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Russell’s Reserve 10 Year vs Buffalo Trace
Comparing Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Buffalo Trace reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year | Buffalo Trace |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 10 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$28 – $35 ~$14 less |
| 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
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Buffalo Trace
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/6 oak: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
- 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 Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down 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 (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace).