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Buffalo Trace vs Jim Beam Black
Put Buffalo Trace next to Jim Beam Black and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$22 – $28 ~$7 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/3 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/6 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
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 Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).