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Buffalo Trace vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Put Buffalo Trace next to Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +34 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$219 less | ~$200 – $300 |
- Buffalo Trace and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/8 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
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 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).