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Buffalo Trace vs Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Put Buffalo Trace next to Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$114 less | ~$110 – $180 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- 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.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/2 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 4 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.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: The decanter series, released twice a year at varying ages, and Heaven Hill's most serious wheated statement. Age shows as polished oak and stewed fruit rather than tannin, but you pay handsomely for the bottle.
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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond if you want an aged, bonded wheater in a presentation bottle and the price is not the obstacle with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat (Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond).