FOOD NEWS
Buffalo Trace Bourbon: The Ultimate Bottle Guide
BY JESSICA MLINARIC
History
Bourbon is a distinctly American creation, and one of the most distinctive bourbon brands is Buffalo Trace, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2013.
The distillery has operated for over 200 years since its establishment as the Swigert Distillery in 1858. The brand didn’t earn its iconic name until a 1999 rebrand.
Taste
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a classic expression of the spirit with sweet fragrances of vanilla, butterscotch, apple, and caramel, which succumb to a spicy taste.
On the tongue, the bourbon packs a spicy punch, with notes of cinnamon, black pepper, and anise giving way to caramel and black sugar with an earthy oak and toffee backdrop.
Production
Like all bourbon, Buffalo Trace consists of a mash of at least 51% corn, but the distillery only uses the highest quality, scrutinizing every kernel before production.
The bourbon is then aged in charred oak barrels and matured for six to eight years in temperature-controlled rooms using steam heat during the cold months to mellow the whiskey.
How To Drink
Buffalo Trace isn't just for bourbon purists, and its accessible palate means it's great for mixing into cocktails from mules to an Old Fashioned or enjoying neat.
If you're not used to drinking neat whiskey, take a tip from the distillery and add a few drops of water to soften up the spirit and open yourself up to more subtle flavors.
Cost
Along with its accessible palate, Buffalo Trace Bourbon has an accessible price tag averaging around $38 per bottle.
The price is particularly notable since Buffalo Trace also helps produce luxury whiskeys from W.L. Weller to Pappy Van Winkle, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.