Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace: Discover Which Is  Better

Today, we’re looking at two of the most versatile and popular bourbon brands out there in Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace. 

Both have earned the reputation of being approachable easy sippers but they are VERY different. And it’s important to understand these differences so you can make the best decision on which budget bottle to buy.

By the end of this article, we’ll know which bourbon is superior, and more importantly, which is the better value overall.

Let’s dive in.

Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace: An Overview

Maker’s Mark is one of the most recognizable bourbon brands out there– known best for its iconic red wax and wheated flavor profile. 

The Maker’s Mark standard expression is a wheated bourbon made in batches no larger than 1,000 gallons (19 barrels). Barrels are moved back and forth between the top and bottom levels of the rickhouse to balance out the temperature variations that each barrel is exposed to.

This bourbon is made of 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley, and is bottled at 90 proof.

At the other corner lies Buffalo Trace of the Sazerac Company located in New Orleans, Louisiana.  

The Buffalo Trace Distillery has produced a staggering array of great bourbons over the years, many of which are still available today. Pappy, E.H. Taylor, Blanton’s, Elmer T. Lee, W.L. Weller, and other brands are a few of the most notable ones.

The brand’s flagship bottle, Buffalo Trace, debuted in 1999.

BT is matured on the middle floors of multiple warehouses, where it may undergo the greatest variety of temperature fluctuations, in batches of no more than 40 barrels each.

Additionally, it utilizes Buffalo Trace’s “Mashbill #1” and is bottled at 90 proof.

Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace: A Detailed Comparison

1. Availability

Both bourbons are sold across the country. Although it’s relatively more difficult to get your hands on the BT because it is only offered on an allocation-only basis. 

As a result, stores only receive so many cases. Nevertheless, depending on where you are, finding it may be a little simpler or a little harder because some areas of the U.S. get more than others.

It’s safe to say that Maker’s Mark wins this round because it’s not only available in just about any store you walk in, but it’s also available around the world.

Winner = Maker’s Mark

2. Price

Both bottles are a steal for their price of $30 MSRP. In fact, only a handful of bourbons can stand toe-to-toe with them in the budget-bourbon category. 

Moreover, they both made our list of the best budget pours (under $30).

The true cost of Buffalo Trace, however, can get up to $50 or even $60 for 750ml in some areas where it’s less available.

Maker’s Mark has stayed around the $25-$30 mark and isn’t inflated like Buffalo Trace. One thing I will say about Maker’s Mark’s price is I’ve seen prices have gradually increased over the years, which is definitely something to keep an eye on.

Winner = Maker’s Mark

3. Taste

Both bourbons are sweet and enjoyable. They’re very simple and straightforward. But they differ pretty significantly.

The most notable difference is in their mashbills. Maker’s Mark is a wheated bourbon (meaning there’s a larger percentage of wheat in the mashbill than most bourbons) whilst Buffalo Trace contains more rye.

Maker’s Mark has aromas of vanilla and oak and is smooth and simple to drink, however, it has less flavor than the rich nose would suggest. 

With toffee and a little more spice than you may expect, the oak shows through more towards the finish. It’s a decent but unremarkable finish. 

Buffalo Trace is also smooth and sweet and truly lives up to its reputation as an easy sipper.

My taste buds mostly detected vanilla flavors, with a little spice and brown sugar undertones. 

The finish is considerably more flavorful than anticipated despite being on the shorter side.

Buffalo Trace is much more balanced and has a more complex flavor than the sweeter Maker’s Mark.

Winner = Buffalo Trace

4. Value

Both bourbons are quite affordable given their true price tags. And while Maker’s Mark is simple and sweet,  it doesn’t really stand out in any way.  Nonetheless, it is still a great entry-level bourbon. 

On the other hand, Buffalo Trace isn’t the best-tasting bourbon you’ll ever have, but it’s still fairly popular since it appeals to a broad market. Almost anyone, regardless of expertise or taste preferences, may appreciate it.

Maker’s Mark is generally a better value than Buffalo Trace unless you can find Buffalo Trace for $30 (the same price as MM).

That being said, they are both great values in general.

Winner = Maker’s Mark

Buffalo Trace vs. Maker’s Mark: The Verdict

Maker’s Mark wins this comparison.

These are very similar bourbons in both price point (MSRP) and approachability. 

But Maker’s Mark wins due to the fact that it’s more widely available and hasn’t had crazy price inflation in certain areas.

From a straight taste perspective, though, I think Buffalo Trace is slightly better. If you can find it for $30 then buy it over Maker’s Mark. Otherwise, stick with Maker’s.