Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:28 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 Larceny 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 Larceny: Comparison
Buffalo Trace: A friendly bourbon with caramel, cinnamon, and baking spice on the nose, leading into a palate of caramel, vanilla, and oak, finished with a touch of vanilla and spice. It’s your go-to for an easygoing, everyday sip at 90 proof.
Larceny Small Batch: Sweet with banana bread, vanilla, and butterscotch aromas, this bourbon offers a palate of banana, caramel, and oak, concluding with a caramel and oak spice finish. An affordable and pleasant wheated bourbon at 92 proof.
Key Difference: Buffalo Trace is made from a mash containing rye while Larceny carries wheat as a secondary grain behind corn.
Verdict: Buffalo Trace and Larceny Small Batch both offer accessible and enjoyable bourbon experiences. Buffalo Trace brings a classic, well-rounded profile, while Larceny appeals with its sweet, wheated character, making each a solid choice for different bourbon preferences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Similar Whiskeys to Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace: Your Easygoing Everyday Bourbon Buddy
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Weller Special Reserve
Buffalo Trace isn’t here to blow your mind, but it’s a darn good friend for casual sippin’.
First whiff: Think sweet caramel, vanilla, and a hint of warm spices like cinnamon. Nothing too crazy, just pleasant and inviting.
First sip: Spice picks up a bit, joined by oaky and fruity notes. But don’t worry, that sweet caramel and vanilla are still hanging out in the background.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and gentle, no harsh burn. Makes it easy to relax and enjoy.
Finish: Not super long, but still satisfying with lingering vanilla and spice notes. Leaves you feeling refreshed, not weighed down.
Overall: Easy-drinking and well-rounded, Buffalo Trace is a solid everyday bourbon. It’s got a medium body, fruity and oaky flavors, and a bit of spice to keep things interesting.
Think of it as:
- Your go-to neat or on-the-rocks pour.
- A good friend for casual nights in.
- Not your cocktail hero (it’s a bit subtle for complex drinks).
Bonus facts:
- Made from a secret recipe of corn, rye, and barley.
- Aged for 8 years, with special temperature swings for deeper flavor.
- Small batches of just 40 barrels at a time.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable, easy-drinking bourbon, Buffalo Trace might just be your new best friend. Cheers!
Larceny Small Batch: Sweet and Easy on the Wallet
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Four Roses Small Batch
Larceny Small Batch might not be the smoothest outlaw in town, but it sure knows how to charm with its sweet flavors and easygoing nature.
Sniff it: Say goodbye to harshness, hello to banana bread, vanilla, and butterscotch! This bourbon starts subtle, then opens up with warm, inviting scents.
Sip it: First sip might have a little kick, but don’t worry, it smooths out fast. Think creamy caramel, hints of that banana bread again, and a touch of spice to keep things interesting.
Feel it: It’s lighter-bodied than some bourbons, but still packs a pleasant punch. Think silk robe, not heavy winter coat.
Finish it: Sweet and warm, leaving you wanting another sip (responsibly, of course!).
Bonus tip: Want it even smoother? Add a splash of water to unlock even more sweetness.
Is it worth a shot?
While not the top dog in the wheated bourbon world, Larceny offers great value for its price. Sweet, smooth, and easy to drink, it’s a great everyday bourbon, especially for those new to the game.
Fun facts:
- Aged 6-12 years, with awards under its belt (93 points, anyone?)
- Named a “Best Buy” by Whisky Magazine – gotta love that!
- Inspired by a real-life “gentleman thief” who “borrowed” bourbon barrels (we don’t condone stealing, of course!)
So, there you have it. Larceny Small Batch: a sweet, smooth, and affordable wheated bourbon that’s easy to like and won’t break the bank. Cheers!
How do Larceny and Buffalo Trace differ?
Buffalo Trace features a moderate rye presence in its mash bill.
The inclusion of rye contributes to the development of grassy and peppery notes, resulting in a signature spicy finish that is characteristic of the bourbon.
In contrast, Larceny utilizes wheat as the secondary grain, following corn, in its mash bill.
Wheated bourbons like Larceny have a distinct flavor profile that tends to be softer and more approachable compared to bourbons that incorporate rye as their secondary grain.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Buffalo Trace | $35 |
| Larceny | $29 |