Are you a bourbon enthusiast looking to expand your palate? If so, you may be wondering which is better: Buffalo Trace or Bulleit bourbon. Both are popular choices among whiskey drinkers, but they have distinct differences in flavor and price point. In this article, we’ll compare these two bourbons and help you decide which one is right for you.
Buffalo Trace is a well-known and respected bourbon brand that has been around since the late 1700s. It is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley and is aged for at least 8 years in charred oak barrels. The result is a smooth and mellow bourbon with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. On the other hand, Bulleit bourbon is known for its high rye content, which gives it a spicy and bold flavor. It is also aged for at least 6 years in charred oak barrels, resulting in a smooth and complex taste. So, which one should you choose? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
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History of Buffalo Trace and Bulleit Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Bourbon’s History
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Buffalo Trace Distillery, formerly known as the George T. Stagg Distillery, is located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery has a long and rich history dating back to 1773 when it was established by Hancock Lee. The distillery has undergone several name changes over the years, including the O.F.C. Distillery and the Ancient Age Distillery.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon was introduced in 1999 as the flagship brand of the distillery. The bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley and is aged for at least 8 years. The bourbon has won numerous awards over the years, including the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021.
Bulleit Bourbon’s History
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Bulleit Bourbon was originally created by Augustus Bulleit in the mid-1800s. The brand was revived by his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit, in the 1980s. The bourbon is produced at the Bulleit Distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Bulleit Bourbon is made from a high-rye mash bill and is aged for at least 6 years. The bourbon has a distinctive flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The brand has won several awards over the years, including the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021.
Production Process
When it comes to bourbon, the production process is everything. It’s what makes each bourbon unique, and it’s what sets them apart from one another. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the production processes of Buffalo Trace and Bulleit bourbons.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon’s Production Process
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is made from a mash bill that’s made up of corn, rye, and barley. The mash is cooked and then fermented using a proprietary strain of yeast. The fermented mash is then distilled in a column still before being transferred to charred oak barrels for aging.
One of the things that sets Buffalo Trace Bourbon apart is its unique aging process. The barrels are stored in the middle floors of the warehouse where temperature fluctuations are the greatest. According to Buffalo Trace, these variations get reflected in the bourbon creating deeper flavors. The bourbon is aged for a minimum of 8 years, but some batches are aged for up to 12 years.
Bulleit Bourbon’s Production Process
Bulleit Bourbon is made from a mash bill that’s made up of two-thirds corn and one-third rye. The mash is cooked and then fermented using a proprietary strain of yeast. The fermented mash is then distilled in a column still before being transferred to charred oak barrels for aging.
Bulleit Bourbon is aged for a minimum of six years, but some batches are aged for up to ten years. The barrels are stored in the middle floors of the warehouse, which is similar to Buffalo Trace’s aging process. However, Bulleit’s barrels are rotated during the aging process to ensure even maturation.
One of the things that sets Bulleit Bourbon apart is its use of limestone-filtered water. The water is sourced from the Kentucky River and is known for its high mineral content. This unique water source is said to contribute to the bourbon’s flavor profile.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Buffalo Trace and Bulleit Bourbon have their own unique characteristics. Here’s what you can expect from each:
Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace has a complex aroma and a smooth finish. It’s a well-rounded bourbon with no off-putting or troubling notes. This bourbon has a fruity flavor with mild spice and a nice drinkable mouthfeel. It has a medium body and lovely toasted oak notes. Just don’t add water. It is perfectly drinkable without water.
Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon has a bold and rich flavor. It has a rich spicy note as it has more rye in the mash than the average bourbon. This bourbon is bolder and spicier with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and freshly milled black pepper. Faint hints of orange and vanilla can also be detected.
When comparing the two, Buffalo Trace is an easier sipper that drinks incredibly well neat. It does not need neither water nor ice to enjoy. On the other hand, Bulleit Bourbon has a more complex flavor profile with a higher rye content, making it a great choice for those who prefer a bolder taste.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, both Buffalo Trace and Bulleit Bourbon are considered mid-range bourbons. However, there is a slight difference in the cost of each brand.
A 750 ml bottle of Bulleit Bourbon typically costs around $33, while a bottle of Buffalo Trace may cost you around $35. This means that Bulleit is slightly cheaper than Buffalo Trace, but the difference is only about $2.
It’s worth noting that the price of both brands may vary depending on your location and the store you purchase them from. Additionally, the price of both brands may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the current prices before making a purchase.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Bulleit Bourbon may be the way to go. However, if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars for a smoother finish, Buffalo Trace may be worth the investment.
Conclusion
After comparing and contrasting Buffalo Trace and Bulleit Bourbon, you now have a better understanding of what sets these two popular bourbons apart. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when deciding which one to try:
- Buffalo Trace has a smoother finish with notes of vanilla, honey, and orange, while Bulleit has a bolder, richer flavor with hints of nutmeg, oak, and maple.
- Both brands are similarly priced, with a difference of only about $2 per bottle.
- Bulleit is made with two-thirds corn and one-third rye, while Buffalo Trace is made with corn, rye, and barley.
- Bulleit is aged for ten years, while Buffalo Trace is aged for twelve.
If you prefer a smoother, sweeter bourbon, Buffalo Trace may be the way to go. If you like a bolder, spicier flavor profile, Bulleit may be more your style.
Either way, both of these bourbons are excellent choices for sipping neat or mixing into your favorite cocktail. So grab a bottle of each and see which one you prefer.
