Buffalo Trace vs Blanton’s Bourbon: What’s the Difference?
Last Updated on March 24, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Most premium bourbons have always been compared against each other—we’re talking about Buffalo Trace vs Blanton’s.
These bourbon siblings have always been noteworthy to many connoisseurs, but how do these two flagship brands differ, and which stands out more?
Keep reading and know the best bourbon whiskey in this highly anticipated face-off of Buffalo Trace vs Blanton’s bourbon.
Premium Bourbon Face-Off: Buffalo Trace or Blanton’s?
These two bourbons are remarkably different, starting in their used mash bill content. Buffalo Trace uses Mash Bill #1, and Blanton’s uses Mash Bill #2.
Blanton’s has a higher alcohol content of 46.5% with a complex and more rounded profile.
Meanwhile, Buffalo Trace has 45% ABV having a softer and more approachable palate.
How They Compare
| Buffalo Trace | Blanton’s | |
| Mash Bill | Mash Bill #1 (10% or less rye) | Mash Bill #2 (12%-15% rye) |
| Age Statement | NAS(rumored 4 to 8 years) | NAS(rumored 6 to 8 years) |
| Alcohol Content | 45% ABV | 46.5% ABV |
| Palate | Rich notes of oak, vanilla, brown sugar, and baking spice | Creamy mouthfeel, sweet caramel, fruit flavors, rich oaky notes, and a bit of spice |
| Nose | Caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, oak, and a bit of spice | Vanilla, butterscotch sweetness, oak, honey, and caramel |
| Finish | Medium to long-finish with vanilla and oaky notes | Long, sweet, velvety finish with spice and vanilla |
| How To Serve | Neat, On the rocks, Cocktail | Neat, On the rocks |
| Comparable To | Maker’s Mark, Evan Williams | Eagle Rare, Four Roses Single Barrel |
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Availability
When it comes to product availability, it has regular production releases, so bottles of Buffalo Trace might be easier to find.
“…We are committed to maintaining the highest quality whiskey at fair prices.”
– Sara Saunders, Buffalo Trace Distillery Vice President
But depending on your region and allocation, it can be difficult to find.
Mash Bill & Alcohol Content
Buffalo Trace doesn’t disclose its exact mash bill content, but it is made from Mash Bill #1, known as the ’low rye mash’ with malted barley and at least 51% corn for it to be bourbon. [1]
This mash bill contains 10% or less rye grain, the same mash bill used for Stagg Jr and Eagle Rare.
A bottle of Blanton is aged in new oak barrels and then is bottled at 90-proof.
Fun Facts:
- Buffalo Trace Distillery is the oldest operating distillery in the US. [2]
- It has used the same recipe and bourbon-making process for the last 200+ years.
- It won a Double Gold North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition in 2019.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Availability
Bottles of Blanton’s bourbon whiskey are elusive in liquor stores and hard to find.
But some people believe that only the ’hype’ impacted its market demand.
Mash Bill & Alcohol Content
Blanton’s Single Barrel bourbon’s mash bill uses the Mash Bill #2, and like Buffalo Trace, it doesn’t reveal its exact content, but this mash contains 12%-15% rye.
After Blanton’s matures in a new oak barrel, it is bottled at 93-proof.
Fun Facts:
- It’s the world’s first “single-barrel” bourbon.
- There are eight distinct horse and jockey stoppers from Blanton’s.
- It won a Double Gold Medal in 2012 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Are Buffalo Trace & Blanton’s the Same?
No, they are not the same, and they mainly differ in (1) used mash bill, (2) alcohol content, (3) price point, and (4) taste.
Although these two bourbons are produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s tastes and flavors on the palate are unmatched.
Buffalo Trace vs Blanton’s Price Comparison
| Buffalo Trace | Blanton’s | |
| Average Price | Around $23.99/750ml (Total Wine) | Around $187.99/750ml (Caskers) |
A bottle of rich bourbon whiskey from Blanton’s costs more than $100 and is way more expensive than a bottle of Buffalo Trace.
Between Buffalo Trace vs Blanton’s price point, Buffalo Trace’s is more budget-friendly, and at less than $50, you can enjoy drinking a well-rounded bourbon.
FAQs
Is Buffalo Trace made by Blanton’s?
No, Buffalo Trace is not made by Blanton’s. But both whiskeys are under one company, the Sazerac, and are distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Which is smoother, Buffalo Trace or Blanton’s?
Blanton’s bourbon is smoother than Buffalo Trace. This single-barrel variant offers the standard smoothness of a bourbon, especially Blanton’s Gold.
Is Buffalo Trace bourbon a better mixer than Blanton’s?
Blanton’s bourbon is a better mixer than Buffalo Trace in many cocktails because of its more flavorful tasting profile that will give the right balance of complexity in a cocktail.
Final Verdict
In this battle between two premium bourbons, Buffalo Trace vs Blanton’s, we have to admit that Blanton’s Single Barrel classic and traditional bourbon punch stood out more.
Whether it’s all hype or not, a bottle of Blanton’s is worth trying.
But don’t get us wrong—we appreciate Buffalo Trace’s well-rounded taste profile with its price.
It can be a better casual everyday bourbon choice because of its lower price.
References:
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
- https://www.barrons.com/articles/buffalo-traces-new-bourbon-is-rich-in-color-and-history-01610398945
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
