Bowman Brothers vs Buffalo Trace

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:08 pm

Discover the differences between Bowman Brothers vs Buffalo Trace in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Bowman Brothers vs Buffalo Trace: Comparison

Bowman Brothers Small Batch: A smooth journey with vanilla, leather, and oak on the nose, and a palate of peppery rye, caramel, and vanilla frosting, ending with an apple and oak finish.

Buffalo Trace: Offers a well-rounded experience with caramel, cinnamon on the nose, a balanced palate of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a finish of vanilla, baking spice, and oak.

Verdict: Both Bowman Brothers Small Batch and Buffalo Trace offer enjoyable bourbon experiences that shine in their own right.

Bowman Brothers delivers a unique blend of smooth spice and sweetness, making it ideal for those exploring the subtleties of bourbon. Buffalo Trace, on the other hand, presents a solid, well-rounded profile that appeals to a broad audience and is a reliable choice for neat sipping and cocktail crafting, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Each bourbon is crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery using the same recipe.

Related: Bourbon Alternatives to Buffalo Trace

Bowman Brothers Small Batch: Smooth Spice or Short-Lived Sweetness?

• Nose: Vanilla, leather, oak
• Palate: Peppery rye, caramel, vanilla frosting, baking spice
• Finish: Apple, oak
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: John J. Bowman Single Barrel

Bowman Brothers Small Batch promises a smooth yet spicy journey with a hint of sweetness. Let’s see if it delivers a well-rounded experience or leaves you wanting more.

Aroma: Dive into a familiar blend of vanilla, old leather, and oak. This sets the stage for a classic bourbon experience with a hint of intrigue.

Palate: The first sip hits you with a burst of spice and warmth. Don’t worry, it quickly evolves into a comforting caramel and vanilla frosting flavor, hinting at baking spice in the background.

Finish: It fades a bit quicker than you might like, leaving notes of apple and oak with a slight bite. While satisfying, it doesn’t linger to impress.

Watery Wand?: Adding water tames the spice and heat slightly, but the short finish remains somewhat unchanged.

The Verdict: Bowman Brothers Small Batch offers a smooth and approachable profile despite its perceived warmth exceeding its 90-proof strength. The spice and sweetness combination is pleasant, but the short finish might leave you wanting more complexity.

Smooth Operator for Beginners?: If you’re new to bourbon and seeking a smooth experience with a touch of spice, Bowman Brothers could be a good starting point.

But if you crave long-lasting flavor journeys, this bourbon might not be your endgame.

Bonus Facts:

• Aged for 6 to 7 years.
• Mash bill remains a mystery!
• Crafted in 8-barrel batches for a touch of exclusivity.

Ultimately, the choice is yours! Consider your flavor preferences and bourbon experience when deciding if Bowman Brothers Small Batch is your perfect sip. Remember, there’s no single “best” bourbon, only the one that suits your taste buds best.

Buffalo Trace: Smoothly Sipping, Solidly Mid-Shelf

• Nose: Caramel, cinnamon, baking spice, cereal
• Palate: Caramel, vanilla, oak, espresso coffee, chocolate
• Finish: Vanilla, baking spice, oak
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks
• Similar to: Gentleman Jack

Buffalo Trace promises a well-rounded and approachable bourbon experience. Let’s see if it hits the mark or gets lost in the mid-shelf shuffle.

Aroma: Take a delicate sniff and discover hints of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice. Subtle, but inviting.

Palate: Buckle up for a pronounced spice ride, balanced by notes of oak, fruit, and a lingering sweetness of caramel and vanilla. The smooth and approachable mouthfeel makes it easy to enjoy, with a mild heat that keeps things interesting.

Finish: It holds its own, offering a decent length with rich vanilla and baking spice. While the flavors might not linger forever, the finish leaves a refreshing sensation, perfect for returning for another sip.

The Verdict: Buffalo Trace shines as a well-rounded and easy sipper. It boasts a medium to full body, feeling soft and chewy on the tongue. Fruity and oaky notes dance with a moderately spicy finish, creating a pleasing experience.

Not Mind-Blowing, But Satisfying: Don’t expect an explosion of intensity or complexity. Instead, Buffalo Trace delivers a consistent and enjoyable mid-shelf bourbon experience.

Neat and Easy: Enjoy it neat to fully appreciate its subtle nuances. Adding water or ice might mute the flavors.

Everyday Hero, Cocktail Contender?: This bourbon makes a great everyday drinker, but its mildness might not translate well into standout cocktails.

Buffalo Trace Facts:

• Blend of corn, rye, and malted barley (exact proportions remain a secret!).
• Aged in barrels stored on the middle floors of the warehouse for maximum temperature fluctuations.
• Each batch is meticulously crafted from 40 carefully selected barrels.

Ready for a smooth and reliable bourbon experience? Buffalo Trace might just be your new go-to mid-shelf choice. Remember, sometimes the classics get it right for a reason.

What do Bowman Brothers and Buffalo Trace have in common?

Both are crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY

These bourbons at crafted at the same distillery and apparently use the same mash bill and are aged for around the same length.

Are Bowman Brothers and Buffalo Trace the same bourbon?

Bowman Brothers sets itself apart from Buffalo Trace through an additional distillation process conducted in Virginia using copper stills.

Following this step, the spirit is barreled and aged on-site, distinguishing it from Buffalo Trace.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Bowman Brothers Small Batch	$36
Buffalo Trace	$35