Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:46 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 Old Forester 86 in this head-to-head 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 Old Forester 86: Which Wins?
Buffalo Trace Bourbon: A crowd-pleaser offering a balanced blend of caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors at a smooth 90 proof. Priced at $35.
Old Forester 86: Delivers consistent quality with vanilla, banana, and oak spice notes, a solid choice for those seeking value and smoothness at 86 proof. Priced at $24.
Key Difference: Buffalo Trace is characterized by its rich flavor profile, bottled at 90 proof, and crafted with a mash with a moderate rye content. Old Forester stands out with its unique spiciness, attributed to a higher rye content in its recipe, and is presented at 86 proof for a distinctive taste experience.
Verdict: Buffalo Trace stands out for its rich flavor and versatility, making it ideal for both neat sipping and cocktails. Old Forester 86, while more affordable, offers a reliable bourbon experience with a slightly lighter profile. Both are excellent choices, with Buffalo Trace offering a bit more depth for those willing to spend a little extra, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Bourbons under $30
Buffalo Trace Bourbon: Smooth & Value-Packed
- 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: Blanton’s
Craving a smooth, flavorful bourbon without breaking the bank? Look no further than Buffalo Trace. This highly regarded bourbon strikes the perfect balance between deliciousness and affordability.
On the nose, expect a gentle whisper of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. Take a sip, and a slightly bolder spice note emerges, dancing with oak and fruit flavors. The underlying sweetness of caramel and vanilla lingers throughout.
Buffalo Trace is all about ease and enjoyment. It boasts a soft, chewy mouthfeel with minimal heat, making it a pleasant sipper for any occasion. The finish is decently long, leaving a refreshing vanilla and spice tingle on your tongue.
But is it just smooth? Absolutely not! This bourbon delivers a well-rounded flavor profile with a fruity, oaky character and a medium spicy finish. While not overpowering, it offers a satisfying bourbon experience.
Think of it as your “everyday whiskey.” Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or even experiment in simpler cocktails. However, due to its balanced nature, it might not be the best choice for complex creations seeking a bolder punch. For those, consider Sazerac Rye, a similar bourbon with a spicy kick.
Bonus facts:
- Made with corn, rye, and malted barley (amounts undisclosed).
- Aged 8 years in unique, temperature-fluctuating warehouses for deeper flavors.
- Small batches of just 40 barrels at a time ensure consistent quality.
Old Forester 86: A Solid Sipper Within Budget
- Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, ethanol
- Palate: Vanilla, banana, oak, spice
- Finish: Caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Old Forester 100
Looking for a dependable bourbon without breaking the bank? Old Forester 86 might be your answer. While not a flavor explosion, it delivers a smooth and honest sip at an attractive price.
First, the scent: A quick burst of ethanol fades to reveal pleasing brown sugar and caramel sweetness.
On the palate, it has a decent medium body and a smooth texture. The flavor profile is simple yet enjoyable, with hints of vanilla, banana, cinnamon, and a touch of oak spice. A subtle mustiness adds complexity.
The finish is short but pleasant, offering lingering notes of caramel and oak. Its 86 proof makes it suitable for both neat sipping and affordable Old Fashioned cocktails.
Is it top-shelf? Not quite. But as an entry-level bourbon, it outperforms many competitors like Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam. It offers good value for the money and a consistent, reliable experience.
Bonus facts:
- Aged around 4 years.
- Made with 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley.
- Pioneered bottled bourbon for consistent quality.
- Continuously produced since 1870 (longer than any other).
How do Buffalo Trace and Old Forester 86 differ?
The Buffalo Trace and Old Forester have subtle differences worth noting.
Firstly, Buffalo Trace is bottled at 90 proof, while Old Forester comes in at 86 proof, providing a slightly deeper flavor profile in Buffalo Trace.
Secondly, Old Forester features a mash bill richer in rye compared to Buffalo Trace, resulting in a touch of spiciness, although it falls short of the robust rye spice found in dedicated rye whiskeys.
The Buffalo Trace and Old Forester 86 bourbons showcase distinct differences in their production.
Buffalo Trace benefits from extended aging and is bottled at a higher proof, resulting in a more refined and settled flavor profile.
It is also crafted from a mash bill that contains a slightly lower proportion of rye, contributing to a smoother and more approachable taste.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Buffalo Trace | $35 |
| Old Forester 86 | $24 |