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Buffalo Trace vs Yellowstone Select
On paper Buffalo Trace and Yellowstone Select are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$40 – $50) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Yellowstone Select |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 93 proof (46.5% ABV) +3 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$14 less | ~$40 – $50 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Yellowstone Select do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Yellowstone Select
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Yellowstone Select
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 2 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 4 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- 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.
- Yellowstone Select: A revived historic brand from Limestone Branch. Light and creamy, with toasted oak, vanilla and peach and a short, peppery finish. Part of the proceeds support Yellowstone National Park.
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 Yellowstone Select if you want a light, creamy everyday sipper with a historic name without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); rocks, highball, old-fashioned (Yellowstone Select).