Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Bulleit Bourbon are two very popular mid-shelf bourbons. Buffalo Trace is a go-to benchmark in the $30-$40 price point, and Bulleit is a worthy competitor in that price point. Today we review Buffalo Trace and Bulleit side by side to determine which might be right for you to try. Depending on if you are a fan of drinking your whiskey neat or in cocktails could change which I recommend.

Purchase Buffalo Trace HERE
Purchase Bulleit Bourbon HERE

Buffalo Trace Bourbon, from the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, has a very high corn mash percentage, low rye, and a little barley. This produces a fairly sweet taste with hints of vanilla, citrus, and honey. If this sounds good, make sure to check out our Buffalo Trace vs Eagle Rare review.

Bulleit Bourbon, out of the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, has a high rye mash percentage, although not as high as their rye whiskey. This produces a little more bite on the palate with hints of maple, cedar, and nutmeg.

Both Buffalo Trace and Bulleit are great value bourbons. For me personally, I’d choose Buffalo Trace for drinking neat, while I’d go for Bulleit if I’m making a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Let us know what your favorite mid-shelf bourbon is!