Compare
Buffalo Trace vs Redemption Bourbon
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Redemption Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a sourced, spice-driven blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Redemption Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +6 proof | 84 proof (42% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$25 – $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.
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Redemption Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/7 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 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.
- Redemption Bourbon: Straightforward sourced MGP at a modest proof, and about as clear a reference sample of the high-rye MGP profile as you can buy. Thin neat, but a reliable and inexpensive cocktail base.
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 with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon).