Dram: Basic Impressions
• ②2nd Take: Ginger Ale Highball
• ③Closing Thoughts

Section I

1st Dram: Basic Impressions

As someone who primarily enjoys Scotch, particularly single malts and blends, I recently picked up a 750 mL bottle of Buffalo Trace for $28 to broaden my palate and better appreciate the world of bourbon.

 

Initial Tasting Notes

• →Bite — Right off the bat, I noticed it has a bite similar to Johnnie Walker Red Label. It has more of a kick than I'm accustomed to as a regular Scotch drinker.
• →Taste — The flavor profile falls somewhere between a blend (like JW Black) and a single malt (such as Highland Park 12). There’s a lot going on here, and I feel I need a few more drams to fully appreciate it. The bourbon is a bit spicier and has a touch of sweetness, but it doesn’t reach the level of sweetness found in a Macallan 12 or any Cognac.
• →Nose — The aroma is reminiscent of Hennessy VSOP, which adds another layer to the experience.

Overall, I find it worth trying, especially for its price. It has a distinctive taste that contributes nicely to my liquor collection. This exploration helps me gain a better appreciation for other brands as I continue to sample.

Section II

2nd Take: Ginger Ale Highball

Buffalo Trace really shines when mixed into a Ginger Ale Highball! After trying one, I was so impressed that I ended up having a few more, and I quickly consumed half the bottle in a single sitting.

While many bourbons and Scotches work well in a highball, I was particularly struck by how well Buffalo Trace performs in this mix. The spiciness and sweetness complement the ginger ale beautifully, making it a refreshing choice.

Component	Profile	Comparison
Bourbon	Spicy & Sweet	Between JW Black & HP 12
Bite	Sharp	Like JW Red Label
Aroma	Cognac-like	Similar to Hennessy VSOP

Section III

Closing Thoughts

Buffalo Trace has opened up a new avenue for me in the world of bourbon. Its versatility, whether enjoyed neat or mixed, makes it a valuable addition to my collection. I look forward to exploring more bourbons and discovering how they compare to my favorite Scotches.

Stay tuned as I continue to broaden my spirits collection and explore the nuances between Scotch and Bourbon.