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Buffalo Trace vs Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Kentucky Owl Batch 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) +26 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$319 less | ~$300 – $400 |
- Buffalo Trace and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/7 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 8 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Kentucky Owl Batch 12: A high-end blend of young and older sourced Kentucky bourbons. Leather, smoky oak and caramel, with a peppery, spice-forward palate.
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 Kentucky Owl Batch 12 if you want a spicy, leathery, high-end blended bourbon with significantly more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat (Kentucky Owl Batch 12).