Buffalo Trace vs Willett Pot Still Reserve: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:18 am

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 Willett Pot Still Reserve 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 Willett Pot Still Reserve: Comparison

Buffalo Trace: Offers a smooth, well-balanced blend of caramel, vanilla, and spice, with a pleasant chewy mouthfeel. It’s a reliable, medium-bodied bourbon that provides a satisfying sip for both casual and serious whiskey drinkers.

Willett Pot Still Reserve: Captivates with its unique bottle design and delivers a sweet, simple sip with notes of French toast, caramel, and spice. While it may not boast deep complexity, it’s enjoyable and presents a sweet charm.

Verdict: Buffalo Trace and Willett Pot Still Reserve each offer distinct bourbon experiences; Buffalo Trace with its balanced and approachable profile, and Willett with its visually striking presentation and sweet sip. Both are commendable in their own right, catering to those who appreciate smoothness and charm in their bourbon selection, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Buffalo Trace: Smooth Sailing with Spice & Charm

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: Knob Creek
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Aromatic Allure: Buffalo Trace starts subtle, enticing your nose with sweet caramel, vanilla, and a hint of warming spice. Think freshly baked cookies, minus the mess.

Spiced & Fruity Delight: On the palate, the spice blossoms, joined by oak and fruity notes. Caramel and vanilla linger sweetly, leaving a pleasant warmth that doesn’t overpower.

Gentle & Chewy: The mouthfeel is smooth and approachable, like a soft, chewy caramel candy. You won’t need water or ice to enjoy this easy-sipping experience.

Spicy Vanilla Finish: The finish lingers with rich vanilla and baking spices, refreshing your palate for another nice sip.

The Verdict: No mind-blowing complexity, but Buffalo Trace delivers a consistently satisfying sip. It’s well-rounded, medium-bodied, and showcases a beautiful balance of fruit, oak, and spice. A reliable choice for everyday enjoyment, neat or on the rocks.

Buffalo Trace in a Nutshell: Smooth, balanced, and easy-drinking. Spice, fruit, and vanilla dance in harmony, making it a crowd-pleasing bourbon for any occasion.

Willett: A Beautiful Bottle with Sweet Charm

Nose: French toast, caramel, oak
Palate: Brown sugar, fruit, oak, spice
Finish: Oak, leather, spice
Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Willett Rye 4 Year
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Sourced & Sweet: Willett offers a unique twist – it’s sourced, meaning its origins are a secret (though rumors whisper of Heaven Hill). Still, it delivers a sweet, enjoyable sip.

French Toast Fantasy: The aroma is like warm French toast dusted with cinnamon, leading to hints of caramel and oak. Think cozy mornings, but in a glass.

Sweet & Simple: The taste plays on the sweet side, featuring ripe fruit notes. While lacking body, it’s still pleasant. Oak and caramel peek through, balanced by a subtle bitterness.

Spice & Oak Finish: The finish lingers with a touch of spice, oak, and a hint of apple, leaving a warm memory.

Enjoyable, Not Complex: Don’t expect depth, but Willett offers a tasty experience. It’s like Clase Azul Tequila – the beautiful decanter steals the show, but the liquid inside still pleases.

Willett Pot Still Facts: