Mash Bill Breakdown - Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1

As you may have noticed, the world of whiskey has really transformed in the last five to ten years. Remember how you used to see bottles sitting for long periods of time on shelves all over the country? Now they seem to barely even make it out of the delivery truck before they are bought and sold (and then often re-sold).

It’s safe to say whiskey has gone mainstream.

The massive influx of new whiskey drinkers makes for an interesting knowledge gap. Most are just casual fans (which is perfectly fine). They hunt after bottles they are told are unique and hard to get without really diving too deep into what each brand has to offer. Many are familiar with the term “MGP” sourced whiskey (Midwest Grain Products of Indiana). The fact that numerous whiskey brands source their products all from one place in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, is an open secret. But some distilleries are fortunate enough to have the resources to distill and age their own whiskey. Many of these also utilize the same mash bill for multiple products.

The distillery with some of the most sought-after bottles, Buffalo Trace is no exception. Their total mash bill count has increased over the years. But the same recipe, Mash Bill #1, is used for several of their most popular offerings. Unlike some other brands, Buffalo Trace keeps the exact specifications of their mash bills under wraps. However, multiple sources online have made educated guesses stating their Mash Bill #1 is low rye (likely containing 10 percent or less).

Bottles Produced by Buffalo Trace (all using Mash Bill #1)

Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1

With so many different products using Mash Bill #1, it’s best to start with Buffalo Trace’s most “basic” offering. This is where it all begins, prior to the barreling and aging process. Buffalo Trace offers their Mash Bill #1 as an un-aged and clear spirit known as White Dog. All their other offerings are aged before being bottled. But this bottle is sold to honor the first explorers of America who would drink their whiskey right off the still.

This 125-proof bottle is going to have a sweet corn taste along with the burn and is not something many would claim to love. But it’s still a fun bottle to have around. It’s also a great and affordable gift for any Buffalo Trace fans you might know who haven’t had the chance to try it.

Buffalo Trace

As you can tell by the name, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is the distillery’s flagship product. It’s a great bottle many whiskey drinkers make a point to always have in their home bar. More than a few long-time whiskey drinkers have begun their journey with a bottle of Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark (can’t forget Wild Turkey). Also, unlike most of the bottles included in this list, BT is relatively easy to get your hands on at (or close to) retail.

Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye Recipe

A relatively new offering from Buffalo Trace is their kosher whiskey line released in 2020. Their Rye Recipe bottle, which uses Mash Bill #1, is included in a lineup along with a straight rye and wheat recipe. In order to satisfy the requirements to be deemed “kosher” Buffalo Trace partnered with the Chicago Rabbinical Council. The barrels were sold to a non-Jewish executive in a ceremony of sorts.

The addition of a kosher-specific line may seem odd. But any new release from Buffalo Trace is scooped up by everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. You can bet the secondary market quickly got their hands on all three bottles. If you are fortunate enough to find one at retail ($40), it is well worth the price.

George T. Stagg

George T. Stagg is an annual release from Buffalo Trace. This bottle is generally on the “unicorn” list of many bourbon hunters. It was recently awarded 2022 World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Note: After determining the 2006 barrels were not up to standard, George T. Stagg was not bottled and released in 2021.

Stagg, Jr.

This high-proof release from Buffalo Trace is highly sought after as well. For those on the hunt, it’s worth noting that Buffalo Trace announced that the “Jr.” on the name will be dropped beginning with Batch 18.

E.H. Taylor, Jr. (multiple variations available)

One of the hardest things to witness due to the “bourbon boom” is the lack of E.H. Taylor Small Batch available at retail. The other variations of E.H. Taylor (barrel proof, single barrel, etc.) are even harder to get your hands on at a decent price.

Eagle Rare (both the 10 yr. and 17 yr.)

Another bottle that has been sad to see prices soar on is the Eagle Rare 10-year. The 17-year Eagle Rare offering is another one of the bottles in their annual Antique Collection and is also incredibly hard to get your hands on. But the 10-year is an absolute steal when available at retail.

Old Charter

Old Charter is a unique one. However, Buffalo Trace puts out more than five offerings under the Old Charter brand name. They include Old Charter 8 (80-proof bourbon) and Old Charter 101, as well as Old Charter French Oak, Chinkapin Oak, Mongolian Oak, and Canadian Oak.

The Old Charter brand has been around for a LONG TIME, after first being established in 1874 by two brothers. The brand has changed hands a few times, though. You can read more about the brands' history here. In 1987, following the one-millionth barrel being bottled in 1974, the brand was acquired by United Distillers. It was later purchased by the Sazerac Company in 1999. Old Charter was previously sold with an 8-year age statement. But in 2014, a reformulation was completed, and the age statement was dropped.

McAfee Brothers Benchmark Collection

A recent addition to the Buffalo Trace family that uses the Mash Bill #1 recipe is the Benchmark Collection. This consists of six different bottle offerings in total, including the original Benchmark 80 proof. The major difference between the Benchmark Collection and many of the other bottles on this list is availability and price.

The other five bottles in the collection include:

Benchmark Top Floor: 86-proof

Benchmark Small Batch: 90-proof

Benchmark Bonded: 100-proof

Benchmark Full Proof: 125-proof

Benchmark Single Barrel: 95-proof

All these products are offered under different labels and processes. There are differences between time in the barrel, warehouses, and locations within the warehouse, as well as proof. Despite utilizing the same recipe, even small variances in the process can have a large impact on the flavor profile and tasting notes (and price).

Let’s hear it for the Distillers!

Who knew such a diverse whiskey lineup could start with the same list of ingredients? We can all admire the art and science practiced by master distillers. Have you been lucky enough to try many of the bottles on this list? Have a favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Cheers!