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Buffalo Trace vs Evan Williams Black Label
Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams Black Label are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$14 – $18).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Evan Williams Black Label |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$14 – $18 ~$16 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Evan Williams Black Label
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/4 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Buffalo Trace: The reference-point Kentucky bourbon: balanced brown sugar and vanilla sweetness, a whisper of mint, and just enough oak and spice to keep it interesting. Nothing is loud, which is exactly the point at 90 proof.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price.
- Go with Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label).