Bourbon and rye from the same distillery, at the same proof, so the only thing separating them is the grain. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the flagship of the distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, a site that has been making whiskey for more than two centuries. Bottled at 90 proof from a low rye mash bill and aged in new charred oak, it pours a deep amber and gives brown sugar, vanilla and mint on the nose, then a palate of toffee, dark fruit and anise over a pleasant oak backbone, closing long and smooth. It is one of the most awarded bourbons in the world and one of the best values in American whiskey. Sazerac Straight Rye takes the same distillery and flips the mash bill so rye leads instead of corn. It is named for the Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans, where the Sazerac cocktail was created in the 1800s, and this is the whiskey that drink was built on. Also bottled at 90 proof, it opens with clove, anise and candied spice, then delivers a surprisingly smooth and sweet palate of vanilla, citrus and gentle pepper before a dry, lingering finish of licorice and oak. Side by side, the pair makes the difference between the two categories immediately obvious: corn brings roundness and sweetness, rye brings spice and dryness. It is one of the clearest tasting comparisons you can set up with two bottles. Practically, this is also the most useful pairing for a home bar. Buffalo Trace is the everyday bourbon for an Old Fashioned or a simple pour, while Sazerac Rye is what you reach for when making a proper Sazerac, Vieux Carré or Manhattan. Both are widely loved, neither is difficult to drink, and together they cover most of what a good whiskey shelf needs.
ABV / Proof
| Buffalo Trace ABV |
45% |
| Buffalo Trace Proof |
90 |
| Sazerac Rye ABV |
45% |
| Sazerac Rye Proof |
90 |
| Size |
2 x 750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
Tasting Notes
Buffalo Trace: Brown sugar, vanilla and mint on the nose, then toffee, dark fruit and anise with a long, smooth finish.
Sazerac Rye: Clove, anise and candied spice on the nose, then vanilla, citrus and pepper with a dry finish of licorice and oak.
FAQ
What is included in this bundle?
One 750ml bottle of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon and one 750ml bottle of Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, both at 90 proof.
Are both from the same distillery?
Yes. Both are produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
What is the difference between bourbon and rye?
Bourbon is corn led, giving a rounder, sweeter profile. Rye is rye led, giving more spice and a drier finish. Both bottles here are 90 proof, so the grain is the main variable.
What cocktails is Sazerac Rye used for?
It is the classic base for a Sazerac, and works equally well in a Vieux Carré, Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
Is this a good starter bundle?
Yes. Both bottles are approachable, widely respected and genuinely useful behind a home bar, covering bourbon and rye in one order.
Where can I buy this Sazerac Rye and Buffalo Trace bundle online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
