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Buffalo Trace vs Old Forester 100 Proof
Put Buffalo Trace next to Old Forester 100 Proof and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$26 – $32 |
| 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.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 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.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
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 Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).