Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:44 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 Weller 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 Weller Special Reserve: Comparison
Buffalo Trace: An approachable bourbon known for its smoothness and easy drinking, with caramel, vanilla, and a touch of spice.
Weller Special Reserve: A wheated bourbon offering a smooth and sweet profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak.
Key Difference: Buffalo Trace, with its corn and rye-based mash bill, offers a sweet and spicy character, whereas Weller Special Reserve’s wheated formula provides a soft, sweeter profile; both are produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Verdict: Buffalo Trace is perfect for those seeking an easy-drinking bourbon with classic flavors at an accessible price. Weller Special Reserve appeals to enthusiasts looking for a smooth, wheated bourbon experience, albeit at a higher price point, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Drinks Similar To Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace: Your Easy-Drinking Bourbon Buddy
- 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: Old Forester 86
Looking for a bourbon that’s smooth, approachable, and perfect for everyday sipping? Buffalo Trace might just be your new best friend.
On the nose, expect a friendly hello from caramel and vanilla notes, with a hint of baking spice to pique your interest. Take a sip, and you’ll be greeted by a bolder spice, oak, and some juicy fruit flavors. The underlying sweetness of caramel and vanilla is still there, like a familiar friend tagging along.
Buffalo Trace is all about smoothness. It’s easy on the palate, with minimal heat, making it a pleasure to drink neat or on the rocks. The finish isn’t long, but it’s satisfying, with vanilla and baking spice leaving you with a refreshing feeling.
Think of it as the “jeans and t-shirt” of bourbons. It’s not fancy or mind-blowing, but it’s reliable, comfortable, and delivers a consistently good experience. It’s perfect for everyday sipping or enjoying with friends.
Now, before you grab your shakers, listen up: Buffalo Trace might not be your best bet for fancy cocktails. It’s a bit too subtle for that. But for neat sipping or on the rocks, it shines!
Here’s the inside scoop:
- This bourbon is a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley (amounts are a secret!).
- It’s uniquely aged for 8 years, with the barrels experiencing big temperature swings that add depth to the flavor.
- Each batch is small, made with only 40 barrels at a time, ensuring consistency.
Ready to try Buffalo Trace? It’s a great choice for bourbon beginners and seasoned drinkers alike. Just remember, it’s more about easygoing enjoyment than fireworks.
Weller Special Reserve: Sweet, Smooth, and Wheaty Delight
- Nose: Maple, apple, leather, oak
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, baking spice
- Finish: Old leather, cinnamon, oak
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Woodford Reserve Wheat
Craving a smooth, sweet bourbon that goes down easy? Weller Special Reserve might be your perfect match. This wheated whiskey boasts a delightful nose of maple honey, apple, and a hint of aged leather, promising a warm and inviting experience.
On the palate, expect a wave of creamy caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon, followed by a subtle surprise of dark chocolate and citrus. This playful dance of flavors keeps things interesting, making each sip a journey. The finish is warming and pleasant, with lingering notes of old leather, spicy cinnamon, and oak, leaving you wanting more.
But wait, there’s more! Adding a drop of water unlocks hidden sweetness and elevates the oak presence, adding another layer of complexity to your tasting adventure.
Truth be told, Weller Special Reserve isn’t the heaviest hitter on the bourbon block. It could benefit from a touch more body, but its smooth, wheaty character and easy-drinking nature make it a crowd-pleaser.
Weller Special Reserve Fun Facts:
- Wheaty goodness: Though the exact amount is a secret, it’s rumored to contain around 15% wheat in the mash, giving it that signature smoothness.
- A wheaty pioneer: Weller was the first to use wheat in bourbon back in 1849, paving the way for a whole new style.
- Aged to perfection: Each bottle rests between 4 and 7 years, ensuring a balanced and mature flavor.
- Award-winning: This delicious dram even snagged a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, so you know it’s good!
Ready to experience the smooth, wheaty charm of Weller Special Reserve? Give it a try and see if it becomes your new go-to bourbon.
P.S. Remember, responsible drinking is always encouraged!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Buffalo Trace | $35 |
| Weller Special Reserve | $60 |
What’s the difference between Buffalo Trace and Weller Special Reserve?
The difference lies in the mash bill
Buffalo Trace is a traditional bourbon known for its primary use of corn in the mash bill, which gives it a sweet and robust character.
It also incorporates a significant amount of rye, adding a distinct spiciness and peppery note to the spirit.
While the exact composition of Buffalo Trace’s mash bill is a closely guarded secret, it is believed to contain around 10 to 15% rye grain.
On the other hand, Weller is a wheated bourbon, which means it replaces a portion of the rye in the mash bill with wheat.
This substitution results in a softer and more approachable flavor profile compared to bourbons with rye as their secondary grain.
Weller uses approximately 15% wheat in its mash bill, contributing to its slightly sweeter taste and smoother character.
What do Buffalo Trace and Weller Special Reserve have in common?
Both are crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery along with Pappy van Winkle, E.H. Taylor, Blanton’s, and George Stagg among others.