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Buffalo Trace vs Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash
On paper Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$50 – $55) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 6% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$21 less | ~$50 – $55 |
- Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash
Very good. Flavorful without being too powerful.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 4/6 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 7 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 5 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- 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.
- Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash: Nine-year Heaven Hill in two flavors at once: the classic rye recipe brings structure and nutty oak, while a third of wheated bourbon rounds off the edges. It drinks fuller and softer than the standard bonded bottle.
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 Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash if you want a well-aged bonded bourbon that blends Heaven Hill's rye and wheat recipes into one balanced pour with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash).