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Buffalo Trace vs Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Buffalo Trace and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (90 vs. 82.3).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +8 proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$28 – $36 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/4 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
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 with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch).