Compare
Johnny Drum Private Stock vs Buffalo Trace
Johnny Drum Private Stock and Buffalo Trace are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (101 vs. 90).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Johnny Drum Private Stock | Buffalo Trace |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +11 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $45 | ~$28 – $35 ~$9 less |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock and Buffalo Trace do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Johnny Drum Private Stock Buffalo Trace
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/5 spice: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 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.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character without hunting for it.
- Go with Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace).