Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Buffalo carved itself as one of the leading distilleries worldwide, crafting low to mid-to-top-shelf whiskeys.
If you’ve exhausted most of their well-aged selections, try something new and discover a new profile to add to your shelf.
Today, we’re here to do this Buffalo Trace White Dog review to see if this is what you’re looking for.
An Overview Of Buffalo Trace White Dog
White Dog is a unique blend that gives you a taste of Kentucky Bourbon in its infancy.
It can be compared to Buffalo Trace’s cask strength bourbons, which have been aging in virgin white oak barrels for years.
But this isn’t for everyone. At 125-proof, it might be too intense for some, comparable to rocket fuel or lighter fluid.
The first time we’ve tried this spirit, we get why some people think it can make one go blind (not literally, though).
It delivers a powerful mouthfeel with complex, bold flavors on the palate.
But surprisingly, the finish is smooth and contrary to the big mouthfeel, it has little to no burn as it passes the throat.
A powerful profile like this makes a great base for cocktails.
Quick Facts
| Distillery | Buffalo Trace |
| Liquor Type | Moonshine/White Lightning/New Whiskey |
| Region | Kentucky |
| Alcohol Content | 62.5% ABV |
| Mash Bill | Buffalo Trace Mash #1 (corn, rye, and barley) |
| Age | Unaged |
| Average Price | Approx. $16 per 375ml |
How It’s Made
White Dog of the Buffalo Trace is distilled using traditional methods and bottled fresh from the still. In short, after the distillation, it goes straight to bottling.
It’s almost similar to barrel-proof bottles; the only difference is that BT White Dog is un-aged.
It’s an “infant” Bourbon, which led to the creation of the fine Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, we knew today.
“You can tell it’s good if you light it and a blue fame comes up; that means its good moonshine, and it won’t make you go blind.”
— Johnny Knoxville, American Stunt Performer
Just a quick recap, after experimenting with this raw distillate, distillers discovered that the white whiskey spirit has a big potential when aged.
The brave pioneers distilled whiskey in a time-honored distilling tradition, which is carried until today, letting us enjoy White Dog the way Americans did more than two centuries ago.
Mash Bill
In making whiskey, BT uses different recipes, but they used Mash #1 for White Dog.
Although it’s undisclosed, the B. Trace White Dog mash is rumored to comprise 70% (sweet) corn, 15% malted barley, and 10% rye.
Liquor Type
Its liquor type is “White Dog” or “Moonshine,” terms used by the Americans to refer to “unaged whiskeys.”
Age & Alcohol Content
White Dog Mash #1 is unaged, so we don’t expect it to have an age statement. And as for the alcohol content, it is bottled at 125-proof or 62.5% ABV.
Tasting Notes
From the website, White Dog Mash 1 has a sweet aroma with a hint of burn. The corn flavors cover the tongue with vanilla and oil.
But as we tasted the spirit, here’s how it goes:
- Nose
Immediately after the first whiff, a powerful scent of alcohol opens, but as expected, it’s filled will buttery sweet corn notes.
- Palate
It gives the lightly-buttered corn and caramel with a bit of alcohol in the mouth. There’s a popcorn flavor with sweet, oil, grass, and herbs spice from the rye.
- Color
Clear white whiskey
- Finish
The sweet corn notes taste wood and bitter, with a hot sensation in the mouth. But it shifts smoothly down to the throat.
Ownership & Distillery
White Dog is crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, USA, which is a self-produced brand of BT owned by the Sazerac Company.
Common Buffalo Trace White Dog Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol Proof | Average Price |
| White Dog Buffalo Trace | 375ml | 125-proof | Approx. $16 (MSRP) |
The price is reasonable for a 375ml bottle of the B. Trace White Dog Mash #1.
But if you want a larger bottle, it’s also available at 750ml, which costs $20 to $40, depending on the liquor store.
Compared To Other Bourbons
Redemption Bourbon
Redemption is more “rye-forward” than White Dog’s “corn-forward” notes.
If you prefer the rye spice over the sugar flavor of corn in White Dog, go for Redemption.
Larceny Bourbon
Both White Dogs and Larceny Bourbons have on-point buttery corn notes.
However, Larceny Bourbon used wheat grains instead of rye, so it’s sweeter than White Dog’s.
George T. Stagg Bourbon
Both came from the same distillery, crafted using the same recipe– Mashbill #1.
They’re both low in rye.
However, White Dog is unaged, with a heavy spice. Stagg is on the lighter side than White Dog’s heavy feel on the mouth and lips— but a better cocktail mix.
How Do You Drink White Dog Buffalo Trace?
You can drink White Dog neat if you’re brave and careful enough to manage its strong alcohol and complex flavor profile. (We drank it this way at first to try.)
But if it’s too much for you, you better mellow it down with a splash of water or over ice until you get used to its overall character.
It can also be a great cocktail base. It’s lovely in your favorite coffee, but top your glass with some cream for a twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is White Dog the same as moonshine?
White Dog and Moonshine are similar as both terms refer to an “unaged whiskey.” These terms are used interchangeably.
Is Buffalo Trace’s White Dog rare?
Buffalo Trace’s White Dog bottle is getting rare nowadays. The production is limited and only produced during some time in the fall.
What mixes well with Buffalo Trace White Dog whiskey?
Buffalo Trace’s White Dog whiskey mixes well with ginger ale, club soda, and bitters. It’s also lovely with coffee and cream.
What does Buffalo Trace White Dog taste like?
Buffalo Trace White Dog, also known as “white whiskey” or “moonshine,” offers a unique tasting experience characterized by its raw, unaged nature.
With notes of sweet corn, grain, and a hint of fruitiness, it provides a glimpse into the essential flavors that develop during the early stages of whiskey production before the aging process imparts additional complexities, making it an interesting choice for those curious about the whiskey-making journey.
What is Buffalo Trace White Dog Match #1?
Buffalo Trace White Dog Match #1 is a specific expression of Buffalo Trace’s White Dog. It represents a particular batch or “match” of this unaged spirit, capturing the essence of the raw distillate.
Each match may vary slightly in flavor and character, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the nuances of Buffalo Trace’s distillation process in its unaltered state.
What is the proof of White Dog?
The proof of Buffalo Trace White Dog can vary, as it is typically bottled at a high proof to preserve the intense and undiluted nature of the distillate.
Generally, White Dog is bottled at around 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume), emphasizing its potency and unaged characteristics. This high proof contributes to the bold and raw flavor profile that defines this type of spirit.
Is White Dog a whiskey?
White Dog, including Buffalo Trace White Dog, is not technically classified as whiskey. It is the clear distillate that comes off the still during the whiskey-making process before aging in barrels.
While it shares similarities with whiskey in terms of its ingredients, the absence of aging in wooden barrels disqualifies it from being labeled as whiskey.
White Dog is often considered a unique and unaged spirit that provides a glimpse into the foundational flavors of the whiskey-making journey.
Why is Buffalo Trace expensive?
Buffalo Trace’s reputation for producing high-quality, well-crafted bourbons and whiskies contributes to the perceived value of its products. The distillery is known for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship, the use of high-quality ingredients, and the production of sought-after expressions.
Limited releases, such as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and the elusive Pappy Van Winkle series, are highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts, further driving up demand and prices.
The combination of exceptional quality, limited editions, and a dedicated fan base contributes to the premium pricing of Buffalo Trace products in the market.
How do you drink White Dog whiskey?
White Dog whiskey is often enjoyed in a variety of ways, allowing enthusiasts to experience its raw and unaged character. Some prefer sipping it neat to fully appreciate the unaltered flavors, while others enjoy it on the rocks for a slightly chilled experience.
Additionally, White Dog can be used in cocktails, offering a versatile base for mixologists to experiment with unique and inventive drinks that showcase the spirit’s distinct qualities.
Why does everyone love Buffalo Trace?
Buffalo Trace’s widespread appeal can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the distillery has a long history of producing high-quality and award-winning bourbons, gaining the trust and admiration of whiskey enthusiasts.
The diverse range of expressions, from the accessible Buffalo Trace Bourbon to the highly sought-after releases like Pappy Van Winkle, caters to a wide spectrum of tastes.
The commitment to traditional craftsmanship, innovative aging techniques, and the use of top-tier ingredients all contribute to Buffalo Trace’s reputation as a distillery that consistently delivers exceptional whiskies.
What should I mix Buffalo Trace with?
Buffalo Trace’s versatile flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for mixing in cocktails. Classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour all benefit from the rich and well-balanced characteristics of Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
Its smoothness, notes of caramel, and hint of spice make it a suitable base for a wide range of whiskey-based drinks.
Experimenting with Buffalo Trace in various cocktails allows you to appreciate its adaptability and adds a touch of sophistication to your favorite mixed drinks.
Why is Buffalo Trace special?
Buffalo Trace is considered special for several reasons. Its heritage as one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States adds a layer of historical significance.
The dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship, using locally sourced grains, and employing innovative aging techniques sets Buffalo Trace apart in the whiskey landscape.
Additionally, the distillery’s commitment to consistency across its core range and the occasional release of limited-edition expressions, such as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, contribute to its special status among whiskey enthusiasts and collectors.
Why is it called White Dog?
The term “White Dog” refers to the clear, unaged distillate that comes off the still during the whiskey-making process. The name is derived from the spirit’s colorless appearance, resembling a “white” or clear liquid.
This raw distillate, rich in the essential flavors extracted during fermentation, provides a base for whiskey before it undergoes the transformative aging process in wooden barrels.
The term “White Dog” is commonly used in the industry to describe this stage of whiskey production, offering a glimpse into the foundational elements of the spirit before maturation.
Final Verdict: Buffalo Trace White Dog Review
If you want to taste what ancient Buffalo whiskey was like, then try this White Dog whiskey [2].
Although we can’t call this a “true whiskey” since it’s unaged, at least we get to try how a “baby” whiskey tastes like.
But be careful; this isn’t your ordinary whiskey. Just try a glass first, and see how it affects your system before asking for more at a bar.
It’s a very complex one, but anyone will enjoy its remarkable taste and smoothness.
Due to its strong character, we highly recommend this for mixing and not for sipping neat.
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