Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace: Which One is the Best Bourbon?

If you’re a bourbon lover, you might have heard of Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace. These two bourbons are popular choices among whiskey enthusiasts, but which one is better? In this article, we will compare Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace to help you decide which one to try next.

First, let’s take a closer look at Wild Turkey 101. This bourbon is known for its high alcohol content, coming in at 50.5% ABV. It has a slightly spicier profile compared to Buffalo Trace, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of kick in their whiskey. Wild Turkey 101 is also widely available across the United States, making it an easy choice for bourbon lovers who want to try something new.

On the other hand, Buffalo Trace is a bit lower in alcohol content at 45% ABV. It has a more complex flavor profile with hints of vanilla and oak, making it a smoother and more approachable choice for those who prefer a milder taste. However, Buffalo Trace is much more limited in availability compared to Wild Turkey 101, and it can be difficult to find in stores.

Table of Contents

History of Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon

If you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve probably tasted both Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace Bourbon. But do you know the history behind these iconic bourbons? Here’s a brief overview of the history of Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com

Wild Turkey 101’s History

Wild Turkey 101 is a high-proof bourbon that has been around since 1952. The brand was created by Austin Nichols, a company that was originally in the business of distributing tea and coffee. In the early 1940s, Austin Nichols decided to branch out into the liquor business and began distributing bourbon. In 1952, they decided to create their own brand of bourbon, and Wild Turkey 101 was born.

Wild Turkey 101 is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley and is aged for at least six to eight years in new, charred oak barrels. It is known for its bold, spicy flavor and high alcohol content, which is 50.5% ABV. Wild Turkey 101 has won numerous awards over the years, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2019.

photo credit: www.buffalotrace.com

Buffalo Trace Bourbon’s History

Buffalo Trace Bourbon has a long and storied history that dates back to the late 1700s. The distillery was originally called the Old Fire Copper (O.F.C.) Distillery and was founded by Hancock Lee, a pioneer in the bourbon industry. The distillery changed hands several times over the years and was eventually purchased by the Blanton family in 1953.

The Blanton family renamed the distillery Buffalo Trace and began producing bourbon under the new name. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley and is aged for at least eight years in new, charred oak barrels. It is known for its smooth, complex flavor and has won numerous awards over the years, including the title of “World Whiskey of the Year” from Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible in 2018.

Production Process

Wild Turkey 101’s Production Process

Wild Turkey 101 is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley. The production process starts with the grains being ground into a fine meal, which is then mixed with water to create a mash. The mash is then heated to release the starches, which are converted into sugars. Yeast is then added to the mash, which ferments the sugars and produces alcohol.

Once fermentation is complete, the resulting liquid, which is called “distiller’s beer,” is distilled twice in copper stills. The first distillation produces a liquid called “low wine,” which is then distilled again to produce a high-proof spirit. The high-proof spirit is then aged in new, charred American oak barrels for at least six years, giving it its signature flavor and color.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon’s Production Process

Buffalo Trace Bourbon is also a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley. However, the production process for Buffalo Trace is slightly different from that of Wild Turkey 101.

The grains are first ground into a fine meal and mixed with water to form a mash. The mash is then cooked to release the starches, which are converted into sugars. Yeast is then added to the mash, which ferments the sugars and produces alcohol.

Once fermentation is complete, the resulting liquid is distilled in a column still, which produces a high-proof spirit. The spirit is then aged in new, charred American oak barrels for at least eight years, giving it its unique flavor and color.

Taste Comparison

When it comes to taste, both Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace offer unique flavor profiles that are worth exploring. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:

Wild Turkey 101

Wild Turkey 101 has a bold and spicy flavor profile that is sure to wake up your taste buds. It has a high alcohol content of 50.5% ABV, which gives it a powerful kick. The taste is dominated by spicy notes and oak, which are balanced out by sweet caramel and vanilla flavors. The finish is long and warming, with a pleasant burn that lingers on your tongue.

If you’re a fan of bold and spicy bourbons, then Wild Turkey 101 is definitely worth a try. It’s a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks, and it also works well in cocktails that require a strong, robust flavor.

Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace, on the other hand, has a more complex flavor profile that is characterized by notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel. It has a lower alcohol content of 45% ABV, which makes it smoother and easier to drink than Wild Turkey 101. The taste is sweet and mellow, with hints of toffee and honey that complement the vanilla and oak flavors. The finish is short and smooth, with a subtle spiciness that adds a nice kick.

If you’re looking for a bourbon that is easy to drink and has a well-rounded flavor profile, then Buffalo Trace is a great choice. It’s perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, and it also works well in cocktails that require a smooth and mellow flavor.

Price Comparison

When it comes to choosing between Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace, one of the most important factors to consider is the price. Here’s a breakdown of the prices of these two bourbons:

Wild Turkey 101: This bourbon is offered at a consistent price of $26-$30 per 750ml bottle. It’s a great value for the price, especially considering its high alcohol content and bold flavor profile.
Buffalo Trace: The price of Buffalo Trace can vary depending on where you buy it. On average, it’s reasonably priced at around $35 for a 750ml bottle. However, some regions may get less Buffalo Trace, which can drive up prices to $50 or even $60 per 750ml bottle.

When it comes to finding the best deal on these bourbons, it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices at different stores. You may be able to find a great deal on Wild Turkey 101 or Buffalo Trace if you’re willing to do a little research.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned about Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace, it’s time to make a decision. Both bourbons have their strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

If you’re looking for a higher alcohol content and a spicier profile, Wild Turkey 101 might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you want a more complex flavor with hints of vanilla and oak,

No matter which bourbon you choose, both Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace are excellent options for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails. So go ahead and give them both a try to see which one you prefer. Cheers!

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