Compare
Stellum Bourbon vs Ancient Age
Comparing Stellum Bourbon and Ancient Age reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Stellum Bourbon | Ancient Age |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +35 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$14 – $18 ~$34 less |
- Stellum Bourbon and Ancient Age do not publish an official mash bill.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
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Stellum Bourbon Ancient Age
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/2 heat: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Ancient Age 2 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
oak 6/3 oak: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Ancient Age 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Ancient Age 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy finish.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon); cocktails, highball (Ancient Age).