If you’re a whiskey lover, you’ve probably come across the popular brands Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve. Both are highly regarded in the world of bourbon, but which one is better? In this article, we’ll compare the two and help you decide which one to try next.
Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve have distinct differences in terms of taste, price, and aging process. Buffalo Trace is known for its smoothness and balance of sweet and spicy taste, making it an ideal entry point for new whiskey drinkers. On the other hand, Woodford Reserve is a bit more complex and has a nutty taste. When it comes to price, Buffalo Trace is generally more affordable than Woodford Reserve. Lastly, Woodford Reserve is aged for a minimum of four years, while Buffalo Trace is aged for a minimum of eight years.
Table of Contents
History of Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Bourbon’s History
photo Editorial credit: NewStart / Shutterstock.com
Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the oldest continually-operating distilleries in the United States. The distillery was originally established in 1773 by Hancock Lee, and it has been producing bourbon whiskey since 1812. In 1999, the distillery changed its name from Ancient Age Distillery to Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is known for its rich history and unique flavor profile. The distillery has won numerous awards for its bourbon, including the title of “World Whiskey of the Year” in Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible in 2018.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon’s History
photo Editorial credit: vvoe / Shutterstock.com
Woodford Reserve Bourbon was first released in 1996 by the Brown-Forman Corporation. The distillery is located in Versailles, Kentucky, and it is one of the smallest distilleries in Kentucky.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon is known for its unique flavor profile, which is achieved through a combination of the distillery’s mash bill and the unique way in which the bourbon is aged. The distillery uses heat cycling during the aging process to control the temperature of the barrels, which allows the bourbon to age more evenly.
Production Process
When it comes to bourbon, the production process is just as important as the ingredients used. Here’s a breakdown of how Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve produce their bourbons.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon’s Production Process
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is made using the traditional sour mash process, which involves using some of the previous batch’s mash to start the fermentation process. The mash bill for Buffalo Trace includes corn, rye, and barley, and the grains are ground into a fine powder before being mixed with water to form a mash. The mash is then cooked and cooled before yeast is added to start the fermentation process. After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper stills before being aged in new, charred oak barrels. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is aged for at least eight years, and some batches are aged for up to 23 years.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon’s Production Process
Woodford Reserve Bourbon is also made using the sour mash process, and the mash bill includes corn, rye, and malted barley. However, Woodford Reserve uses a unique triple distillation process that involves distilling the bourbon in copper pot stills three times. This process results in a smoother, more refined bourbon with a distinct flavor profile. After distillation, Woodford Reserve Bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least six years before being bottled.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, both Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve have their own unique characteristics. Buffalo Trace has a nice balance of sweet and spicy taste, with the right level of heat and smoothness that can be an ideal entry point for new whiskey drinkers. It has hints of vanilla, caramel, and toffee, and a deep amber color that comes from being aged for at least eight years. Woodford Reserve, on the other hand, has a more complex taste with notes of spice, fruit, and oak. It has a sweet and nutty taste, and is aged for a minimum of four years.
When it comes to the old fashioned cocktail, Woodford Reserve is the better choice due to its more complex taste and nutty flavor. However, if you’re looking for a smoother whiskey to enjoy neat or on the rocks, Buffalo Trace is a great option.
Price Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve, price is an important factor to consider. Both of these bourbons are considered to be high-quality, premium spirits, but they do come with different price tags.
Buffalo Trace is generally considered to be the more affordable option. A 750ml bottle of Buffalo Trace can typically be found for around $30-$35, depending on where you live. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a high-quality bourbon without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, Woodford Reserve is generally considered to be the more expensive option. A 750ml bottle of Woodford Reserve can typically be found for around $40-$50, depending on where you live. While this is certainly more expensive than Buffalo Trace, many people believe that the extra cost is worth it for the superior taste and quality.
It’s also worth noting that both of these bourbons come in a variety of different sizes and packaging options, which can affect the price. For example, you may be able to find a larger bottle of Buffalo Trace for a better price per ounce than a smaller bottle of Woodford Reserve.
If you’re looking for a great bourbon at an affordable price, Buffalo Trace is an excellent choice. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for a premium bourbon with a more complex flavor profile, Woodford Reserve is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
After comparing Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve, you now have a better understanding of the differences between these two bourbons. Both are excellent choices, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
If you prefer a spicier bourbon with notes of caramel and vanilla, Buffalo Trace may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sweeter and nuttier taste, Woodford Reserve may be the way to go.
It’s worth noting that Woodford Reserve is younger than Buffalo Trace, and it has a higher rye content. Additionally, Woodford Reserve is aged for a minimum of four years, while Buffalo Trace is aged for a minimum of eight years.
When it comes to price, Buffalo Trace is the more affordable option, while Woodford Reserve is a bit more expensive. However, both are reasonably priced for the quality of bourbon you’re getting.
You can’t go wrong with either one, so why not try both and see which one you like best?
