According to distillery lore, the bourbon we now know as Buffalo Trace wasn't meant to be a headliner. It was just another Kentucky straight bourbon whisky aging quietly in brick warehouses while collectors pored over flashier bottles. Today, people chase down everything from single bottles to Buffalo Trace 6-packs, which feels almost poetic for a whiskey that barely made it through its first century.
A History Worth Knowing
Buffalo Trace is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Based in Frankfort, KY, this legendary facility survived the Civil War, Prohibition (thanks to "medicinal whiskey" permits), fires, floods, corporate shifts, and every flavor trend that swept through the spirits market.
The name comes from the mighty buffalo "traces" carved through the Kentucky River long before distillation came to the region. Those paths eventually guided westward expansion, and later, some of the best bourbon ever made.
How Buffalo Trace Bourbon Is Made
Buffalo Trace keeps the mash bills a secret, but bourbon experts generally agree it's a low-rye Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. In its mash bill, corn brings the body, while rye gives that quick spark of spice. From there, the bourbon ages in massive brick warehouses at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, where hot summers pull the wheated bourbon deep into the wood, while cold winters push it back out.
If aging interests you, here's a deeper look at how long bourbon ages and why the seasons matter.
What Buffalo Trace Tastes Like
Your first sip should invite warm vanilla at the start, continue with a well-rounded honey and ice cream in the middle, and finish with subtle oak notes. You may catch hints of dried fruit, toffee, a touch of spice from the rye, and a light, almost buttery finish that feels polished without trying too hard. Its color comes naturally from years inside charred barrels, and its balance is thanks to a production style that values quality over shortcuts.
Bourbon tastes richer and softer compared to its Scottish cousins, which you can check out in our Scotch vs Bourbon guide.
Exploring the Buffalo Trace Best-Sellers
The Buffalo Trace lineup includes both standalone bottles and carefully curated combinations. Here's what sells best and why each option appeals to different types of bourbon drinkers (and every palate).
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Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon: classic, smooth, balanced, and full of warm notes.
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Buffalo Trace 3-Pack: ideal for tastings, gifts, or restocking your home bar.
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Buffalo Trace + Blanton’s Single Barrel Combo: two legendary selections, side by side.
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Buffalo Trace + E.H. Taylor Small Batch: a tribute to old-school Kentucky tradition, ideal for those who want structure and depth.
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Buffalo Trace Gift Set: a thoughtful gift with a premium touch.
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Buffalo Trace Family Deal: a lineup that lets you explore the full range.
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Buffalo Trace 1-Liter: more volume for the price (always a good option).
For those who like connecting the dots between labels, our Benchmark review explains why Buffalo Trace's "baby brother" has its own loyal fanbase.
How to Choose the Right Bottle
For both collectors and those new to bourbon, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an easy "yes". Home bartenders need this bottle on their shelf, while gift-givers can't go wrong with this choice since it appeals to almost everyone who drinks whiskey.
Explore our collection - the right bottle is waiting.