How to Drink Buffalo Trace

Last Updated on: 13th April 2024, 01:44 pm

My Personal Guide to Enjoying Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Based on my experience, here’s how I prefer to drink Buffalo Trace.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Best Enjoyed Neat: Experience its full flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice by sipping it neat, suggests bourbon expert Neil Coleman.
• Adding Water: A few drops can enhance the caramel sweetness and unveil deeper flavors, but be careful not to dilute excessively.
• On the Rocks: Use large ice cubes to chill the bourbon without over-diluting. Whiskey stones are an alternative to keep it cool without watering it down.
• Glass Cooling: Chill your glass beforehand for an extra cool sip without additional dilution.
• Cocktails: While suitable for milder cocktails, Buffalo Trace isn’t typically my first choice for mixed drinks.
• Beer Pairings: Complement its smooth, sweet notes with a malty brown ale or a bourbon barrel-aged stout, or contrast them with a hoppy IPA for a refreshing mix.
• Food and Cigar Pairings: Matches well with dark chocolate, BBQ brisket, or a medium-bodied cigar featuring cocoa and cedar notes.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Buffalo Trace

“Buffalo Trace is an easy-sipping bourbon that is best enjoyed neat. When you first smell it, you’ll pick up light scents of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice. It’s inviting and gives you a hint of what to expect next.”, mentions Bourbon expert Neil Coleman.

When you take a sip, you’ll notice a bit more of that baking spice, mixed with flavors of oak and some fruity touches.

The sweet tastes of caramel and vanilla are always there, along with brown sugar which is a typical note of the bourbons crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery; these make the bourbon smooth and enjoyable.

The feel is soft, and there’s a mild warmth that comes from it, which is pleasant and not strong.

There’s a nice aftertaste, mainly vanilla and spice.

It doesn’t last too long but leaves you with a good feeling and the desire for another sip.

Buffalo Trace comes at a strength of 90 proof.

I think this is a good level for bourbons.

Some that are less strong can feel like they’re missing something, a bit thin or watered down.

But at 90 proof, Buffalo Trace has a solid presence without being too strong or intense.

That’s why I like drinking Buffalo Trace neat.

It’s easy to drink, not complicated, and has a good balance of flavors.

It’s the kind of bourbon that’s friendly for anyone, whether you’re new to bourbons or have been enjoying them for years.

Also read: Similar Bourbons to Buffalo Trace

Drink it Adding Water

A few drops of water can open up the Buffalo Trace, unveiling a deeper caramel sweetness.

When you add water to bourbon, the water molecules interact with the alcohol, sometimes allowing you to discern additional flavors that might have been dormant.

However, a word of caution: don’t overdo it.

Adding too much water can dilute the flavors, diminishing that beautiful Buffalo Trace experience.

On the Rocks

Pouring Buffalo Trace over ice gives it a cool touch which can make it even smoother to drink.

But if you’re not careful, you might end up diluting your bourbon too much, and that’s something we want to avoid.

That’s why I always use large ice cubes.

They chill the bourbon without melting too quickly, which means less water mixing with your drink.

And if you really want to keep things cool without changing the flavor, consider getting some whiskey stones.

Not only do they chill your bourbon effectively, they also look pretty neat in your glass.

Plus, they don’t melt like ice, so there’s no risk of watering down your drink.

Another tip? Put your glass in the fridge for a bit before you pour.

This gives your drink an extra touch of coolness from the start, setting the stage for a perfect Buffalo Trace experience.

Just remember, it’s all about enjoying the bourbon’s flavors without letting them get lost or watered down.

Cocktails

While Buffalo Trace is a joy to sip on its own, I don’t usually reach for it when whipping up cocktails.

I lean towards bolder bourbons that can hold their own in a mixed drink.

Personally, I turn to a hearty bourbon like Old Forester 100 proof for my cocktails which in addition, is cheaper and widely available.

Its robust character truly makes cocktails come alive.

However, for those who like their cocktails on the gentler side, Buffalo Trace is still a viable option.

• Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned: The simplicity of this classic lets Buffalo Trace’s flavors come through.
• Buffalo Trace Peach Old Fashioned: A twist on the classic cocktail.
• Buffalo Sour: Mix Buffalo Trace with lemon juice and a touch of sugar for a refreshing drink.
• Buffalo Trace Mint Julep: The mint complements the bourbon’s smooth character.

Additionally, mixing Buffalo Trace with soda or ginger ale is another way to enjoy it.

Soda offers effervescence without adding flavor, while ginger ale introduces a spicy-sweet kick.

If you’re unfamiliar, ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger, and it pairs wonderfully with the subtleties of Buffalo Trace.

With Beer

The right beer can complement Buffalo Trace Bourbon beautifully, taking your drinking experience to new heights.

Given the smooth, caramel, and vanilla notes of Buffalo Trace, beers that offer contrast or complement these flavors can be ideal.

For a complementary pairing, consider a rich, malty beer like a brown ale or a bourbon barrel-aged stout.

The sweet malt profile of these beers will mesh seamlessly with Buffalo Trace’s inherent sweetness, creating a harmonious taste journey.

For those looking for a bit of contrast, a hop-forward IPA can be a fascinating choice.

The bitterness and citrus notes of the IPA can offer a refreshing contrast to the bourbon’s sweetness, creating a dynamic flavor interplay that keeps your palate engaged.

Pairings

Buffalo Trace pairs excellently with a range of foods and cigars.

For food, consider pairing it with dark chocolates or a hearty BBQ brisket.

The sweetness of the chocolate or the smokiness of the brisket complements the bourbon’s notes.

As for cigars, a medium-bodied cigar with notes of cocoa and cedar will accentuate the smooth character of Buffalo Trace.