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Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve
Comparing Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Woodford Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$7 less | ~$35 – $42 |
| 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.
Woodford Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Woodford Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/6 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 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.
- Woodford Reserve: The most widely poured premium bourbon in America, and a genuinely well-made one. Dried fruit and cocoa over a balanced 18% rye mash, finished smooth enough to please almost anyone.
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 Woodford Reserve if you want a polished, widely available crowd-pleaser that never puts a foot wrong.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Woodford Reserve).