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Buffalo Trace vs Zackariah Harris
On paper Buffalo Trace and Zackariah Harris are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so proof (90 vs. 80) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Zackariah Harris |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +10 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$13 – $22 ~$14 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Zackariah Harris do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Zackariah Harris
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Zackariah Harris
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/3 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 3 out of 10
fruit 5/2 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 2 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 3 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.
- Zackariah Harris: A bottom-shelf Kentucky straight bourbon, mostly sold in liters and handles. Simple caramel and oak with a short, warm finish.
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 with more proof behind it.
- Go with Zackariah Harris if you want a simple Kentucky bourbon for mixing at a lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); highball, cocktails (Zackariah Harris).