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Buffalo Trace vs Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a modern, wheated craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 5% rye, 25% wheat |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$19 less | ~$45 – $55 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace does 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.
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/4 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 2 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 6 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.
- Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon: An organic, wheat-heavy bourbon from a Michigan craft distillery. It stays round and caramel sweet on the palate with a peppery edge, while the nose is quiet and still a little young.
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 Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon if you want an organic, Midwest craft wheater with a round, caramel-forward body without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon).