Monkey Shoulder vs Buffalo Trace: Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:19 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 Monkey Shoulder vs Buffalo Trace in this head-to-head comparison and decide which 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

Monkey Shoulder vs Buffalo Trace: Comparison

Monkey Shoulder: A welcoming introduction to Scotch whisky, Monkey Shoulder blends marmalade, vanilla, and warm spices on the nose, with a palate of malt, vanilla, and honey. It finishes with a hint of caramel and oak spice. Perfect for cocktails and newcomers to whisky, offering a smooth and sweet experience.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon: This bourbon delivers aromas of caramel and baking spices, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Its finish is smooth, featuring vanilla and oak. Ideal for neat sipping, Buffalo Trace is celebrated for its smoothness and versatility, making it a staple for everyday enjoyment.

Key Difference: While both are whisk(e)ys, Monkey Shoulder is a Scotch blend while Buffalo Trace is a bourbon with distinct production styles.

The Verdict: Monkey Shoulder and Buffalo Trace Bourbon cater to those starting their journey into the worlds of whisky and bourbon, respectively. Monkey Shoulder excels in cocktails with its sweet and approachable profile, while Buffalo Trace offers a smooth, versatile experience that’s perfect for sipping neat. Both are excellent choices for expanding your palate and exploring the rich landscapes of malt whisky and bourbon, states spirits expert Neil Coleman.

Monkey Shoulder: A Friendly Intro to Malt Whisky

Nose: Marmalade, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon
Palate: Malt, vanilla, orange, honey, oak
Finish: Caramel, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Cocktails
Similar to: Aberfeldy 12

New to the world of whisky? Monkey Shoulder might be your perfect first sip! This smooth and approachable blended malt is known for its sweetness, affordability, and cocktail adaptability.

What’s in the aroma? Imagine marmalade, layered with warm spices like vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

What’s on the palate? Get ready for a creamy, gentle experience with notes of orange, honey, and vanilla. A touch of oak spice adds intrigue, but without any harsh heat.

The finish? Quick and crisp, leaving a linger of caramel and oak. Adding a drop of water unlocks extra sweetness, making it even smoother.

Perfect for you if:

You’re a whisky beginner seeking a friendly introduction.
You enjoy light and sweet flavor profiles.
You love experimenting with cocktails, as Monkey Shoulder shines in classics like the Rob Roy.

Bonus! Although not a single malt (made at one distillery), this blend combines single malts from Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie. Think of it as a best-of-both-worlds sip!

Want more? Explore the fascinating history behind the name (related to a “malting” injury!). Ready to dive in? Cheers!

Buffalo Trace Bourbon: A Smooth & Versatile Everyday Sip

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: Wild Turkey Longbranch

Craving a bourbon that’s easy on the wallet and the palate? Look no further than Buffalo Trace! This widely loved bourbon boasts a smooth, approachable flavor and a budget-friendly price, making it a go-to choice for both newcomers and seasoned drinkers.

What’s in the glass? Take a whiff and you’ll be greeted by warm aromas of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. Sip it neat and discover a delightful balance of oak, spice, and fruit flavors with a touch of sweetness lingering on the finish. This bourbon may not pack a punch, but its satisfying mouthfeel and gentle warmth make it perfect for everyday enjoyment.

More than just a pretty face: Buffalo Trace isn’t just delicious, it’s also crafted with care. Aged for 8 years in unique conditions that expose it to diverse temperature fluctuations, this bourbon develops deeper, richer flavors compared to standard aging methods. And while the exact recipe is a secret, we know it uses a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley for a well-rounded character.

The verdict? Buffalo Trace shines as an everyday sipper. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks to savor its full flavor profile. While it might not be your “wow” bourbon, its smoothness, affordability, and versatility make it a sure bet for any bourbon lover’s cabinet.

Want to learn more? Dig deeper into the unique aging process and secret mashbill that make Buffalo Trace a true Kentucky classic. Cheers!

How do Monkey Shoulder and Buffalo Trace differ?

The Monkey Shoulder is a Scotch and Buffalo Trace a Bourbon

Monkey Shoulder is a blend of Scotch Whiskies sourced from three different distilleries.

It is made exclusively from malted barley, the sole ingredient used in its production.

On the other hand, Buffalo Trace is a bourbon whiskey produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Its mash bill consists of corn, rye, and malted barley.

It’s worth noting the spelling difference between “whisky” and “whiskey.”

The former is typically associated with Scotch and other whiskies from countries that follow that spelling convention, while the latter is commonly used for American and Irish whiskies, which add the letter “e” to the word.

Both spellings are acceptable and widely used.