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Buffalo Trace vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Russell’s Reserve 10 Year reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 10 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$14 less | ~$40 – $50 |
| 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.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/8 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
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 Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year).