Nose: The nose on this is like a decadent breakfast of pancakes smothered in cinnamon butter, dripping with the best maple syrup, and topped with a hand-made scoop of vanilla ice cream. Lee are stored where the master distiller himself used to store the barrels he kept for his own stash. The mash bill has a higher rye content and the barrels are kept in a special location. Lee is another hugely popular release that’s very limited (and sought after). Still, I’d argue that most of the bottles ranked below are worth that hunt. That’s just the world we live in with regard to elite whiskey in 2023. I’ve linked to aftermarket sources, but you’ll have to pay dearly for those bottles. Since this is Buffalo Trace, a word of warning before we dive in though - some of these bottles are not going to be easy to find. I’ve ranked each brand’s best expression by how good they taste. I’m listing all 19 of Buffalo Trace’s brands with the best expression from each brand - the one gem I think you should try.

I’m going to break it all down for you today.

Which can, again, be a little overwhelming to the passive or new spirits consumer. Plus, most of Buffalo Trace’s brands have various expressions of varying quality for varying markets/reasons. But as with any huge shingle like this, there’s a lot of variation at play. I’m lucky enough to get to taste Buffalo Trace releases through visits to the distillery and through my work in the industry as a leading critic, judge, and taster.

They’re responsible for making some amazingly high-end brands like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, and Eagle Rare while also pumping out killer budget brands like Benchmark, Wheatley Vodka, and Ancient Age. As part of the privately owned and operated Sazerac Company, Buffalo Trace distillery has been able to conquer both the budget and elite bourbon and rye whiskey markets in the U.S. Buffalo Trace makes some of the most beloved whiskey brands in the world.

List of whiskey brands