Compare
Buffalo Trace vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Michter's US*1 Small Batch is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$45 – $55).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$19 less | ~$45 – $55 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Michter's US*1 Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 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.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges without hunting for it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).