I really like Buffalo Trace, but it is time to recognise that, as good as it is, it is not the be-all and end-all of bourbon. There are so many other distilleries in the USA producing fantastic bottles that are far more available. Do not let FOMO push you into paying over the odds. For 99% of drinkers, it simply is not worth it.
Not all of the bottles below sit at the same price point as Buffalo Trace. However, even the more expensive options will offer a better overall experience and, in my opinion, a better product.
Old Forester 1920, $50
A complete no-brainer for me. Yes, it is significantly more expensive than a bottle of Buffalo Trace, but for the money, you are getting something that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the most sought-after Buffalo Trace releases on the planet.
This is a high proof, intense style of Kentucky straight bourbon. Sweet, bold, spicy, complex, and layered, it does everything that bottles like George T. Stagg and Stagg aim to do, but at a fraction of the cost and without having to drive from town to town trying to track one down.5 Award-Winning Whiskies You Can Buy For The Price Of Chivas 25
I was genuinely disappointed when I could not bring a bottle back from the States because my suitcase was already full. Now that I finally have one at home, it is easily one of the best bourbons I have ever tried.
Maker’s Mark 46, $38
This is a classic in my house. As a brand, Maker’s Mark is very different from Buffalo Trace, but this particular bottle fits the bill if you enjoy the sweeter side of bourbon.
You will find notes of apple, coffee and dark chocolate that echo what Buffalo Trace does well. The standard Maker’s Mark delivers sweet green apple and warm caramel, but Maker’s 46 takes things further, pushing into a richer, more autumnal profile that just feels comforting and satisfying.
This is a bottle that most people will stumble across at some point in their whisky journey. When you do, it is absolutely worth your time and attention.
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, $32
Any Four Roses product is a strong contender here. If you lined up the entire distillery range, most of them would work as a Buffalo Trace alternative. That said, we are here to talk about the Small Batch.
At 45% ABV, it brings together classic bourbon flavours of vanilla and woody spice, layered with Four Roses’ famously playful yeast recipes. These yeast strains give the range a wide variety of flavour profiles, offering something for almost every palate.
I often compare Four Roses to Hampden Rum Distillery in Jamaica. It is different, flavour driven, interesting, and offers remarkable variety at very fair prices.
Wild Turkey 101, $20
This could genuinely be one sentence. It is an incredible bottle for the money, it is easier to find than most hyped releases, and it is impressively consistent.
Jim Beam Single Barrel, $39
This one is a little more unusual. I had almost forgotten that Jim Beam even made this until I spotted a bottle on a shelf in London a few weeks ago.
We all get caught up in big brands and assume they only produce standard, 40% ABV bottles. That has never really been the case with Jim Beam, and their single barrel releases are a great reminder of that.
This style of Jim Beam shares a lot of the hallmarks people enjoy in Buffalo Trace. Expect green apples, caramel sauce, sweet barley, and a gentle touch of soft, spicy rye.
Beyond the Buffalo Trace Hype
Buffalo Trace is an excellent distillery that produces some brilliant whiskies. Just do not get caught up in the FOMO. There are now plenty of bars and retailers where you can try the unicorn bottles if you really want to, or sample things that are otherwise hard to find.
The bourbons above are all fantastic alternatives when Buffalo Trace is unavailable, overpriced, or simply overhyped. Enjoy what is accessible, and do not let the hype dictate what you drink.
Read the full article at 5 Bourbons That Are Better Than Buffalo Trace
