Bradshaw Bourbon vs Buffalo Trace

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:42 pm

Unearth disparities between Bradshaw Bourbon and Buffalo Trace in this comprehensive analysis, and determine which Bourbon better suits your taste!

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

Bradshaw Bourbon vs Buffalo Trace: Head-to-Head

Bradshaw Bourbon: Strong, spicy with a touch of sweetness. Offers flavors of rye, caramel, and orange. Best on rocks. A good pick for those who like a bold taste.

Buffalo Trace: Smooth, well-balanced with a mix of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. Great neat. Perfect for anyone seeking a gentle and enjoyable bourbon experience.

Verdict: Both Bradshaw Bourbon and Buffalo Trace offer unique qualities; Bradshaw for its bold, spicy character, and Buffalo Trace for its smooth, balanced profile. Ideal for different preferences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Bourbons Comparable to Buffalo Trace

Bradshaw Bourbon: A Decent Mid-Shelf Option for Rye Fans

• Nose: Ethanol, caramel, vanilla
• Palate: Rye spice, Snickers, orange
• Finish: Long, warm, rye spice
• Alcohol content: 103.8 proof (51.9% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks
• Similar to: Wild Turkey Longbranch

Former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw has partnered with Silver Screen Bottling Company, known for Alan Jackson’s Silverbelly whiskey, to introduce his own bourbon.

Aroma: Bradshaw Bourbon initially presents a strong ethanol aroma that mellows with time, revealing subtle hints of caramel and vanilla.

Taste and Mouthfeel: Offering a decent body and a satisfying mouthfeel, the initial sip delivers a slightly warm experience with a rye spice kick. The flavor profile unfolds with a blend of peanut and caramel, reminiscent of a Snickers bar, along with orange and vanilla notes.

Finish: The long and warming finish maintains the rye spice presence with a touch of vanilla. Adding ice can make it more approachable by reducing the initial warmth.

Considerations: As a two-year-old bourbon, Bradshaw Bourbon exhibits some youthful characteristics that could have been smoothed out with additional aging. This results in a slightly rough taste profile compared to options aged for a longer period.

Similarities and Value: The flavor profile shares similarities with Old Grand Dad, which utilizes a similar mash bill. However, considering Old Grand Dad’s significantly lower price point, it presents a better value proposition for many consumers.

Overall: Bradshaw Bourbon falls into the middle-of-the-road category. While it lacks any standout qualities, it remains a passable option for those who enjoy rye-forward bourbons and appreciate the celebrity association.

Bradshaw Bourbon Facts:

• Produced in Kentucky by Silver Screen Bottling Company.
• Aged for two years.
• Mash bill consists of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley.
• Bottled at 51.9% ABV, a nod to Bradshaw’s NFL career completion percentage.

Buffalo Trace: A Smooth and Approachable Bourbon Journey

• 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
• Similar to: Wild Turkey 101

Subtle Aromas: Buffalo Trace opens with a delicate and inviting nose, offering hints of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. The subtle aroma provides a glimpse into the easy-going nature of this bourbon.

Smooth and Gentle: On the palate, the experience lives up to the nose. It boasts a gentle and smooth mouthfeel, with a mild warmth that makes it approachable for all drinkers.

Balanced Flavors: The initial taste reveals baking spices taking center stage, accompanied by fruity and oaky notes. The subtle caramel and vanilla sweetness provides depth and balance to the overall flavor profile.

Satisfying Finish: The moderate finish offers a satisfying conclusion, leaving behind lingering notes of rich vanilla and baking spices. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, ensuring a clean and enjoyable experience.

An Everyday Sipper: Buffalo Trace is a well-balanced bourbon with a medium to full body and a soft and chewy mouthfeel. The combination of fruity and oaky flavors leads to a mildly spicy finish. While it may not be the most intense bourbon, it delivers a satisfying and consistent drinking experience.

Versatility for All: This easy-going whiskey can be enjoyed neat, allowing the full spectrum of flavors to shine. Buffalo Trace is a suitable choice for those seeking an everyday sipper and can be enjoyed by both novice and experienced whiskey drinkers.

Cocktail Considerations: While it offers a pleasant drinking experience neat, its milder taste profile might not be the most suitable option for cocktails that require a bold and robust bourbon.

Buffalo Trace Facts:

• Aged for an undisclosed period, but typically falls in the 6 to 8 year range.
• The mash bill, or grain recipe, is a closely guarded secret, containing undisclosed amounts of corn, rye, and malted barley.
• Buffalo Trace uses a unique aging process, placing barrels on mid-level warehouse floors to expose them to significant temperature fluctuations.
• Each batch is meticulously crafted by hand-selecting 40 individual barrels.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Bourbon	Price
Bradshaw Bourbon	$43
Buffalo Trace	$33