Compare
Buffalo Trace vs New Riff Bottled-in-Bond
Comparing Buffalo Trace and New Riff Bottled-in-Bond reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a modern, spice-driven craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | New Riff Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$10 less | ~$38 – $45 |
| 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.
New Riff Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace New Riff Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/9 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/4 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
heat 4/6 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- New Riff Bottled-in-Bond: At 30% rye this is about as spice-forward as bourbon gets before becoming rye whiskey. Peppery and herbal with mint and dill, non-chill-filtered for texture, and noticeably dry rather than sweet.
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 New Riff Bottled-in-Bond if you want aggressive rye spice and a dry, herbal profile from a modern craft distillery with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (New Riff Bottled-in-Bond).