Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Select Bourbon 375ML is a privately selected Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 47.5% ABV (95 proof) in a 375ml format. This expression draws from a single, unreplicated barrel rather than the blended batches used for the standard release — an approach that amplifies the individual character of each cask. Buffalo Trace has earned over 100 major awards since 2000, including a 97-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and a Double Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.Quick Facts: ABV: 47.5% (95 proof) | Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA | Single Barrel Select | Distillery: Buffalo Trace DistilleryProduction & HeritageBuffalo Trace Distillery has been producing whiskey on the same site in Frankfort, Kentucky since 1775, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Now owned by the Sazerac Company, the distillery uses Mashbill #1 — a low-rye recipe of corn, rye, and malted barley — the same grain bill behind Stagg, Eagle Rare, and E.H. Taylor expressions. Each single barrel select is drawn from an individual cask of new charred American oak, chosen for its standout character, and bottled without blending with any other barrels, meaning no two selections are identical.Tasting NotesAroma: Warm vanilla and caramel lead the nose, followed by toasted oak and dried orchard fruit. Subtle layers of tobacco leaf and baking spice develop with time in the glass.Taste: The entry is rich with butterscotch and sweet toffee, giving way to citrus zest, charred oak, and a measured rye spice at mid-palate. A velvety mouthfeel carries secondary notes of leather, clove, and roasted nuts through the peak.Finish: Long and gently warming, with oak spice and caramel sweetness tapering into soft vanilla. A whisper of peppery warmth lingers at the close.How to Drink Buffalo Trace Single BarrelNeat or with a few drops of water is the best way to appreciate the nuances specific to this barrel — the slightly higher 95-proof bottling strength opens up well without dilution overwhelming the palate. A single large ice cube also works to gradually shift the flavor balance as the bourbon chills.
Old Fashioned: The rich caramel and vanilla backbone stands up to bitters and a sugar cube without losing definition.
Boulevardier: The low-rye spice complements sweet vermouth and Campari, adding warmth without overpowering the bitter-sweet balance.
Whiskey Sour: Butterscotch sweetness and citrus zest in the bourbon mirror the cocktail’s lemon component, creating a cohesive drink.
Best For
Sampling a unique, one-of-a-kind barrel alongside the standard Buffalo Trace for comparison
Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values single barrel exclusivity in a portable 375ml format
Building a personal collection of single barrel selections from the same distillery
Introducing a fellow whiskey drinker to the concept of barrel variation without committing to a full 750ml
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Buffalo Trace Single Barrel taste like? Rich butterscotch, caramel, and vanilla dominate the palate, supported by toasted oak, citrus zest, and a moderate rye spice. The finish is long and warm with lingering vanilla and pepper.How does Buffalo Trace Single Barrel compare to Eagle Rare? Both use Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Mashbill #1, but Eagle Rare carries a 10-year age statement, resulting in deeper oak influence and more pronounced dried fruit character. The single barrel select is younger and tends to emphasize brighter caramel and spice notes.Is Buffalo Trace Single Barrel good for sipping neat? Yes — the 95-proof bottling strength provides enough intensity to hold up neat, while the low-rye mashbill keeps the spice approachable and the sweetness forward.Where is Buffalo Trace Single Barrel made? It is distilled and aged at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, a site that has produced whiskey continuously since 1775 and is now owned by the Sazerac Company.What foods pair well with Buffalo Trace Single Barrel? Smoked brisket or pulled pork highlights the bourbon’s oak and caramel; dark chocolate intensifies the vanilla and toffee notes; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness; pecan pie echoes the roasted nut character; and grilled stone fruit mirrors the dried orchard notes on the nose.What sizes does Buffalo Trace Single Barrel come in? This particular selection is a 375ml bottle, a half-size format that makes it accessible for sampling or travel; standard Buffalo Trace is widely available in 50ml, 375ml, 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L sizes.Is Buffalo Trace Single Barrel worth the price? It positions as a modestly premium step above the standard Buffalo Trace, offering single barrel exclusivity at a price point that remains well within the affordable bourbon tier — strong value given the unreplicated nature of each barrel.Why Buffalo Trace Single Barrel?The core appeal here is singularity: unlike the standard release, which blends dozens of barrels for consistency, this expression captures the full, unblended personality of one cask. Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1 is among the most decorated grain recipes in American whiskey, earning accolades including Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible No. 1 Whisky of the Year (2011) and recognition as Best Whiskey in the World at the 2018 International Wine & Spirits Competition. The 375ml format lowers the barrier to entry for a product that, by its nature, can never be reproduced once the barrel is emptied. For drinkers who already know and enjoy Buffalo Trace, this is a chance to taste what a single barrel can reveal when it isn’t averaged into the blend.