Buffalo Trace is a well-known bourbon brand that has been producing quality whiskey for over 200 years. The brand is known for its mash bills, which are the recipes used to make bourbon. Mash bill #1 is the foundation for all Buffalo Trace bourbons, while mash bill #2 is commonly referred to as the high-rye mash bill.
Mash bill #1 is made up of corn, rye, and malted barley. The exact proportions are kept secret, but it is believed that the mash bill contains around 10% rye. Buffalo Trace bourbon is made from this mash bill, and it is aged for at least 7-9 years, although it does not have an age statement on the bottle.
Mash bill #2 is known for containing more rye than mash bill #1. It is commonly used in bourbons that are designed to have a spicier flavor profile. However, Buffalo Trace does not use mash bill #2 in any of its bourbons.
Instead, Buffalo Trace uses a wheated bourbon mash bill, which is also known as mash bill #1B. This mash bill is similar to mash bill #1, but it replaces the rye with wheat. This creates a softer, smoother flavor profile that is often assoiated with wheated bourbons. All Buffalo Trace wheated bourbons are made from this mash bill, including the popular Pappy Van Winkle bourbons.
Pappy Van Winkle bourbons are highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts, and they are often considered to be some of the best bourbons in the world. The brand uses the wheated bourbon mash bill from Buffalo Trace, and it is aged for a minimum of 15 years. This creates a rich, complex flavor profile that is highly coveted by collectors and connoisseurs.
Buffalo Trace uses mash bill #1 for all of its bourbons, including the highly sought after Pappy Van Winkle bourbons. The brand also uses a wheated bourbon mash bill that replaces the rye with wheat, creating a softer, smoother flavor profile. Mash bill #2, which contains more rye, is not used by Buffalo Trace. The brand's focus on quality and consistency has made it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts for over two centuries.
Mash Bill of Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace bourbon uses Mash Bill #1, which is a recipe consisting of corn, rye, and barley. This particular mash bill has a higher percentage of rye in comparison to other bourbons. The exact ratios of the ingredients in Mash Bill #1 remain a well-kept secret, but it is known that it contains at least 51% corn, as is required by law for bourbons. The other grains in the mash bill contribute to the unique flavor profile of Buffalo Trace bourbon.
Are Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare Made from the Same Mash Bill?
Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare share the same mash bill which is Mashbill #1. This mash bill consists of 10% or less of rye, 5-10% of barley, and the remaining majority of corn. Both of these bourbons are produced by the Buffalo Trace distillery and are made using the same mash bill. However, the main difference between them is the age. Eagle Rare is aged for at least 10 years, while Buffalo Trace does not have an age statement, but it is believed to be aged for 7-9 years.
Mash Bill Number 2 at Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace mash bill number 2 is a type of mash bill that is commonly referred to as the “high-rye mash bill.” This mash bill is known for containing 12 to 15 percent rye, which is a relatively high amount compared to other mash bills. However, it is important to note that the term “high rye” can be a bit misleading, as it is often associted with mash bills containing 20 to 35 percent rye or more. Buffalo Trace mash bill number 2 is used in the production of several popular bourbons, including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Stagg Jr. Bourbons made from this mash bill tend to have a spicy and complex flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Trace mash bills play a significant role in the unique flavor profiles of thir bourbons. Mash bill #1, with its higher rye content, results in a spicier and more complex bourbon, while the wheated mash bill produces a smoother and sweeter bourbon. The use of different mash bills also allows for the creation of various aged bourbons, such as the Eagle Rare's 10-year age statement. It's fascinating to learn how subtle changes in the mash bill can lead to such distinct flavor profiles, and it's a testament to the art of bourbon-making. Whether you're a fan of the spicier or sweeter bourbons, Buffalo Trace's variety of mash bills has something to offer for every bourbon enthusiast.
