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Buffalo Trace vs Four Roses Small Batch Select
Put Buffalo Trace next to Four Roses Small Batch Select and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Four Roses Small Batch Select |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 6 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$29 less | ~$55 – $65 |
| 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.
Four Roses Small Batch Select
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Four Roses Small Batch Select
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/8 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 8 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 7 out of 10
heat 4/6 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Four Roses Small Batch Select: Six recipes, non-chill-filtered, at 104 proof, and the most complete thing Four Roses makes at a normal price. The house fruit character with enough proof and texture to carry it.
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 Four Roses Small Batch Select if you want the fullest expression of the Four Roses fruit-forward style without chasing an allocated bottle with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks (Four Roses Small Batch Select).