It’s always a pleasure to revisit Buffalo Trace. It’s not that the bourbon is forgettable, but with so many new bourbons and ryes appearing all the time, it’s easy for it to slip out of mind.
Even so, I’m a firm believer in returning to the classics. If you’re having trouble finding a bottle or simply want a recommendation for something different to try, the list below offers a few strong alternatives.
Elijah Craig Small Batch, 47%, $23
Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky, Elijah Craig Small Batch uses a mash bill of about 78 % corn, 10 % rye, and 12 % malted barley. It doesn’t carry a strict age statement (though batches often contain 8‑12 years’ maturation).
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On the nose, you’ll find vanilla bean, sweet fruit, and fresh mint; the palate brings caramel, ripe apples, baking spice,s and sweet oak, followed by a long, sweet, and slightly toasty finish. What stands out is how approachable it is, solid bourbon character (vanilla, caramel, oak) without wildly high proof or extreme aging, making it a reliable “every‑day” pick.
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Rowan’s Creek, 50.05%, $44
From the Willett Distillery in Bardstown, KY, Rowan’s Creek is a small batch bourbon bottled at 100.1 proof (50.05 % ABV). The mash bill is around 72 % corn, 13 % rye, and 15 % malted barley.
Tasting notes show a more “craft” character: the nose may begin grassy and rye‑forward with mint, hay, and wildflower. Then lean into caramel, honey, vanilla, and oak on the palate; the finish is mellow but has cedar/oak and subtle fruit.
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READ THE STORYWith its higher proof and rye accent, Rowan’s Creek has more texture and punch than a traditional everyday bourbon, and it rewards drinkers looking for something with a bit more presence.
Redemption 10 Year Old Barrel Proof, 57.4%, $113
A bolder choice. This bourbon uses a high‑rye mash bill (approx. 36 % rye, 60 % corn, 4 % malted barley) for the high‑rye variant. It is aged ten years, bottled at barrel proof of around 57.4 % ABV.
The flavour profile is rich: vanilla oak, aged balsamic, violets on the nose; on the palate, toffee, honey, roasted nuts layered atop a spicy rye backbone; the finish is somewhat drying with allspice and dill notes. This one gives you a more assertive bourbon, great for sipping neat or with a little water to bring out nuance. It’s less of an “entry” bourbon and more of a “serious pour”.
Bowman Brothers Small Batch, 45%, $29
Made by A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Virginia, this bourbon gives something slightly off the beaten Kentucky track (though still bourbon). It is distilled three times using corn, rye, and malted barley. Typical proof is 90 (45 % ABV), and it’s aged (often 6‑7 years,) though with no specific age statement.
Flavour notes include vanilla, spice, oak, light fruits like red grape, roasted corn, honey graham, maybe a tobacco/wood edge on the finish.
It’s a quieter bourbon, but refreshingly so – ideal if you want something that still feels traditional while standing a little apart from mainstream Kentucky offerings.
Willett Kentucky Vintage Small Batch, 45%, $40
Also from Willett (via Kentucky Bourbon Distillers) in Bardstown, this is a lesser‑known small batch bourbon. The mash bill blends two recipes: 72 % corn, 13 % rye, and 15 % malted barley (85% of the barrels) and 79 % corn, 7 % rye, and 14 % malted barley.
Tasting notes point to caramel, vanilla, oak, but also lighter fruit like oranges, tangerines, and honey. A creamy texture; the finish is short‑to‑medium with white pepper, almonds, and light wood spice.
A solid value find: small‑batch, good character, under the radar compared to major brands.
Why Looking Beyond the Classics Pays Off
If you’re searching for a bourbon alternative that still delivers character, complexity, and smoothness, there are plenty of options beyond the most famous labels. You can explore expressions that highlight rich caramel and vanilla notes, others that bring a spicier, rye‑forward kick, or bottles that emphasize oak, honey, and subtle fruit.
Some are approachable and easy to sip neat or in cocktails, while others offer higher proof and more intense flavors for a contemplative tasting experience.
By looking beyond the usual names, you open the door to unique small-batch releases and craft expressions that deliver both quality and personality, giving you a satisfying bourbon experience without relying on the most hyped bottles.
