Compare
Old Forester 100 Proof vs Buffalo Trace
Put Old Forester 100 Proof next to Buffalo Trace and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Buffalo Trace |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $32 | ~$28 – $35 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Buffalo Trace
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 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.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
- 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 Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base 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, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace).