There are plenty of great bourbons on the market, but two popular brands that always seem to stand out are Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark. What sets these two whiskeys apart from other whiskeys and from one another?

For starters, Buffalo Trace is made with a rye-heavy mash bill when compared to  Makers Mark, who uses wheat in its place. This gives Buffalo Trace bourbon a spicier flavor, while Maker’s Mark is smoother and sweeter. Buffalo Trace is aged for a minimum of eight years, while Makers Mark only spends six years in the barrel. This extra aging time gives Buffalo Trace a more complex flavor profile.

Finally, one of the most notable differences between these two bourbons is the proof. Buffalo Trace is bottled at 90 proof, while Makers Mark is bottled at a lower 86 proof. This difference is noticeable on the palate, giving Buffalo Trace a slightly more intense flavor.

Brief History of Buffalo Trace

The Buffalo Trace Distillery has a long and storied history, tracing its origins back to 1787, when it was founded as the first distillery west of the Allegheny Mountains. Today, it is the oldest continuously operating distillery in America and home to some of the most celebrated brands in the industry.

An airview historic photo of Buffalo Trace Distillery during Prohibition. (Image via Buffalo Trace Distillery)

The Buffalo Trace portfolio includes bourbon and rye whiskeys, all of which have earned numerous awards and accolades. In addition to its flagship brand, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, the distillery’s lineup includes Eagle Rare Bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, Elmer T. Lee Bourbon and Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon, among others.

Each of these brands has its own unique flavor profile and character, making them essential expressions of the Buffalo Trace style.

Brief History of Maker’s Mark

“Give me a bourbon that won’t blow my ears off.” – Bill Samuels Sr.

According to the Maker’s Mark website, Bill Samuels Sr.’s quest began with his only copy of the family’s trusted, 170-year-old recipe. Samuels lit the recipe on fire and started from scratch, determined to create a whiskey of his own.

Samuels wound up replacing the traditional rye grain commonly used in bourbons with red winter wheat, removing the rye spiciness and incorporating the sweeter flavor Maker’s Mark is known for today.

Bill Samuels Sr. is pictured tasting Maker’s Mark. (Image via Maker’s Mark)

The idea for the iconic Maker’s dripping red wax seal came from Bill’s wife, Marjorie “Margie” Samuels. According to Margie, she was doodling with a piece of red sealing wax when Bill asked her what she was doing. She told him she was thinking of ways to make their bottles more distinctive. Bill took her up on her suggestion, and the now-famous red wax seal was born.

To this day, each bottle of Maker’s Mark is still hand-dipped in red wax. Maker’s Mark is known for its smooth taste and unique manufacturing process. The distillery uses soft red winter wheat in lieu of rye grain, which gives the bourbon its signature sweetness.

In addition, Maker’s Mark is distilled using a slow method that involves repeatedly cycling the liquid through small copper stills. This process results in a bourbon that is lower in alcohol content and easy to drink.

Maker’s Mark and Buffalo Trace Expressions

Both distilleries offer multiple selections other than their signature, flagship bourbon.

Buffalo Trace Distillery produces over 15 different brands of whiskey including some of the most coveted bottles in existence, such as Blanton’s, Pappy Van Winkle and Eagle Rare. Maker’s Mark Distillery, on the other hand, does not produce multiple brands. However, the brand does release a number of expressions under the Maker’s Mark name, such as its cask strength and private selection.

Maker’s Mark and Buffalo Trace are two of the most popular bourbons out there. Go for Maker’s if you’re looking for something sweet and smooth. If you want some spice, grab a bottle of Buffalo Trace instead. When tasting these two bourbons side by side, it’s easy to see how the different ingredients and aging process create two distinctively different bourbons.

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