Rickhouse Rant, Vol. 4 – Buffalo Trace: Soup, Cigars, and Cowboy Coats

Jun 10

Welcome back to the Rickhouse Rant — where the bourbon’s real, the sarcasm is high proof, and the sacred cows of whiskey marketing get roasted over an open flame. Speaking of sacred cows—or more accurately, sacred bison—let’s talk Buffalo Trace.

Because what would a bourbon rant series be without a hat tip (or a side-eye) to the marketing juggernaut that is Buffalo Trace? This bottle isn’t just a staple on every newbie’s shelf, it’s the scent of bourbon itself. Literally. There are Buffalo Trace candles, aftershaves, soup, and—wait for it—Wrangler jackets. Yes, nothing says “refined palate” like smelling like a barrel while herding cattle in Brooklyn.

And let’s be honest: every bourbon bar in urban America is crawling with cowboys these days, right? Raw denim, leather boots, and a two-ounce neat pour of something that “just dropped.” I can’t walk through Raleigh without tripping over a guy named Brad who’s wearing a flat-brim Stetson and talking about his infinity bottle like he distilled it himself.

But hey, I’m not here to rant about the bourbon-scented economy or the cosplay culture of bourbon bros. I’m here to talk about the juice. Because despite all the noise, Buffalo Trace Bourbon—at its suggested retail price of $26.99—is actually pretty damn good.

Let’s Break It Down:

Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac Company) – Frankfort, KY
Proof: 90
Mash Bill: Undisclosed (low-rye traditional bourbon mash bill, estimated ~10% rye)
Age: Rumored to be 6–8 years
MSRP: $26.99 (real-world availability may vary wildly)
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Vanilla, toffee, caramel, light oak
- Palate: Buttery corn, mild spice, toffee, dried fruit
- Finish: Medium, sweet, touch of rye and baking spice

So what sets Buffalo Trace apart? Certainly not transparency. The mash bill is a secret, the age statement is somewhere between “trust us” and “Google it”, and if you want details, well, you better be prepared to decode Reddit threads and bourbon blogs like a conspiracy theorist with a corkboard and red string.

But here’s the twist—it works. This bourbon is an approachable sipper for beginners, a reliable pour for seasoned vets, and a versatile base for cocktails. Neat? Solid. In an Old Fashioned? Smooth and sweet. Over ice? Still holds up. There’s a reason Buffalo Trace helped kickstart the modern bourbon boom. Sazerac played the long game: build the myth, make it scarce, crank the FOMO machine to 11.

Is it the best $27 bourbon out there? That depends on your taste. Old Forester 100, Wild Turkey 101, and Elijah Craig Small Batch all sit at the same table—and in a blind lineup, you might reach for one of those instead. But if your flavor profile leans toward low spice, sweet vanilla, and easy sipping, this bottle earns its keep.

Now Let’s Get Real:

Should you hunt Buffalo Trace like it’s liquid gold? No.

Should you pay $40+ for a bottle? Also no.

Should you snag it at retail when you see it? Absolutely.

Should you buy into the hype machine that treats it like some kind of Holy Grail? C’mon now. Be serious.

There are tons of under-$35 bourbons that bring sweetness and smoothness without the sticker shock or allocation drama. Want something wheated and smooth in that proof range? Try Larceny Small Batch. Want something with more depth? Bardstown Origin Wheated is one of my personal favorites—just a few bucks more and worth every penny.

And let’s clear up one last thing while we’re here: Buffalo never roamed North America. Those are bison. So technically, this should be Bison Trace—but I guess that doesn’t look as good on a T-shirt or next to a beard oil kit.

Final Pour:

Buffalo Trace is a marketing masterclass, a tasty pour, and a great intro bourbon—but don’t confuse great branding for rare liquid gold. If you can get it at retail, it’s a solid buy. If someone’s trying to sell it to you for $50, politely laugh and back away slowly.

Until next time, cheers y’all—and remember: bourbon doesn’t need a cowboy hat, just a clean glass.