Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye Recipe Straight Bourbon (2021 Release)

Wow. Being the first reviewer for an expression on this site is a first for me. I'll have to be thorough.:) The aroma has standard caramel, stone fruit, and oak notes typical of the distillery's products, but also some distinctive elements: I'm detecting pretzel bread, ginger, and some musty rye grains that give it a slightly "barnyard" character. I'm unsure of the rye content in their "rye recipe," but it smells like more than mash bill #1. A robust aroma for a 94 proof spirit. The palate is also surprisingly rich and deep, with cherry, vanilla, overripe peach, light caramel, and a peppery rye spice in the middle. The finish is rather short, featuring cinnamon gummy bear candy and bitter oak that becomes somewhat astringent after everything else fades. Some of the palate flavors carry over into the start of the finish, making it a gradual transition rather than an abrupt change. The texture is slick and oily. A solid and enjoyable offering from this distillery; if you appreciate their typical profile (which most people do), you should like this as it doesn't deviate significantly. This profile is likely the closest to EHT Small Batch, which I favor. At the price I paid, slightly above retail ($43), I'd buy it again immediately. However, I've seen it priced from $70-$100, and I strongly advise against paying those amounts. It's good and tasty, but it's not groundbreaking. It earns an extra.25 rating points for its affordability at retail.

Color: Tawny / Chestnut Nose: Baking Spice | Bananas | Caramel A very pleasing and inviting aroma. The baking spices were a surprise and are quite prominent right away. Palate: Light mouthfeel. Very little heat. The baking spices from the nose carry over to the palate, joined by subtler notes of oak, citrus, and strawberries. Finish: The heat builds pleasantly as the palate lingers. The baking spices continue, now accompanied by more of a rye spice character in the finish. It's satisfyingly long with a touch of sweetness.

Smooth and oily with a whisper of mint on the nose, alongside sweet corn. Initially, it's sweet with bubblegum candy, then shifts to subtle dill and pepper, with hints of nutmeg and allspice from baking spices. Hints of chocolate emerge in the finish, transitioning to pepper on the back of the palate, complemented by a substantial body. The lingering finish offers a mild oak note, not overpowering. An ideal dram for a crisp autumn night.

Surprisingly similar. Both are quite sweet, somewhat caramelly with fruitiness, dense, and very alcoholic for their stated ABV. The rye version is a bit more complex with some spices and, unexpectedly, even sweeter sensations. Maybe slightly better, but ratings are comparable. I'm not a fan, but it's decent.

This is a clear step up from the regular Buffalo Trace. The flavors aren't so much more spiced as they are just cleaner. Maybe it's just me, but the kosher version reminds me of honey straight from the hive. It's also an incredible deal for the price.

Standard rye characteristics. It doesn't really stand out as unique. It's an acceptable pour at its suggested retail price if you can find it. I personally regret paying $80 for mine.