Wild Turkey 101 vs. Buffalo Trace: Which is Best?

Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey are two of the most renowned and esteemed bourbon brands in the world.

They both have a long history and are known for producing quality whiskey.

But, which one is better? 

More specifically, which one has a better entry-level option?

In this article, we’ll look at Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace to see which one is.

Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace: An Overview

Wild Turkey has been making bourbon since the early 1800s in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

Jimmy Russell, a.k.a. the “Buddha of Bourbon,” was recruited by Wild Turkey as its master distiller in 1954, and is credited for the brand’s development and success.

Their most popular offering, Wild Turkey 101, is distilled at a low proof and is aged in American White Oak Barrels with the deepest level of char. 

It comes out of the barrel at around 109 proof then is slightly diluted down to 101 before bottling.

Using 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, Wild Turkey features a classic bourbon mash bill.

Meanwhile, The Sazerac Company, situated in New Orleans, Louisiana, owns Buffalo Trace.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery has produced a staggering number of great bourbons over the years, many of which may still be found on the market today, including Pappy, E.H. Taylor, Blanton’s, Elmer T. Lee, W.L. Weller, and others.

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

BT is batched from no more than 40 barrels at a time and aged on the middle floors of various warehouses so it can experience the most temperature changes while aging.

It also is made from Buffalo Trace’s “Mashbill #1” and is bottled at 90 proof.

Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace: Detailed Comparison

1. Availability

Both bourbons are offered across the United States, but Buffalo Trace is much more limited than Wild Turkey 101.

That, mixed with the ever-increasing demand for Buffalo Trace products has made Buffalo Trace much more difficult to find for bourbon lovers.

Given how much their patrons like them, there is always a demand for these two brands.

Wild Turkey 101, on the other hand, is very widely available. It has high demand, too, but its supply is much higher so there aren’t usually issues finding it.

The Turkey takes this one. 

Winner = Wild Turkey 101

2. Price

When it comes to affordability, few bourbons can compete with these two great budget bottles. 

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

Buffalo Trace is reasonably priced at $30 for a 750ml bottle. But this price can vary depending on where you buy it. Some regions get less Buffalo Trace and prices can be driven up to $50 or even $60 for 750ml.

Wild Turkey 101 on the other hand, is offered at a consistent price of $25-$30per 750ml.

Simple math says the Turkey wins this round.

Winner = Wild Turkey 101

3. Taste

Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey 101 are both top-notch bourbons in terms of flavor.

BT is mellow and sweet and really 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.

The Turkey on the hand offers a peppery and oaky flavor with hints of rye spice, caramel, and toffee. 

It has a long warm finish with bold spice and pepper. It’s almost the complete opposite of the smoother Buffalo Trace. You may find Wild Turkey 101 difficult to swallow, though, if you’re not well-acquainted with bourbon or don’t prefer higher rye mashbils.

For the simple reason of smoothness, approachability, and being a crowd-pleaser, Buffalo Trace wins this round. 

Winner = Buffalo Trace

4. Value

Both bourbons are a steal for their true price points. 

And although Wild Turkey 101 is a good bourbon for the price, in our opinion it isn’t particularly noteworthy. We prefer other bourbons in this price range, such as 1792 Small Batch, because WT101 is somewhat harsh and bitey.

On the other hand, Buffalo Trace also certainly won’t be the best bourbon you’ll ever taste, Nut it’s incredibly popular because it’s a crowd-pleaser. Almost anyone can enjoy it regardless of their experience or taste preferences.

If you can find Buffalo Trace for $30, it’s a far better value than Wild Turkey 101. But when it creeps above $40, you’re better off sticking with Wild Turkey 101.

Assuming you can find it around $30 (which I do often), Buffalo Trace wins this one.

Winner = Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace vs. Wild Turkey 101: The Verdict

Both bourbons are excellent options and tie 2 to 2 on our 4-category scale.

Go with Buffalo Trace if you find it for ~$30 and like a sweeter, more mellow flavor profile.

If you can’t find Buffalo Trace in the $30 range or prefer a more bold and spicy profile, go with Wild Turkey 101.

Interested in a more in-depth evaluation of each bourbon?

Click here to read the Wild Turkey 101 review and here to read the Buffalo Trace review.