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Buffalo Trace vs Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Horse Soldier Barrel Strength reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and an uncut, wheated heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) +21 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$50 less | ~$78 – $85 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Horse Soldier Barrel Strength do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/7 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
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 Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength).