Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:47 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Buffalo Trace vs Early Times 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
Buffalo Trace vs Early Times: Comparison
Buffalo Trace: A budget-friendly bourbon that balances caramel, vanilla, oak, and espresso notes with a smooth finish of vanilla and baking spice.
Early Times: Offers a simple, smooth sip with apricot, caramel, and nut flavors, followed by a short, fruity finish with a hint of oak spice.
Verdict: “Buffalo Trace impresses with its good flavors and smooth finish, ideal for neat sipping or on the rocks. Early Times provides a straightforward, sweet experience, making it a solid choice for those seeking an accessible whiskey for cocktails or casual drinking.”, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Buffalo Trace Substitutes
Buffalo Trace: Sipping Satisfaction on a Budget
- 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: Bradshaw Bourbon
Buffalo Trace, a top-selling bourbon, isn’t just popular for its affordability. It delivers a smooth, flavorful experience that makes it a go-to choice for many bourbon enthusiasts. Let’s uncork its secrets and see why it reigns supreme on the mid-shelf.
Aromatic Allure:
The initial scent is subtle, offering intriguing whispers of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of baking spice. It’s a gentle invitation, hinting at the balanced sweetness and warming spices to come.
Flavorful Journey:
On the palate, the spice takes center stage, showcasing oak and fruit alongside a pleasant undercurrent of caramel and vanilla. The soft mouthfeel and lack of heat create a truly smooth and inviting experience.
A Lingering Farewell:
The finish is moderately long, leaving behind rich notes of vanilla and baking spice that linger pleasantly on the tongue. It’s a satisfying conclusion that leaves you wanting another sip.
The Verdict: Smoothness Meets Value:
Buffalo Trace shines as a well-crafted bourbon ideal for easy sipping. Its medium to full body, smooth texture, and balanced mix of fruity, oaky, and spicy notes make it an enjoyable experience across the board. While not the most intense or complex bourbon, it delivers consistent quality and satisfaction, even without water or ice.
Everyday Hero, Cocktail Conundrum:
Buffalo Trace excels as an everyday bourbon for casual sipping or neat pours. However, its balanced profile might not offer the boldness needed for creating complex cocktails. For that, you might explore options with more distinct flavor profiles.
Buffalo Trace Facts:
- Crafted with corn, rye, and malted barley in undisclosed proportions.
- Aged for 8 years in a unique process, utilizing the middle floors of warehouses for maximum temperature variation.
- Each batch blends 40 carefully selected barrels, ensuring consistency and quality.
Remember: The best bourbon is the one you enjoy most. So, raise a glass, explore your options, and discover what truly delights your palate!
Early Times: A Smooth Sip with a Budget-Friendly Wink
- Nose: Apricot, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Apricot, caramel, nuts, spice
- Finish: Short, fruity, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Jack Daniel’s
Early Times, the Kentucky whiskey with a name that whispers of simpler times, delivers a taste that’s equally down-to-earth. Let’s explore its characteristics and see if it lives up to its budget-friendly charm.
A Fruity First Impression:
The aroma is light and inviting, offering a hint of sweet apricot, vanilla, and caramel. It’s a gentle introduction, hinting at the sweetness to come.
Smooth Mouthfeel, Simple Flavors:
The sip reveals a pleasingly oily texture, coating the palate with a touch of richness. The initial sweetness of alcohol gives way to notes of apricot, caramel, and roasted nuts, with a hint of spice adding complexity. While not overly complex, the flavors are balanced and enjoyable.
A Fleeting Farewell:
The finish is short and to the point, leaving behind a light fruity note, a touch of oak spice, and a hint of nail polish. This last element might not be everyone’s favorite, but it’s subtle enough not to be overpowering.
Sweet, Affordable, and Easy on the Palate:
Overall, Early Times delivers a surprisingly smooth and sweet experience, especially considering its budget-friendly price tag. While it may lack the complexity of pricier options, it avoids any harshness or bitterness, making it ideal for casual sipping or affordable mixed drinks.
A Hint of Youthfulness:
It’s worth noting that its young age (minimum of 3 years) is slightly apparent, with a slight acetone note in the finish. However, this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
Early Times Facts:
- Aged for at least 3 years.
- A Kentucky whiskey, not bourbon (aged in used barrels).
- A name that pays homage to traditional whiskey-making methods.
The Bottom Line:
Early Times might not be the most sophisticated whiskey on the shelf, but it offers a smooth, sweet, and affordable experience.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly sipper or mixer that’s easy on the palate, Early Times is worth a try.
Remember, the best whiskey is the one you enjoy most, so explore and discover what suits your taste!
What do Buffalo Trace and Early Times have in common?
Both brands are owned by the Sazerac Company.
Early Times was owned by Brown Forman (Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniel’s) from 1923 to 2020 when it was acquired by the Sazerac Company.
Production was moved to the 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, KY.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Bottle Size |
| Buffalo Trace | $35 | 750ml |
| Early Times | $14 | 1L |