Buffalo Trace Distillery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, and has a history that dates back over 200 years. The distillery changed ownership numerous times and has operated under multiple names since its inception in the 1800s. Also known as O.F.C. Distillery (short for Old Fashioned Copper) and George T. Stagg Distillery, Sazerac Company Inc. purchased the site in 1992 and remains the distillery’s owner today. In 1999 after completing renovations, they renamed it “Buffalo Trace Distillery,” and introduced Buffalo Trace Bourbon, which has remained Buffalo Trace Distillery’s flagship product ever since.

The name “Buffalo Trace” is derived from the paths created by buffalo as they traveled through the wilderness, as one such trail led to the banks of the Kentucky River where Buffalo Trace Distillery is located. According to the U.S. Forest Service, “The Buffalo Trace is known to have gone from Louisville through present-day New Albany, Indiana, across several small streams, then passing west through Harrison and Floyd counties to the Little Blue River in Crawford County. From there it tracked northwest and passed just north of what is today Valeene.”

The exact mashbills used by Buffalo Trace Distillery are not disclosed, however, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is known to be made from mashbill #1, which is believed to be a low rye mashbill containing 10% or less rye. The age of the bourbon is not stated on the label, however, based on conversations with distillery representatives it is typically aged approximately 8-10 years before being blended and bottled. With the exception of individually selected single barrels, standard Buffalo Trace Bourbon is made in batches of approximately 40 barrels.

This is an updated review of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, which we originally reviewed in 2015.

The aroma is very light, but quite pleasant and immediately enjoyable. Caramel, vanilla, and honey set the tone, along with a splash of orange zest. Inhaling deeper brings hints of leather, oak, and apricot. What it lacks in intensity, it makes up for with undeniable likeability and zero burn.

The whiskey comes alive on the palate, with caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and honey balanced against summer fruits and hints of leather and oak. Slight spice begins to develop on the backend, but the flavors are well organized and delivered in a way that’s warming but never hot. It’s a very nice, highly drinkable midpoint that makes you want to come back for more.

Light spice develops further, but remains muted against the bourbon’s persistent sweeter flavors of caramel and honey. The fruit notes pull in from the palate as well, but fade quickly against a more prominent oak undertone that develops on the backend. It’s short to medium length overall, but a satisfying conclusion that invites you back in for another sip nevertheless.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon has been produced since 1999, with 2024 marking the brand’s 25 year anniversary. It’s been a staple on my shelf since I began really paying attention to the brand over 15 years ago, and I don’t think I’ve ever come across someone who didn’t like it. It’s an easy drinking, crowd pleasing bourbon that sets the tone for (arguably) Kentucky’s most talked about distillery.  

Buffalo Trace is a no age statement Kentucky straight bourbon, though it’s believed to be around 8-10 years old. Buffalo Trace Bourbon doesn’t offer any individual flavors that are notable on their own, though it does veer heavily towards the sweeter side. It’s made using corn, rye, and malted barley, and bottled at 90 proof - traits many bourbons share. Where it really shines is its pure drinkability. As straightforward as it might be, few bourbons are as well constructed as Buffalo Trace Bourbon. This is especially notable since it’s the distillery’s flagship product, and is intended to be an everyman’s bourbon. With so many new and interesting bourbons being released from distillers and producers around the country on a regular basis, a tried and true straightforward but impeccably balanced bourbon continues to hold its own - even after all these years.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon has received the benefit of the distillery and Sazerac Company’s expanding portfolio of products that includes highly sought-after whiskeys, including the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), the Old Rip Van Winkle line (a.k.a. Pappy Van Winkle, which is distilled by Buffalo Trace), Blanton’s Original Single Barrel, and the Weller line of bourbons. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is the distillery’s flagship product, and intended to be accessible from both price and availability perspectives.

Unfortunately, as demand for Buffalo Trace products increased dramatically over the past decade, even their flagship bourbon has become increasingly difficult to find in some areas of the country. Thankfully, a quick online search reveals plenty of buying options, and more importantly, solidifies the idea that Buffalo Trace Bourbon is meant to be an everyman’s bourbon, not a limited edition whiskey that should command a high price point. And to that end, at its asking price of $30, it’s a must have bourbon that should be on everyone’s shelf.

Representing a distillery known for some of bourbon’s most talked about bottles, Buffalo Trace Bourbon feels like it has been carefully created to appeal to every bourbon drinker as an accessible, extremely drinkable, well-balanced pour that is easy to keep coming back to. It may not challenge an experienced drinker, but delivers a full enough flavor to satisfy them nonetheless. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a quintessential Kentucky bourbon that holds up in just about every scenario, from sipping neat to cocktails, and can be found at a great price (most of the time). First introduced to the market 25 years ago, Buffalo Trace Bourbon continues to stand the test of time.