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Buffalo Trace vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
On paper Buffalo Trace and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$85 – $100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$61 less | ~$85 – $100 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/8 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/5 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced 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 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).