Ancient Age Bourbon Review

This is a review I’ve meant to do for years and just never got around to it… till today. Currently distilled by Buffalo Trace, Ancient Age Bourbon has a long history in the bourbon world and some of the older releases, like Ancient Ancient Age, are sought-after collectibles. Not just because they aren’t made anymore, but because they’re damn good whiskey.

Ancient Age Bourbon

I’m not going to go deep on the history of the brand right now, but there are plenty of resources online that you can reference. Today we’re just going to keep it simple and slip on into this bourbon whiskey review.

Ancient Age Bourbon Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In Buffalo Trace’s Words:

Since 1946 this bourbon has been held in high regard. 80 proof and distilled from corn, rye and barley malt, it’s smooth and simple, yet robust in its own way. There is much to love about this bourbon that has withstood the test of time.

Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.) for this whiskey

Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Buffalo Trace
Mash Bill: Mash 2 – (51%+ Corn, 12-15% Rye, Malted Barley)
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: NAS (4+ years)
ABV: 40%

Price: $12

Tasting Notes

EYE
Amber

NOSE
Caramel apples, corn, oak, honey, vanilla, char and some bits of spice and banana.

PALATE
Caramel corn, honey, oak, vanilla and some spice.

FINISH
Short -> Fruit, caramel and vanilla.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, thin body and a watery feel.

isn’t bad, just light and basic without anything memorable sticking out about it.

Ancient Age Bourbon Review: Overall and Score

Not a bad bourbon, just light and basic. Aroma is grain driven and lacks any real supporting sense of oak; Palate is light and sweet without much of a character outside of that; Finish is a quick fizzle that makes me wonder if I just drank a bourbon or not.

There are no off-notes in the Ancient Age Bourbon, it’s just boring and basic. Which, for the price, there’s nothing wrong with. Sometimes you want a simple light bourbon to sip on or mix. My go-to in those scenarios is Wild Turkey 81. I know some folks don’t care for the bigger spice in WT and want a sweeter, grain-lead, bourbon and this would be perfect for them.

SCORE: 78/100 (C+)

Ancient Age Bourbon Review