When it comes to making an old fashioned cocktail, the choice of whiskey is important. Many bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts believe that a quality bourbon whiskey makes the best old fashioned. Buffalo Trace is a popular brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is known for its smooth flavor profile and approachable price point. But is Buffalo Trace a good option specifically for making old fashioneds? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Buffalo Trace Bourbon?
Buffalo Trace is a straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Some key facts about Buffalo Trace Bourbon:
- It’s been made for over 200 years using the distillery’s traditional bourbon mash bill recipe of corn, rye, and malted barley.
- Aged for a minimum of 8 years in new charred oak barrels, though the age is typically 10-12 years.
- No age statement on the bottle, so the distillers can blend barrels to achieve consistent flavor.
- Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV)
- Flavor profile is complex for the price point, with notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and oak.
- MSRP is around $25 USD, making it very affordable for a quality straight bourbon.
As an award-winning and readily available mid-range bourbon, Buffalo Trace is popular in many whiskey cocktails and appeals to both bourbon beginners and connoisseurs. But how does it fare specifically in an old fashioned?
What Makes a Good Bourbon for Old Fashioned?
An old fashioned is a simple classic cocktail that consists of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and often an orange slice or cherry garnish. With so few ingredients, the quality of the bourbon makes a big impact on the overall drink.
Here are some key criteria to look for in selecting a bourbon for an old fashioned:
- Flavor Balance – The bourbon should have an ideal balance of sweetness, spice, and oak flavors to shine when accompanying the sugar and bitters.
- Smoothness – A smooth, mellow bourbon lets the other ingredients blend nicely rather than overpowering them.
- Depth of Flavor – More complex, aged bourbons tend to make a more interesting old fashioned than young, one-note options.
- Value – Since it’s typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks, ultra-premium bourbons may be wasted in an old fashioned – a good mid-range option often works well.
With these criteria in mind, let’s see how Buffalo Trace stacks up.
How Does Buffalo Trace Perform in an Old Fashioned?
Buffalo Trace has several characteristics that make it a solid choice for using in an old fashioned cocktail:
- Smoothness – The mellow rounded flavor comes through nicely when paired with sugar and bitters.
- Vanilla and Oak – The aged oak and vanilla notes complement traditional orange and cherry garnish flavors.
- Spicy Rye – The higher rye content adds a hint of spice to balance the sweetness.
- Affordable – You don’t have to use an expensive premium bourbon to make a great old fashioned.
In terms of drawbacks, Buffalo Trace lacks some of the rich, intense depth of flavor that higher-end bourbons can contribute to an old fashioned. The relatively low proof of 90 (45% ABV) also means it may get lost a bit when adding ice. However, these are minor issues for an everyday old fashioned, and Buffalo Trace remains a very solid choice.
How Do Bartenders Feel About Using Buffalo Trace?
Professional bartenders tend to have mixed opinions on using Buffalo Trace for old fashioneds:
- Some bartenders feel it makes a perfectly balanced, smooth old fashioned at a good value.
- Others argue it lacks the assertive flavor and crispness needed to shine through the sugar and bitters.
- Most agree it makes a dependable, crowd-pleasing old fashioned that guests will enjoy.
- For a signature or upscale old fashioned, most bartenders would opt for a small batch or single barrel bourbon to provide more layered flavor.
So while Buffalo Trace may not be the first choice for bourbon purists or cocktail aficionados, it’s still considered a solid, fool-proof option for most bartenders making old fashioneds.
How Does Buffalo Trace Compare to Other Bourbon Options?
Buffalo Trace is an excellent mid-range choice for old fashioneds, but here’s how it compares to some other popular bourbon options:
| Bourbon Brand | Price Point | Flavor Notes | Good For Old Fashioned? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Trace | $$ | Vanilla, oak, brown sugar, spice | Yes – smooth and balanced |
| Maker’s Mark | $$ | Vanilla, caramel, fruity | Yes – mellow and a little sweet |
| Bulleit | $$ | Oaky, nutty, peppery | Yes – spicy and complex |
| Elijah Craig | $$ | Caramel, vanilla, bold oak | Yes – rich and intense |
| Woodford Reserve | $$$ | Cherry, spices, chocolate | Yes – layered and nuanced |
| Knob Creek | $$ | Vanilla, roasted nuts, woody | Yes – full flavored |
| Wild Turkey 101 | $ | Spicy, honey, citrus | Yes – punchy and assertive |
As the table shows, Buffalo Trace fits nicely into the mid-range price point while offering nice balanced flavor that works well in an old fashioned. It compares favorably against other popular bourbons like Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, and Knob Creek. Of course, for a few dollars more, some small batch and single barrel options can provide a more nuanced, complex old fashioned experience.
Should You Use Buffalo Trace in an Old Fashioned?
So should you use Buffalo Trace as your go-to bourbon for making old fashioneds? Here are some closing recommendations:
- Buffalo Trace makes an excellent everyday old fashioned. It provides smooth, pleasing flavor without breaking the bank.
- Feel confident using it for catering events, happy hour specials, or casual home gatherings. Most guests will enjoy the flavor.
- For entertaining bourbon aficionados or a craft cocktail crowd, consider splurging on a more premium small batch bourbon to impress.
- Try experimenting with other bourbon brands side-by-side to find your perfect old fashioned flavor profile.
- Regardless of brand, be sure to use quality ice, oranges/cherries, and classic Angostura bitters to make each old fashioned shine.
While not the most exciting or nuanced choice, Buffalo Trace is undeniably a very solid bang-for-your-buck option for making delicious old fashioneds. Its balanced oak and vanilla notes pair beautifully with sugar and bitters to create a smooth, crowd-pleasing whiskey cocktail.
Conclusion
Buffalo Trace may not be the premier artisanal bourbon on the market, but its smooth and easy-drinking flavor profile make it a go-to for crafting approachable old fashioned cocktails. While bourbon aficionados can opt for pricier small batch selections, Buffalo Trace offers the sweet spot of quality and value. Using good technique and high quality supporting ingredients, even novice bartenders can turn out fantastic old fashioneds with this very solid and dependable bourbon. For delicious results without breaking the bank, Buffalo Trace remains a top choice for old fashioned enthusiasts everywhere.