The popularity of Buffalo Trace products in the last decades has played a major role in bringing numerous new drinkers to the whiskey world.
The Buffalo Trace products, over numerous brands, use one of the brand’s mash bills, although the exact ratios are not disclosed to the public.
Let’s explore the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart. Read on.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Mash Bills
Bourbon Mash Bill #1
The Buffalo Trace Bourbon Mash Bill #1 is the most common Buffalo Trace and is referred to as a “low rye bourbon mash bill.”
Overall, the bourbon mash bill one features less than 10 percent rye.
Bourbon Mash Bill #1 is widely used by value brands like the flagship Buffalo Trace, E.H. Taylor, George Stagg, and many more.
The brands share the same mash bill separated by maturation and aging techniques. Many frequently cite it as BT’s house flavor profile.
Bourbon Mash Bill #2
The Buffalo Trace Bourbon Mash Bill #2 is known to be “high rye bourbon” by many BT fans.
It can be misleading as it only contains about 12-15 percent rye since the terminology “high rye” is often mentioned for whiskeys with more than 20 percent rye.
However, it is an odd distinction in several Buffalo Trace bourbon brands with higher rye content than the Bourbon Mash Bill #1.
Some highly coveted bottles, like Elmer T. Lee and Blanton’s Single Barrel, use the specific mash bill but differ in the maturation process.
Wheated Bourbon Mash Bill
The Wheated Bourbon Mash Bill is the most delectable Buffalo Trace mash bill as the brand changes the rye in the recipe with a portion of wheat.
While the exact ratio of the wheated bourbon is not disclosed, since it does not contain rye on its mash bill, it is known to be more smooth, crowd-pleasing, and sweet.
The Wheated BourbonMash Bill is used to craft the popular Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller, which are wheated bourbons.
“Pappy has been an outstanding brand for us..the demand is bound to grow because people want quality for their money” Distiller.
– Harlen Wheatley, Master
Some of the wheated bourbons by Buffalo Trace belong to the bottom shelf selection, but in an attempt by the drinkers to taste the Pappy Van, it commands outrageous prices.
Rye Whiskey Mash Bill
Buffalo Trace Rye Whiskey grain recipe should be at least 51% rye [1] which is a bit similar to traditional Kentucky distillers like Heaven Hill and Jim Beam, as the law requires.
The rye mash bill ratio of Buffalo Trace is not disclosed.
Still, it is used in crafting rye whiskeys like Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye and Sazerac Rye but separated by maturation, age, and proof.
In recent years, rye whiskeys have become bolder and spicier, with 90% or more rye, but this mash bill ratio remains in the traditional, older style crafted by Kentucky stalwarts.
“High Rye” Whiskey Mash Bill
The final and often forgotten fifth mash bill is the High Rye Whiskey Mash Bill, which is exclusively used for E.H. Taylor Straight Rye.
The high rye whiskey mash bill does not contain corn and is exclusively made from malted barley and rye.
It is unusual for a Kentucky bourbon distillery to use almost 95% rye, but Buffalo Trace seems to be slowly accepting and giving interest in what modern distilleries do.
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill Content Chart
| Mash Bill Recipe | Corn | Rye | Wheat | Malted Barley |
| Mash Bill #1 | Yes, But Undisclosed | <10% | – | Yes, But Undisclosed |
| Mash Bill #2 | Yes, But Undisclosed | 12-15% | – | Yes, But Undisclosed |
| Wheated Bourbon | Yes, But Undisclosed | – | 16-18% | Yes, But Undisclosed |
| Rye Whiskey | Yes, But Undisclosed | >51% | – | Yes, But Undisclosed |
| High Rye | – | >51% | – | Yes, But Undisclosed |
Various Brands And Their Buffalo Trace Mash Bills
Mash Bill #1
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1
- Eagle Rare
- E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond Series
- E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond Series
- Old Charter 8
- Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon
- Stagg Jr.
- Eagle Rare 17 Year Old
- George T. Stagg
Mash Bill #2
- Ancient Age
- Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
- Hancock’s President’s Reserve
- Rock Hill Farms Bourbon
- Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
Wheated Bourbon
Rye Whiskey
- Sazerac Rye
- Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye
- Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye
- Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
High Rye
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Buffalo Trace mash bill chart?
A Buffalo Trace mash bill chart is a visual representation of the grain recipes used in the production of various whiskies by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It outlines the specific combination of grains (such as corn, rye, barley, and wheat) used in the distillation process for each whiskey, providing transparency about the ingredients and offering insights into flavor profiles.
Why is the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart important?
The Buffalo Trace mash bill chart is important for several reasons:
Transparency: It provides transparency about the ingredients used in Buffalo Trace whiskies, allowing consumers to make informed decisions based on personal preferences.
Differentiation: The chart helps differentiate between the various products offered by Buffalo Trace, highlighting the unique characteristics of each whiskey based on its mash bill.
Education: It serves as an educational tool for whiskey enthusiasts, offering insights into the role of different grains in shaping flavor profiles and showcasing the diversity within the Buffalo Trace product lineup.
How can I interpret the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart?
Interpreting the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart involves understanding the percentages of each grain used in the mash bill for different whiskies. Analyzing the composition of grains provides insights into the flavor profile and potential nuances of the whiskey.
For example, higher percentages of corn contribute to sweetness and smoothness, while higher percentages of rye result in spicier and more robust flavors.
Are there any whiskies featured on the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart?
Yes, whiskies featured on the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart may include well-known brands such as Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, George T. Stagg Bourbon, Sazerac Rye, and others produced by the distillery. Each whiskey has its own unique mash bill, which influences its flavor profile and distinguishes it from other offerings.
Overall, the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart serves as a valuable resource for whiskey enthusiasts, providing transparency, differentiation, and education about the diverse range of whiskies produced by the distillery and the unique mash bills that contribute to their flavor profiles.
Can the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart help me choose a whiskey?
Absolutely! The Buffalo Trace mash bill chart serves as an invaluable resource for whiskey enthusiasts seeking to make informed decisions about their whiskey choices. By examining the mash bills of different whiskies produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, you can gain valuable insights into their flavor profiles, characteristics, and overall drinking experience.
One of the primary ways the mash bill chart aids in decision-making is by providing transparency about the ingredients used in each whiskey’s production. Understanding the specific combination of grains—such as corn, rye, barley, and wheat—used in the distillation process allows consumers to align their preferences with the flavor profiles offered by different whiskies.
For instance, if you prefer sweeter and smoother whiskies, you might gravitate towards those with a higher percentage of corn in their mash bill. Conversely, if you enjoy spicier and more robust flavors, whiskies with a higher proportion of rye might be more appealing to you.
What percentage of corn is in Buffalo Trace?
The exact percentage of corn in Buffalo Trace Bourbon may vary slightly from batch to batch, but it typically falls within the range of 10% to 12% in its mash bill. Corn is a primary ingredient in bourbon whiskey and plays a crucial role in imparting sweetness and smoothness to the final product.
By incorporating a significant proportion of corn in its mash bill, Buffalo Trace Bourbon achieves a distinctive flavor profile characterized by its rich, sweet notes and smooth finish.
Is Buffalo Trace the same mash bill as Pappy?
While both Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon are produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, they do not share the same mash bill. Each whiskey has its own unique mash bill, which contributes to its individual flavor profile and characteristics.
While the exact details of the Pappy Van Winkle mash bill are proprietary and closely guarded by the Van Winkle family, it differs from the mash bill used in Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Therefore, while both whiskies are esteemed products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, they have distinct mash bills and flavor profiles that distinguish them from each other.
In Summary
Buffalo Trace does not disclose the exact mash bill ratio of their products, but it is good to know in the Buffalo Trace mash bill chart the main ingredients responsible for the amazing tasting notes of the products.
Also, the chart shows that even though Buffalo Trace uses similar mash bill recipes on their products, the aging, proof, and maturation techniques bring completely different tastes.
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