Buffalo Trace Bourbon – A Bold and Complex Delight – Whiskey Review | Bottle Brief (2024)

Rating 5/10 ^{(Rating System)}

Introduction

Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a true American classic, beckons the discerning whiskey enthusiast with its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship. This revered bourbon’s deep amber hue serves as the first glimpse into the profound depths of flavor that await. As the nose encounters its inviting embrace, you’re welcomed by an intriguing blend of spice, oak, and fruit, with a subtle hint of apple, revealing its bold characteristics. The palate unfolds with a delightful interplay of sweet and spicy notes, a touch of toffee, and just a hint of caramel, allowing the whiskey’s natural complexities to shine. Yet, it’s in the finish where Buffalo Trace truly excels, offering a warm, long-lasting embrace with lingering rye notes and a subtle touch of pepper, leaving an indelible mark on the senses. Join us on a journey as we explore the captivating essence of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a testament to the artistry of distillation and aging.

Eye:

Buffalo Trace Bourbon pours into the glass with a mesmerizing deep amber hue, offering a glimpse into the world of rich, well-aged whiskey. This striking color promises a rewarding experience to come.

Nose:

The nose of Buffalo Trace immediately captures the senses with an invigorating blend of spice and oak. The bold characteristics assert themselves, setting the stage for the adventure ahead. As you delve deeper, you’ll uncover a subtle fruitiness, reminiscent of dried fruits, along with a delicate hint of apple, adding a touch of sweetness and complexity to the aroma.

Palate:

Upon the first sip, Buffalo Trace reveals its multi-layered personality. Sweet and spicy notes intertwine harmoniously on the palate, providing a delightful contrast. While toffee makes a brief appearance, it’s the restrained use of caramel that stands out, allowing the whiskey’s natural flavors to shine through. This combination of flavors creates a captivating and memorable tasting experience.

Finish:

The finish is where Buffalo Trace Bourbon truly shines. The warmth is palpable, with a long, satisfying linger that invites you to savor every moment. Rye notes persist, adding a distinct spiciness that keeps the taste buds engaged. A subtle touch of pepper emerges towards the end, leaving a final impression that’s as spirited as it is balanced.

Conclusion

Buffalo Trace Bourbon is an embodiment of a masterfully crafted whiskey, offering a journey of complex and bold flavors. Its deep amber appearance is only a hint of the delights that await. With its inviting nose, diverse palate, and enduring finish, this bourbon is sure to leave a lasting mark on those who appreciate the art of whiskey.

Summary

Category: Bourbon
ABV: 45%
Eye: Deep amber
Nose: Spice, OAK, Fruit, Hint of apple, Bold characteristic
Taste: Some sweet and spicy notes, Hint of toffee, Very little caramel
Finish: Warm finish, Long finish, Lingering rye notes, A touch of pepper

History and Fun Facts:

Buffalo Trace, a renowned American distillery known for producing exceptional bourbons, is not only famous for its whiskies but also boasts some interesting fun facts:

1. Historic Distillery: Buffalo Trace is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Its roots can be traced back to the late 18th century when it was originally established by pioneering distiller Hanco*ck Lee. It has survived various challenges, including Prohibition, making it a living piece of whiskey history.
2. Namesake: The distillery’s name, Buffalo Trace, is rooted in history. It is believed that American bison (buffalo) once roamed the land, creating a trail that early pioneers and settlers followed. This historic buffalo trace passed through the property, and the distillery adopted the name to honor this legacy.
3. Whiskey Archeology: Buffalo Trace is famous for its “Bourbon Pompeii” project. In 2016, during renovations, they discovered remnants of a distillery that existed in the 1800s. This groundbreaking find shed light on historical whiskey-making techniques and equipment.
4. Ghost Tours: The distillery offers ghost tours for those interested in the supernatural. With its long history, it’s no surprise that Buffalo Trace is rumored to have a few resident spirits. Visitors can explore the distillery’s more mysterious side while learning about its past.
5. Hard-to-Find Bourbon: Buffalo Trace produces several highly sought-after bourbons, including the elusive Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve. These limited-edition releases are a source of fascination for whiskey collectors and enthusiasts, often fetching high prices on the secondary market.
6. Multiple Awards: Buffalo Trace’s whiskies have consistently received prestigious awards and accolades over the years. These include recognition at events like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Whisky Advocate’s “American Whiskey of the Year.”
7. Distillery Cats: Like many distilleries, Buffalo Trace has its share of resident feline “distillery cats.” These cats are known to keep the distillery free from rodents and have become beloved mascots among the staff and visitors.

These fun facts add depth to the story of Buffalo Trace, a distillery deeply intertwined with American whiskey heritage and an exciting destination for enthusiasts looking to explore the world of bourbon.

Other Canadian Review(s)

LCBO
Clear golden amber colour; floral, caramel, vanilla and citrus aromas; rich, elegant caramel and spice flavours; well balanced

BC Liquor Store
94 Points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2022: “Fresh grainy aromas are clean and well balanced. Pleasantly light in the mouth, the flavors gradually turn more robust and they evolve, showing off dried cherry and peach pit, baking spice, light maple, and a hint of char. A classic.”

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