Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace bourbon comparison

Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace are prominent mid-tier bourbon options often chosen by consumers looking to move beyond entry-level whiskeys. Woodford Reserve, produced by Brown-Forman in Versailles, Kentucky, is made from a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, utilizing triple distillation in copper pot stills. Buffalo Trace, owned by Sazerac and produced in Frankfort, Kentucky, uses Mash Bill #1, which is estimated to contain 10% rye or less.

Pricing and alcohol by volume (ABV) vary by region. In the US, Woodford Reserve typically retails for approximately $40, while Buffalo Trace is around $30. In the UK, Woodford Reserve ranges from £28 to £38, and Buffalo Trace is priced at £30. ABV levels also differ; the US version of Woodford Reserve is 45.2% ABV, whereas the UK version is 43.2%. Buffalo Trace is bottled at 45% ABV in the US and 40% ABV in the UK.

For consumers shopping at lower price points, identifying quality involves checking labels for distinctions between straight bourbon and blended whiskeys, which may contain neutral spirits. Finding straight bourbon without an age statement often indicates the product is at least four years old.