Monday, June 7, 2010

Southern Staple: Buffalo Trace bourbon

While I wouldn't consider myself a bourbon connoisseur, I would consider myself a bourbon enthusiast. I haven't tried as many of the high-end bourbons as I would like to, but I do know what I like.

For my 23rd birthday, my buddy Sanders gave me a bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon,. I was unfamiliar with it because, at the time, it was only sold in Kentucky. I really liked it, and was impressed with its drinkability, especially at 90 proof, and I've been hooked ever since. It's sweeter than some bourbons, but in my opinion, not as sweet as Maker's Mark, which I know some true bourbon fans aren't too keen on. It's more expensive than Jim Beam, but a little cheaper than Maker's, so I feel like it's at a good price point as well. It's good for making Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Mint Juleps, drinking on the rocks, or even drinking straight with a splash of water.

Buffalo Trace is produced at, not surprisingly, the Buffalo Trace Distillery which is located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery is owned by the Sazerac Corporation and also produces Sazerac rye, Ancient Age, Elmer T. Lee, and, perhaps most famous of all, Blanton's. They also produce an annual "Antique Collection" of limited release whiskeys, of which I know that Tucker is a fan. These can be expensive and hard to find, and while I'm sure they're good, I think I'm just going to stick with the regular one.

Buffalo Trace can be found in Birmingham and now in Atlanta. Which is awesome.

9 comments:

JMW said...

Glad to see you touting the bourbon of Kentucky! You should really try Woodford Reserve (my favorite) or Four Roses. Then, there's the granddaddy, Pappy Van Winkle. My hubby loves the 15-year Pappy, but that will set you back a few dollars. Well worth it, though.

Paul said...

Yeah, I'm in the camp that thinks Makers kind of sucks. I mean, it's decent, but it's not the end all/be all of bourbon that people make it out to be. JMW has some good suggestions, try those. I had the pleasure of trying some Pappy 23-year, WOW. Amazing. Also try Blanton's.

Have you had the Firefly bourbon yet? It's made with Buffalo Trace.

The Florida Blogger said...

I'm not much of single alcohol drinker. Two ingredients, yes. I guess the vice that's as surreptitious as an outhouse rat, is vino. Dark red. Bold. Kick you in teeth after two glasses. But I've been wanting to get into the heavier stuff. Thanks for the push.

Anonymous said...

Someone thinks Maker's is the be all and end all? I thought it was universally recognized as just a good everyday and not really even trying to be real top-shelf stuff.

For what it's worth, I saw Buffalo Trace at Meijer (which is like a Wal-Mart/Target melding) in northern Indiana. So it can't be too hard to find.

mattpecina said...

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-mattpecina

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Thad said...

Buffalo Trace is easy to find. Any reputable liquor store will have it in the USA ... I used to purchase it in the UK. It is a great basic drinking bourbon (as opposed to a standard mixing bourbon like Beam or Maker's). Personally, I like Booker's and George T. Stagg.

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Hey does anyone live in NYC by chance? I am the New York Market Manager for Buffalo Trace Bourbon and I just stumbled upon this blog. I do events up here and recruit brand advocates. Let me know.
jamie@cornett-ims.com

Centinel said...

Love bourbon, but years ago in Dallas a friend turned me on to Forty Creek Canadian Whisky. Some ABC stores carry it here in VA, some don't, so who knows if you can find it down your way. Smooth stuff, and better, I feel, than Crown Royal.