Everyone has a favorite bourbon, but a backup bottle is sometimes required, whether by choice or due to a finite selection at the liquor store.
Buffalo Trace bourbon has long been regarded as one of the most dependable, affordable, and versatile whiskeys available.
It’s a good sipping bourbon that holds up well in a cocktail and maintains an easy-drinking proof. But if this spirit isn’t available or it’s time to branch out, we’ve put together the best Buffalo Trace alternative brands to try now.
Top 7 Buffalo Trace Alternative Brands
7. John J Bowman Single Barrel
Average Price: Roughly $49.99 via (Total Wine)
Distillery: Smith Bowman Distillery
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: It’s undeniably good bourbon, with a rich and robust aroma and palate. It has a sweet bakeshop meets rustic woodsy character that is balanced and delicious.
It’s like a French bakery in the middle of the woods. It is a great spirit with lots of complexity and delicious layers.
6. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $39.99 via (Total Wine)
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: Elijah Craig is handcrafted from just the right number of barrels [1]. Elijah Craig Small Batch has the perfect balance of rich flavor and full body thanks to this expertise and attention to detail.
Each small batch has a distinct warm spice and smoke flavor. This pairing should be on the menu of any Bourbon enthusiast. More on Elijah Craig vs Buffalo Trace here.
5. Evan Williams Single Barrel
Average Price: Roughly $16.49 via (Total Wine)
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Alcohol Content: 43.3% ABV
Why We Like It: Evan Williams gives an aroma of dark caramel, charred wood, and sweet oak. Everyone would love its lush and spicy taste with orange and apple notes on the palate.
This spirit is a must-try if you’re looking for a relaxed, graceful, and long-lasting finish.
Read: Does Costco Sell Buffalo Trace Bourbon?
4. Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
Average Price: Roughly $58.99 via (Total Wine)
Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Company
Alcohol Content: 46.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Every whiskey lover would surely be mesmerized by its aroma of interlaced layers of sticky toffee, apricot, and buttercream.
Also, the smooth and well-rounded flavors of milk choco and oatmeal raisin cookies leave a caramel-corn mouthfeel with a spice. It finishes with a charred oak, clean peripheral spice.
3. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $45.99 via (Total Wine)
Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: Four Roses single-barrel bourbon is outstanding. This is sweet, rich, and potent, with very appealing menthol notes, precious woods, and delicious spices.
It is beautifully balanced with a smooth as silk and delicately long finish. Definitely, one of the best Buffalo Trace Alternatives to try.
2. Larceny Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $46.49 via (Total Wine)
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Larceny Small Batch bourbon is a great bang for the buck. It’s full of depth and flavor —enough to be one of the BT alternatives you should have on hand.
It gives a creamy mouthfeel with hints of vanilla and deep cherry. The finish is easy and velvety-smooth.
1. Wild Turkey 101
Average Price: Roughly $39.99 via (Total Wine)
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distilling Company
Alcohol Content: 50.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Everyone who loves old-fashioned cocktails will surely love this bourbon spirit. With a high rye content, this iconic spirit is flawlessly aged in American White Oak barrels with the deepest char for more character.
The taste is smooth with maple, nutmeg, and oak tones. It leaves a long, dry, yet smooth, light toffee flavor on the finish.
Read: Is Buffalo Trace Bourbon Gluten-Free?
3 Alternatives That May Be Equally Hard To Find
1. Eagle Rare 10-Year Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $50.99 via (Caskers)
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: It uses the same low-rye recipe as Buffalo Trace bourbon and is bottled at 90 proof. Eagle Rare is at least ten years old, whereas Buffalo Trace is at least eight years old.
Those extra two years in the barrel produce whiskey with a lot more barrel character, a slightly fatter body, and a lot more vanilla and spice notes.
Eagle Rare is the way to go if you want a slightly improved sipping whiskey for not much more money.
2. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $153.99 via (Caskers)
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Alcohol Content: 53.3% ABV
Why We Like It: This spirit’s floral notes are sweet and unusual combined with vanilla. The flavor of Weller Antique 107 is well-balanced, with sweet fruit notes, a strong vanilla undertone, and sharp spicy tones.
Its complex flavor and bold finish make up its unique characteristics— complementing the high proof.
But does Trader Joe’s sell Buffalo Trace bourbon?
3. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $187.99 via (Caskers)
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Alcohol Content: 46.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Its nutmeg and spice aroma is deep and satisfying. It has strong dry vanilla notes with hints of honey amid robust caramel and corn. The flavor profile of Blanton’s bourbon is sweet, with citrus and oak notes.
The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all of which are accented by familiar baking spices like clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon.
This spirit has a medium finish with nutmeg and returning corn flavors.
FAQs
Is Buffalo Trace top shelf?
Yes, Buffalo Trace is definitely a top-shelf spirit. Its flavor and quality can be far better than you’d expect, given its low price tag. Buffalo Trace is the epitome of bourbon: smooth, well-balanced, and extremely drinkable. But what’s so special about Buffalo Trace?
Why is Buffalo Trace hard to find?
Buffalo Trace is hard to find because it became more popular in the liquor market, resulting in greater demand than its current supply. Plus, BT’s long aging process makes it pretty hard to find in liquor stores.
What are some alternatives to Buffalo Trace bourbon?
Some popular alternatives to Buffalo Trace bourbon include Eagle Rare, Four Roses Single Barrel, Wild Turkey 101, Knob Creek, and Maker’s Mark.
Are these alternatives similar in taste to Buffalo Trace?
While each bourbon has its own unique flavor profile, many enthusiasts find similarities in taste and quality among these alternatives. However, individual preferences may vary, so it’s recommended to try a few to find the best match for your palate.
Do these alternatives have a similar price range to Buffalo Trace?
Generally, these alternatives fall within a similar price range to Buffalo Trace, making them accessible options for bourbon enthusiasts.
Can I use these alternatives in cocktails that call for Buffalo Trace?
Yes, these alternatives can often be substituted for Buffalo Trace in cocktails with excellent results. However, keep in mind that subtle differences in flavor may affect the overall taste of the cocktail.
Are there any specific tasting notes or characteristics I should look for in these alternatives?
Each alternative bourbon has its own distinct flavor profile, with notes ranging from caramel and vanilla to oak and spice. Exploring tasting notes and reviews can help you identify which alternative best suits your preferences.
Final Thoughts
As Buffalo Trace has become a trend these days, especially for fine bourbon whiskeys, you may find getting a bottle of this spirit hard. Therefore, having an alternative can be the best solution.
With this list of the best Buffalo Trace alternatives, you can always fill up your liquor shelf with various spirits —not so different from your BT favorites.
Reference:
- https://www.britannica.com/technology/barrel-container
