Bourbon Dose

Why is Buffalo Trace so hard to find? Where can you get Buffalo Trace? How much does it retail for right now? Buffalo Trace is one of the most sought-after bourbons of the 21st century. It commands a presence and price that isn’t matched by any other bourbon. Why is this? Answers below.

Buffalo Trace is one of the most popular bourbons on the market today. It’s known for its smooth, mellow flavor, and reasonable price point (MSRP is right around $23.99). However, many bourbon lovers are finding it increasingly difficult to find a bottle of Buffalo Trace at their local liquor store.

Why is Buffalo Trace so hard to find these days?

The answer lies in the ongoing bourbon shortage that has been affecting the industry for the past few years (and largely a result of COVID). The demand for bourbon has skyrocketed, but the supply simply can’t keep up. This has resulted in a shortage of many popular brands, including Buffalo Trace and virtually all brands associated with Buffalo Trace (including Weller, Eagle Rare, and EH Taylor bourbon, among many others). In many states, including my beloved home state of Virginia, Buffalo Trace is an allocated bourbon, meaning customers are restricted to one bottle per person.

According to data from the Distilled Spirits Council, bourbon sales have increased by nearly 40% over the past decade. This is due in large part to the rise of the craft cocktail movement and the increasing popularity of whiskey in general. However, bourbon production has not been able to keep up with this demand. In addition to high demand, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the supply of Buffalo Trace.

With a limited workforce and social distancing requirements, the bourbon aging process has been slower than usual (remember, bourbon still has to be aged, Buffalo Trace included!). The distillery has also faced challenges in sourcing and shipping raw materials due to pandemic-related disruptions. While Buffalo Trace has been able to maintain production levels, the distillery has had to limit the release of some of their more popular products in order to keep up with demand. As a result, it may be more difficult to find Buffalo Trace on shelves or at bars for the time being.

But bourbon-lovers, take hope! In 2022, Buffalo Trace announce a massive $1.2B expansion that will hopefully bring the stock of this beloved bourbon back to our shelves.

Just for fun, I did some of my own original research and plugged “Buffalo Trace Near Me” into Google Search Trends and compared the search volume to “Makers Mark Near Me.” Makers Mark, being a much more available bourbon didn’t see anywhere near the spike we’ve seen with Buffalo Trace. While there’s probably an element where Buffalo Trace’s scarcity has created more demand, it is hilarious that non-related whiskey brands aren’t seeing anywhere near the influx (we all know where to get Maker’s, right?).

The Best Alternatives to Buffalo Trace Bourbon

While it’s frustrating when your favorite bourbon is hard to find, the ongoing bourbon shortage is a reminder of how much we love our Buffalo Trace.

Can’t find Buffalo trace? Try a few of these personal favorites as alternatives:

1. Four Roses Small Batch ($35.99) – Flavors of ripe fruit, honey, and spice with a smooth finish.
2. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style ($64.99) – Bold and complex with notes of dark chocolate, oak, and caramel.
3. Elijah Craig Small Batch ($29.99) – A rich and full-bodied bourbon with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak.
4. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select ($34.99) – A balanced and smooth bourbon with notes of honey, vanilla, and spice.
5. Maker’s Mark 46 ($39.99) – A sweeter bourbon with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of smoke.
6. Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon ($39.99 – Light and smooth with notes of spicy rye and a subtle sweetness.
7. Knob Creek Small Batch ($35.99) – A rich and robust bourbon with flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel.
8. W.L. Weller Special Reserve ($19.99) – A smooth and mellow bourbon with flavors of vanilla and honey. (but this bourbon might be just as hard to find as buffalo trace).
9. Larceny Small Batch ($24.99) – Notes of caramel, toffee, and a hint of spice with a smooth finish.

Please note that prices may vary depending on location and availability.

Want to know ho wmuch you should be paying for a bottle of Buffalo Trace? Please check out most up-to-date post, “What is the best price for Buffalo Trace Bourbon?“