There is so much hype & controversy concerning this product that when I saw a bottle on the shelf I simply had to try it. I’m still a dabbler in terms of Bourbon, so the description will be based on what I’ve had as well as other types of Whiskey. This bourbon is made using a low rye (about 10%) & a relatively high corn mash bill, which means a sweeter profile.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled by Buffalo Trace Distillery
Type: Low Rye Bourbon
Region: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
Age: NAS, at least four years in new charred American oak.
ABV: 45% (90 proof)
Mash bill: Not precisely mentioned but around 10% rye with a small percentage of barley & the remaining being corn.
Colouring: No
Appearance: 7/10
The bottle is quite nice with its distinctive buffalo on the front. The back label tells the story of the Great Buffalo Trace but doesn’t deliver much information concerning the product. The bottle is transparent, a bit disappointing for a spirit, a brown one at that. This means it has no protection against UV rays. On the other hand, it is topped with a cork helping to prevent oxidation & evaporation. The liquid is a deep amber with some dark gold hues. From the thin crest slowly fall some well-defined medium legs.
Nose: 12/15
The first nose brings notes of baking spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves & nutmeg. Furthermore, vanilla, gingerbread & cocoa powder are dominant with faint aromas of mashed bananas, leather, marzipan & burnt caramel. It’s reminiscent of freshly out of the oven Christmas treats. There is also a mild vegetal aspect with some anise star & a blend between grass & spearmint. It’s not unpleasant, in fact it brings a crisp sensation to the bourbon. The nose has a fruity & spicy ethanol that merges with the aroma profile.
Mouth: 11/15
The palate is sweet with a warm alcohol presence. A full body & an oily texture complement the bourbon with a light acidity & a mild bitterness. The flavours resonate with the aromas with a slightly more butterscotch profile. The baking spices are more harmonious, all present, but harder to individualize. The mint disappears leaving more space to the anise & to a distinct tobacco note. The vanilla & the marzipan blends to form a sort of almond paste flavour. Very easy to drink for anyone with a sweet tooth. However, it seems a little less complex on the palate with a more present caramel & dessert character.
Finish: 7/10
The finish is somewhat short with the butterscotch dominating. The sweetness is also what lingers the most on the palate.
Overall: 74/100
A pleasant bourbon, easy to drink with approachable aromas & a sweet profile. The nose has a certain complexity in its own range, but the palate loses a lot of this richness with a blatant buttery caramel note. It probably will still be a staple in my bar, although I might use it as a mixer most of the time.
3-word description:
Baking spices, butterscotch, vanilla.
The Reference
More information @ buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/buffalo-trace
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