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Buffalo Trace vs Old Grand-Dad 114
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Old Grand-Dad 114 reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Old Grand-Dad 114 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 114 proof (57% ABV) +24 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$28 – $35 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Old Grand-Dad 114 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Old Grand-Dad 114
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Old Grand-Dad 114
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/9 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 9 out of 10
heat 4/8 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 8 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/5 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 6 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 Grand-Dad 114: The best proof-per-dollar in American whiskey and it is not especially close. The 27% rye mash at 114 proof is loud, peppery and completely unsubtle, which is exactly why it makes such a good old-fashioned.
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 Grand-Dad 114 if you want maximum rye spice and proof for under thirty dollars without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad 114).