The classic Buffalo Trace whisky is bottled at 40% alcohol and is said to be 8-10 years old. This is not stated on the bottle, but based on the taste experience, it sounds like a reasonable guess. There is also a discontinued version of Buffalo Trace Bourbon at 45% alcohol, which I would definitely recommend for those who want a little extra kick. Whisky.dk has a small portion left, but in a 100 cl bottle, which doesn't matter.
The color is natural, without dyes as it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This label places certain requirements on the whiskey, including a requirement that no colorants are used. Despite the fact that the whiskey has been watered down to 40% since it was in the barrel, it carries a beautiful dark amber-golden color.
On the nose you'll find sweet notes of honey, fresh oak, sweet fresh corn, a hint of BBQ and overall a mild but full-bodied, classic scent of traditional Bourbon whiskey.
Thepalette offers delightful flavors of vanilla, toasted oak, as well as sweet oranges, green apples and cinnamon. The combination of green apples and cinnamon reminded me of a freshly baked apple pie.
In the aftertaste, the oranges linger, along with notes of old dusty wood, toast, coffee and finally an incredibly creamy vanilla ice cream flavor, a note that can be found in other whiskies from Buffalo Trace the distillery, such as Blanton's.
Overall, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is, in my opinion, a whiskey that should have a permanent place in the bar cabinet. It is quite simply a benchmark for what Bourbon stands for and is an excellent introduction to American whiskey, as well as a welcome return for the seasoned enthusiast.
A little more about Buffalo Trace
No. 1 on the list of 10 American spirits products you should know is Buffalo Trace. It was first introduced in 1999. Buffalo Trace is a small batch bourbon - meaning it is only produced in small quantities at a time.
25-30 barrels are selected from warehouses C, I & K. Only from the middle rows, where the aging is optimal, the barrels come. Buffalo Trace The distillery used to be called Ancient Age - but regardless of the name change, it is still a unique bourbon that comes from this distillery located on the old buffalo trail - hence the name.
Brought to Denmark on Jim Murray's personal recommendation. Jim Murray has in his book - "The Whisky Bible 2004" rated the whisky 94/100.
Jim's tasting notes: "The nose screams of sharp rye character over a complex layer of corn, citrus and oak - really exciting. The flavor is formidable with a soft, oily mouthfeel as the corn soaks up tingly rye and spices. The finish is sweet, still oily like cream caramel. The rye reappears and fights to the end with the corn. I simply adore this whiskey, the balance is perfect between corn and oak, but also the bitter sweetness is in harmony. The rye content adds great color and complexity. One of the world's whiskey jewels!"
The The Beverage Tasting Institute, Chicago, which tastes its way through the world's spirits, has given Buffalo Trace 90/100.