Buffalo Trace Bourbon has gained a reputation for being a fantastic and affordable bourbon, making it a staple in many home bars. In any normal year, you should be able to nab a bottle of Buffalo Trace from your local liquor store for around $25…. But this is no normal year.
Recently, good ole Buffalo Trace has become increasingly difficult to find.It has even become an Allocated Bourbon here Virginia and several other East Coast states (we wrote an entire article about the Buffalo Trace shortage here). I could go on and on about this, but in short, demand for this bourbon has skyrocketed, causing it to become scarce, and production hasn’t kept up. COVID, the Bourbon Boom, and the ascendency of the Tater have all contributed to this.
Buffalo Trace has had to allocate its limited supply to its loyal customers, making it challenging for new customers to get their hands on a bottle. If you are one of those customers, don’t worry. There are plenty of other bourbons on the market that are just as delicious as Buffalo Trace.
Here are 5 unallocated, easy-to-find, absolutely delicious alternatives to Buffalo Trace bourbon:
This list is by no means exhaustive, but will satisfy your cravings while you continue to hunt the difficult-to-find Buffalo Trace bourbon.
1. Benchmark Single Barrel.
If you’re looking for a similar flavor profile to Buffalo Trace, Benchmark Single Barrel is an excellent choice.
Produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, this bourbon shares many of the same characteristics as its more famous cousin. At an MSRP of $25, it’s also an affordable option for those on a budget.
2. John J Bowman Single Barrel.
This Virginia bourbon Is made by Sazerac, the parent company of Buffalo Trace. The John J Bowman Single Barrel is a smooth and complex bourbon, aged for 9 years, with a rich and full flavor profile.
At an MSRP of around $50, it’s a bit pricier than Benchmark Single Barrel. But this is still a great alternative to Buffalo Trace. Breaking Bourbon has a great take on this bottle. Get it now – I have a feeling it’s about to get hard to find.
3. Elijah Craig Small Batch.
This is another excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and flavorful bourbon. It is aged for a minimum of 8 years in charred oak barrels. This gives it a rich, caramelized flavor profile with notes of vanilla and oak. At an MSRP of $30, it’s a great value for the quality.
4. Four Roses Single Barrel.
It wouldn’t shock me if Four Roses made every list out there of “under rated bourbon.” For a bourbon with a bit more bite (which is what I like), try Four Roses Single Barrel.
This bourbon is aged for a minimum of 7 years and has a spicy, full-bodied flavor profile with notes of cinnamon and black pepper. At an MSRP of $45, it’s a bit pricier than some of the other options on this list, but well worth the investment for those who appreciate a more robust flavor
5. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
Finally, for those who enjoy a sweeter bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is an excellent choice. It is aged in two separate charred oak barrels. This gives it a rich, sweet flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey.
At an MSRP of $55, it’s the priciest option on this list, but well worth it for those who enjoy a complex and layered bourbon.
We’re finding that Buffalo Trace is getting more and more elusive these days, but there’s hope. There are plenty of fantastic alternatives out there that are just as delicious and enjoyable. From the caramel notes of Benchmark Single Barrel to the spicy finish of John J Bowman Single Barrel, there’s a bourbon out there for everyone. And who knows, maybe one day soon you’ll stumble upon a bottle of Buffalo Trace and feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. Until then, explore these other options and enjoy the hunt for your new favorite bourbon! Cheers to the journey, good luck on the hunt, and savor every sip along the way.
Leave a Reply