Compare
Buffalo Trace vs Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$70 – $85).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$46 less | ~$70 – $85 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea do not publish an official mash bill.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 Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/4 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 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.
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
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 Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea).