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Buffalo Trace vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Buffalo Trace and Johnny Drum Private Stock are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (90 vs. 101).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +11 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$9 less | ~$35 – $45 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Johnny Drum Private Stock do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/6 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 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.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
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 Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).