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Buffalo Trace vs Uncle Nearest 1856
On paper Buffalo Trace and Uncle Nearest 1856 are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$55 – $70) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Uncle Nearest 1856 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Tennessee Whiskey |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$31 less | ~$55 – $70 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Uncle Nearest 1856 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Uncle Nearest 1856
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Uncle Nearest 1856
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 7 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 4 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.
- Uncle Nearest 1856: Named for Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the enslaved distiller who taught Jack Daniel, and now backed by the brand's own distillery in Shelbyville. Sweet and maple-leaning with the charcoal-mellowed softness of the style.
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 Uncle Nearest 1856 if you want a sweet, maple-forward Tennessee whiskey with a story worth knowing behind it with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Uncle Nearest 1856).